Cowell not worried about X Factor ratings

Simon Cowell 'couldn't care less' about how Hurricane Sandy affects ratings for The X Factor US.

The television mogul is planning to air the programme's first live show on Wednesday night ' less than two days after the storm battered America's East Coast.

He dismissed fears on Tuesday the air date would come too soon for those still suffering from power outages.

'I couldn't care less,' Simon told Deadline.com.

The X Factor judge hopes Fox network will repeat Wednesday night's episode for those unable to watch.

At the very least, producers will acknowledge those hit by the devastating weather system.

'I'm certain we'll have a shout-out to those people on that side of the coast and say, you know, stay safe, be strong and we hope that the storm blows off as quickly as possible,' he continued.

Wednesday night's episode will kick off the first of twice-a-week live shows for the television talent show.

It will also mark the first time Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez will step into their roles as co-hosts.

Simon will meanwhile take the stage alongside fellow judges Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid.