Demi Lovato grateful to know Niall Horan

Demi Lovato is ''thankful'' to have Niall Horan in her life.

The 'X Factor' judge has recently been romantically linked with the One Direction singer and though she insists they are not dating, she says he is a very supportive friend.

She said: ''We've actually become really close friends and you know I'm really thankful I have someone who supports me in all aspects. You know, if I need somebody to talk to he's there for me. But no, we're not dating.''

However, Niall shouldn't be upset that he and Demi are not dating as the 19-year-old beauty insists she is only single because she is so busy with her career.

She added to MuchMusic: ''I'm single. It wouldn't be fair to anybody if I was dating them because I wouldn't be able to give them my attention. And I've never really stayed single for longer than a couple of months. So, I'm experimenting with this and I'm really trying to get to know myself and do what's best for me as a person and as a woman.''

Niall was first linked to Demi earlier this year after they both revealed they had crushes on each other.

Demi said: ''I would snog Niall. I do have a little crush on him.''

''I love Niall, he is so cute. I hear he's really sweet and he's a cutey pie!''

Meanwhile, when asked who his celebrity crush was, Niall, 18, replied: ''Demi Lovato - she's a beautiful girl.''

He was then asked who he prefers out of Kim Kardashian or Demi and he said: ''Demi definitely.''