Simon Cowell's visa fight

British "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell smiles during the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in London in this July 1, 2007 file photo. Cowell said on December 17, 2008 that the apparent suicide of a former contestant and obsessed fan forced him to think "long and hard" about his blunt comments to hopeless singers on the show. [Agencies]

Simon Cowell has hired a team of top lawyers to help get Cheryl Cole a US working visa.

The music mogul - who hired the Girls Aloud singer as a judge on UK TV talent show 'The X Factor' - is so keen to kick start the star's career in America he is doing everything he can to convince authorities to allow her to sing in the country.

Cheryl has been struggling to obtain the essential paperwork after being convicted of assault in 2003.

A source said: "Simon was dazzled by Cheryl's performance on 'The X Factor'.

"He's certain he can turn her into a global star, but he just needs to iron out her visa problem. He's employed a firm of experts in Miami and is confident they will be able to reach some kind of arrangement."

Cheryl confessed to hitting a female toilet attendant in a UK nightclub in self defence - an incident she has recently defended, saying she "would have done it again" - which landed her 120 hours of community service, ￡500 compensation and ￡3,000 court costs.

The source added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "What Cheryl did was a long time ago and entirely out of character. She has never put a foot wrong since.

"Simon is certain her impeccable behaviour since her conviction should be stressed when they make their next application."