No one can make a would-be singer cry quite like Simon Cowell -- he's more of a self-esteem buster than a booster. But one wannabe songstress on the hit British show X-Factor claims that subjecting herself to Cowell's harsh scrutiny --and on-screen flirtations-- has actually been really good for her self-confidence.

"I was so flattered that he thought I was beautiful," says recent contestant Ruth Lorenzo. "I've always thought I was fat and been very self-conscious about my appearance ... I never thought I was attractive." OK, I can see that. Having one of the world's meanest men say something nice about you has got to feel pretty good.

However, she's not too attached to her curves -- she happily adds that the rigorous schedule of the show has helped her trim down a clothing size: "I call it the X Factor diet, all I did was rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. My clothes are baggy on me now, it's great!"