New Book Dishes on Simon Cowell

We know he has a big ego and I can imagine he is hard to deal with, but a new unauthorized biography reveals more details about the man behind "American Idol" and X-Factor".

Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell" is written by British journalist and biographer Tom Bower, whose previous works include books about former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, jailed media mogul Conrad Black and ex-Harrods owner Mohammad al-Fayed.

The book paints a picture of a man who struggled for years in the music business, spurred on to success out of a desire to prove his detractors wrong.

"He had 20 years — more than 20 years — of humiliation," Bower said. "At school he was a total failure and as a music producer he was a total failure.

Among the details Bower reveals: Cowell gets regular colonic irrigations because "it's so cleansing — and it makes my eyes shine brighter." He is put on a drip of vitamins and nutrients for a half hour each week.

He's not gay, despite long-standing rumors. The book reveals bedroom secrets including a brief affair with former "X Factor" judge Danii Minogue. But Bower says that Cowell isn't interested in serious relationships.

Cowell is, however, generous. Bower says Cowell gave his ex-fiance Mezhgan Hussainy, a makeup artist on "American Idol," a $5 million Beverly Hills house as a parting gift. Most of his former girlfriends have refrained from spilling the beans in the media.

Bower, though, thinks the book's portrait of Cowell is fairly positive.

While Bower has been openly hostile to some of his previous subjects — he called Gordon Brown a ruthless bully and Conrad Black a crook — he has a soft spot for Cowell.

"He's not a crook," Bower said. "So far he hasn't sued me. And it was good fun.

And this book looks like a lot of fun.

Here's where you can buy it:

Paula Abdul Expected to Join Simon Cowell on 'X Factor'

Paula Abdul will be back at the judging table with Simon Cowell, this time on Fox's "The X Factor," a person familiar with the negotiations said Saturday.

Though widely expected, confirmation of Abdul's joining the new singing contest was held up as negotiations continued until the eve of the show's first taping, according to the person familiar with the talks.

Abdul was recently released by CBS from any further obligations, a person at CBS said Saturday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the network had not authorized public discussion of the issue.  Abdul headed the disastrous dance show "Live to Dance" earlier this year.

Abdul should be on hand for Sunday's taping in Los Angeles of the first judging session for "The X Factor." This will reunite her with fellow judge Cowell, her former sparring partner on the "American Idol" judging panel. Other previously announced judges include British pop superstar Cheryl Cole and Grammy-winning producer Antonio "L.A." Reid.

"The X Factor," based on Cowell's hit British show, will debut this fall on Fox.