Randy Jackson: I'm the Assertive Judge This Season

By Amber James Posted Jan 15th 2011 11:00AM

Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson at American Idol Panel

As 'American Idol' counts down to its return next week, judge Randy Jackson acknowledges that this is definitely a make-or-break season. However, he's very optimistic about what he calls 'Season 10: The Remix.'

With judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi gone from the hit show, a sea of buzz surrounds high-profile newcomers Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. Jackson insists the new cast had "instant" chemistry during their first dinner meeting, but says there will still be plenty of bickering on the panel this season. In fact, according to Jackson, he and Tyler have already had several spats on set.

"When you're passionate about a singer, you want them to succeed. Sometimes you're really pulling for someone, and another judge just doesn't get it," he tells PopEater backstage at MTV's 'The Seven.'

Producers clearly hope to revive the franchise, which suffered a 9 percent ratings decline last season. In addition to new judges, other big changes this season include faster eliminations (the Top 24 will go directly to 12 final contestants) and a new online voting system. Plus, the contestants will be housed in new digs: an 'Idol' mansion!

Cowell's departure from 'Idol' last season (to pursue his new Fox series, 'X Factor') created an obvious void. But Jackson says the new contestants have deemed him the mean judge this year. "Simon is irreplaceable....but people will be surprised to see that I'm very assertive this season," he reveals.

As the only original judge left, Jackson has seen it all -- and he doesn't want gimmicks. He just wants a "unique" singer with raw talent, believing that's the key to longevity in the industry. "Most artists put out one, two or three records, and then they're gone," he laments about today's pop artists.

Tags: American Idol, randy jackson

Comments

(17)

Saturday 15 January

By Pool man

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I hope he is not Simon mean just mean to the people who really stink this year.

By Sharon

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enjoy it Randy...it will be the last season, Dog.

By LARRY

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You don"t know that.

By YellowRose3218

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I seen this show one time, and wondered why anyone would want to watch it. Simon was terribly rude to people, it was what he was suppose to do. All for ratings.
I am surprised this is still on tv. I have a feeling it wont be on much longer.

By CVan

AI has officially jumped the shark. Who would watch an old lady,a hasbeen singer and dawg for weeks on end. The show is definetly over. The judges should auditon themselves.

By Ted Bundy

People still watch this crap? Get a life.

By rodymarie

Simon left because he knew AI was failing, I miss Paula, Simon, and Randy together. But ya never know this show might go on for several more years they just need stable judges stop with the changes it annoying.

Wednesday 19 January

By kyleb

I will never know because I won't be watching idol this year.I was glad they got rid of Ellen and Kara. They seemed like misfits but they are going from bad to worse. They need Simon and Paula and Piers Morgon. Now that would make a show worth watching. No one can take Simons place. Piers would be close though. Steven Tyler? Jennifer Lopez? Randy Jackson? What were these producers thinking??

By Amy

So now Randy is taking the Simon role as the mean judge? Pleeze-AI has reached its expiration point-enought already-its done. Without Simon whats the point? I'm going to watch Simon's new show X Factor.

By art

this guy was lucky to have had Simon and Paula. he is boring, phony, dull, as bad as some contestants.

By Anon

I'm not watching American Idol this season. Last season was my last. Who the hell wants to see that baboon Tyler's face and J.lo? Gag me with a spoon! Tyler should put a bag over his entire body, that's how ugly he is. That probably wouldn't even do it though. I think Micky, Minnie and Goofy would do a better job judging then those baboons will! Have fun Randy, this will be the last year for AI!!!

I'm watching Live To Dance and X-Factor in the fall. Screw AI! :D

Don't you dare bash Michael! He's not boring at all. you're a fool for saying that!

By MacD

Randy sure has his work cut out for him. The selection of judges he has to work with is pathetic. Go for it Randy the only one with true talent and a brain.
I truly do not think the show will survive, when Paul and Simon went so did the grace and talanted judges.

By DroopyKT

when are they gonna DUMP this clown ( Randy Jackson ) ?

By Lisa Green

yep, i missed paula when she left, thats when it all started tumbling down..i am not very flexible, i guess...i didnt like it when they put kara on there, either, now simon is gone too? i dont know what affect this is going to have, i'm thinkin, not a good one...probably A.I.'s last season...i did really love the show, with the original three..now, its like a broken marriage, and nobody likes a broken marriage...next>>>>

By Ewww

J Lo needs to start wearing shorter dresses, her legs are not nearly as sexy as she must think they are.

Tuesday 25 January

By Ted

Randy Jackson needs to go back to Harlam, he's Pathetic to say the least.

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