Simon Cowell has praised actress/singer Demi Lovato for turning her life around after her stint in rehab.

The former child star checked into a clinic in 2010 to treat issues including bipolar disorder, self-harming and an eating disorder.

Earlier this year she began her new role as a judge on the U.S. version of Cowell's hit TV show The X Factor, and the media mogul has revealed he specifically targeted Lovato because of her 'Disney star gone bad' background.

He tells YoungHollywood.com, "I like the fact, with Demi, that she was this sort of Disney product who went bad, and knows that she went bad. (She) sorted herself out (and) came through the other side stronger than ever. I found her interesting, and I think we've got her at absolutely the right time."

Slideshow: 10 Sizzling Photos Of Demi Lovato