Demi Lovato's flirtation with One Direction's Niall Horan is "being spurred on" by Simon Cowell.

It was recently reported that Niall got in touch with Demi after her best pal Selena Gomez gave the boyband star her phone number in March. One Direction are signed to Simon's record label, while he recently arranged for Demi to become a judge on the US version of The X Factor. The music mogul is believed to thoroughly approve of the blossoming romance between the young stars.

"Demi is being spurred on by Simon, who finds the whole thing very amusing," a source told British magazine Heat. "He's also adoring the publicity it's giving both his band and The X Factor it's a win-win."

It has now been reported that Niall is "totally besotted" with the former Disney star.

He is apparently texting Demi every day and has been lavishing her with romantic gifts.

"He's every keen," the source added. "He's been sending her flowers. She thinks he's really cute. She can't wait to get to know him properly when he's finished the One Direction tour at the end of July."