In the recent episodes of the TV talent hunt, the banter between Lovato and Cowell has become increasingly mean-spirited, reported Us magazine.
"It's that time of year. You're always going to get asked that question, and I'm not going to answer it. She's fun. She really, really is tough little thing. I know she plays the 'I've been bullied' [card]. Trust me, this one gives as good as she gets," said Cowell.
Cowell implied the new judge may have been intentionally steering his groups in the wrong direction to save CeCe Frey.
"She knew that she was about to be left with no one and it did get a bit unpleasant," Cowell said of Lovato, 20. "I've got to look after my artists. Luckily, they didn't listen to her."
