Katy Perry admits she'll probably be the harshest and most honest judge on the panel when American Idol returns to ABC.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I just want to give constructive criticism," Katy, a pop music icon, told Ryan Seacrest during a Wednesday appearance on his OnAir with Ryan Seacrest syndicated radio show.
"I'm not going to be one of those people [who throw softballs]," she explained of her role as a Season 16 judge. "Honestly, sob stories come second for me. Everyone has a situation and God bless them on their journey, but if you don't got the goods, you don't got the goods."
Katy actually compared herself to original American Idol judge Simon Cowell, who is known for being blunt and brutally honest to singing contestants. (Simon now serves on the judging panel for America's Got Talent).
"I'm going to maybe be more the Simon Cowell than anything. I hope it doesn't put me in a bad position," Katy confessd to Ryan.
ADVERTISEMENT
"But I really respect him. As much as people said, 'Oh, he's grumpy,' or, 'He's mean,' he was just truthful, you know? He's seen it. I don't need to be there to win the popular race. But I do want to find someone and make their dreams come true."
Katy, however, is the only confirmed American Idol judge so far, and auditions are right around the corner.
Some of the celebrity names that have been tossed around in the press for allegedly being in talks with ABC and the show's production company to judge American Idol's revival include Keith Urban, Lionel Richie, Charlie Puth, Luke Bryan and Nikki Sixx.
"I'm really pulling for Lionel, because I think Lionel is an icon, and not only that, if you've ever seen or met Lionel, he just knows how to charm the whole room," Katy revealed. "He's such an artisan with words and his presence just lights -- it brightens the whole room. So, I love Lionel."
Katy also said she's rooting for Charlie to become a judge with her.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Charlie, I think, is a really interesting play, because Charlie Puth is someone new to the general public of America," Katy explained.
"Obviously he has his own big fanbase, but I think he's really talented. That song 'Attention' is one of my favorite songs this year. He's a writer, he's a producer, he's young, he's fresh, he's hip -- he's Charlie Puth!... Between Lionel and me, it would be nice to have someone a little more fresh."
Katy said she is "very excited" about her new gig because she really believes in the impact American Idol has on the music industry.
"It's one of those shows that actually makes people's dreams come true... truly, there are people who are having amazing, successful, professional careers right now because of that show," Katy said, likely referencing Idol finalists or winners Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry and more. "And so, it's going to be a fun one."
Katy also pointed out on the radio show that the "marketplace is way too crowded," so that will have an impact on her judging decisions.
ADVERTISEMENT
"There's a hundred-thousand things coming out every single Friday," Katy said of new songs.
"It's almost like the music industry just doesn't need another person to fill a space. We need a star. We want a star, and we want someone who can bring something or contribute something that's never been heard before or in a unique way or unique perspective."
The pop icon also disclosed that if a contestant sings one of her own songs for an audition, it will probably serve as an advantage since the vocals on her tracks -- such as "Firework" -- tend to be very challenging and difficult.
Ryan will be returning as the host of American Idol. He hosted all 15 previous seasons of the reality singing competition when Fox was its home.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski