American Idol judge, Simon Cowell has a softer side –who knew?!? He is promising to donate $180 million to charity in his will.

The 48-year-old “Mr. Nasty” has no children and has said that his girlfriend Terri Seymour will not be offended if he leaves a large chunk of his wealth to charity.

It’s being reported that he will donate the vast sum to a selection of organizations helping children and animals.

Simon, famous for his harsh criticisms of pop hopefuls on his TV talent shows X Factor and American Idol, was forced to think about his legacy while on holiday with his mother in Barbados.

He said: “My mother asked, ‘Have you ever made a will? I said, ‘Thanks a lot!’ But it got me thinking.”

Cowell is a keen animal rights activist and has already demonstrated his generosity by donating $20,000 to set up The Hope Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Barbados.