Perry inspired by 'honest a**hole' Cowell

Katy Perry has again said that she may imitate Simon Cowell when she appears as a guest judge on the upcoming series of American Idol.

The 'I Kissed A Girl' singer had previously said that she would "get along famously" with Cowell because he "tells it like it is" on the reality talent show.

Perry told E! Online: "I might become a little bit of a buddy with Simon, because whenever I watch that show, as much as he's an a**hole, he's a very truthful, honest a**hole.

"I don't want to break their hearts, but how many of us know that one person that has been trying and trying, and doing karaoke and little gigs here and there at, like, an open mic."

She added: "And nobody has told them they can't sing in pitch - for, like, 15 years. You're like, 'Somebody needs to say something' and unfortunately, I might be that gal to tell you the truth.

"I'm in this every single day. I'm seeing the ins and outs of both the business and the wonderful fruits of my labour. I really feel I have a very what's-going-on-right-now perspective."

Other celebrities tipped to appear as a guest judge to fill the role left when Paula Abdul quit the show include Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas and Kelly Clarkson.