Smacker and a snooze for Simon Cowell as he gets talent show under way

A contestant dives in to give X Factor boss Simon Cowell a kiss on the neck during an audition for the new US series of the talent show.

Cowell, 53, was persuaded to showcase his singing voice by fellow judges, crooning a few lines of Fools Rush In.

Father-to-be Cowell made sure he stocked up on sleep with a backstage nap — and had to be prodded awake by judge Demi Lovato before they appeared together on the panel.