(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Simon Cowell is convinced that co-host Paula Abdul is "infatuated" with him.

Simon and Paula along with music executive L.A. Reid and singer Nicole Scherzinger are judges on this season's American X Factor.

Simon believes that Paula has her sights set on issues other than judging the various singing contestants.

"I think [Paula] has to admit [that she is besotted with me]," Simon told Extra following the season premiere of X Factor on Wednesday.

"It's very obvious to me when you watch the first episode that she is totally infatuated with me."

The season premiere featured a lot of incredible performances. One performance by a former drug addict turned trash collector named Chris Rene was particularly show-stopping.

Chris sang his original song I'm a Stud and pulled his pants down exposing himself to the unimpressed judges and booing audience. Paula thought the move was "shocking, disgusting, [and] inappropriate", but Simon had an appreciation for the show.

"He was screwing up his life, he's now a single dad, hauling trash and he does this unbelievable performance," Simon explained. "That's what I love about the show."

The second episode of X Factor airs on US television Thursday September 22. (C) Cover Media