“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell poo-pooed rumours he had proposed to girlfriend Terri Seymour and said they were not trying for a baby.

Looking rather uncomfortable, he told Jay Leno: “We’re not trying. Can we talk about American Idol?”

He added: “I’m too old to have a baby.” Cowell, 47, appeared shocked when Leno asked if he was getting married.

“When I respect somebody I say I’m not going to marry you, out of respect. I think it’s the decent thing to do. A lot of showbiz marriages don’t work out.”

But despite rejecting fatherhood, he was not afraid to attack others’ parenting skills.

Speaking about American Idol, Cowell said he blamed parents for allowing tone-deaf contestants to audition.

“I’m presuming the parents have heard them sing before they leave to go to American Idol. They hear what we’re hearing and they go ‘Fantastic, you’re going to win’, so they’re the ones who have been cruel this year.”

Cowell also stood up for fellow judge Paula Abdul, who was accused of being drunk during a US TV interview.

“I’ve never seen her drink in my life. She’s always been that way. I’ve never understood a single word she says.”