AMERICAN IDOL - CLARKSON DEFENDS COWELL

AMERICAN IDOL winner KELLY CLARKSON has defended the show's sharp-tongued British judge SIMON COWELL - insisting the pop svengali tells it like it is.

Despite being the frequent target of Cowell's cutting criticisms on the hit TV show, Clarkson has signed a deal with his music label S, because she knows he'll steer her in the right direction.

She said, "Simon fills his purpose. He informs the performers and the audience at home that the music industry is tough and not everyone will love you.

"He gives it to you straight. Sometime's he's wrong - like all critics - but he's so charming and clever he makes it acceptable."