FANTASIA BARRINO and SIMON COWELL

The singer saved her $1.3 million (£870,000) North Carolina home last month (Jan09), just days before it was due to be sold at auction, after reaching a deal with financiers.

The National Enquirer suggested American Idol judge Cowell came to Barrino's rescue with a loan to help her clear her debts.

But the star insists she paid her own bills.

Barrino says, "That's not true. I've been working hard for five years. Don't believe everything you hear."

But she jokes she could still do with a little help from the British music mogul, adding, "But if I could get Simon's number..."

Source: WENN