(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Simon Cowell has challenged Sir Elton John to donate money to aspiring musicians.

Music mogul Simon rose to international fame as a judge on US talent show American Idol, although he quit his role last year to focus on the upcoming new US edition of The X Factor, a show he first launched in the UK.

Iconic musician Elton has been outspoken about how much he disapproves of TV music competitions in the past and Simon has now hit back at the singer, arguing that if it wasnt for him rising talent would never get the chance to shine.

Well, look. This is somebody who charges what, a million dollars a private gig? Two million dollars, you know? I dont know whether hes concerned about himself maybe he is.

But they always bleat on that were not giving other people a chance.

And I always want to say to them, I tell you what, you just made a million dollars off your last private gig. Go and give it to a bunch of young musicians you care about, put them in the studio. Go and nurture them. Go and spend some time looking after them. Then Ill buy your argument. Theyre only worried about themselves, argued Simon, while recording an interview with Piers Morgan for CNN which airs in the US on Monday.

Just five months ago Elton described Simons UK edition of The X Factor as boring and ass-paralysingly brain crippling, but Simon argues the programme is a fundamental element of the music industry. He believes that without such programmes there would be less people purchasing records.

What you want is people back into stores buying music. I mean, how can that be a bad thing? he mused. (C) Cover Media