New Idol judge Kara DioGuardi gave a press conference earlier today. Just like Simon Cowell, Kara seems to be bullish on the guys. She says there was a Maroon-5 like vibe going on with some of the boys, and she loves when contestants play instruments. Plus, she’s waiting for a call from Chris Daughtry. She wants to co-write with him. Her catch phrase? “Be you. Don’t try to be anybody but you.”
Here are some of the highlights:
The guys have the edge? “I’m not sure I can get into the names of the contestants but looking at the contestants as a whole I felt that the males were strongest. That being said, there are one or two females that I’m really excited about as well. I’m really excited for the show to start the next phase.”- Season 7 vs. Season 8 contestants, “There is a uniqueness to some of the male contestants in terms of their voices and song choice. I feel very confident that there are at least 5 men who are great.”
- More on this year’s contestants, “There were people doing country, people doing rock, and there was a lot of soul influence, especially with the male contestants. Not just R&B but more like how Maroon 5 is soulful.”
- On working with Chris Daughtry, “I would love to co-write with him. At one point he was going to do a duet on a song I’d written, but it didn’t happen. If he’s out there and wants to do a co-write, call me!”
- On working with Kelly Clarkson, “I love Kelly. I can tell her to sing anything and she can just sing it. She was feisty and she put her personality into the songs and for the stuff I was writing at the time she was just perfect for it.”
- On contestants playing instruments, “I love when people play instruments. It adds another component, shows artistry and there are a lot of people who really fall apart when you take their instrument away from them so it really shows their range.”
- How has the judges dynamic changed? “I think there are times that definitely Paula and I have sided against the guys, there’s a little girl power going on. It’s also just a change and so it does bring out a different dynamic. I was nervous: I didn’t know when I was going to speak or where I was going to sit.”
- How would she describe each of the judges? “Paula has a lot of heart, Simon prett much tells it like it is. Sometimes he can be harsh but he’s usually right. And Randy’s a diplomat.”
- How would you describe yourself? “I think I have a combination of all of them. I don’t mince words but I do feel I have a heart and when you’re dealing with creative people you want to make sure you encourage them but you also don’t want them to waste their time. I say negative things but I do it with some heart and some understanding.”
- Does she have a signature line? “I’m working on it. I’m not sure I have it yet, but give me some tme. [later] “Be you. Don’t try to be anybody but you.”
Like Simon Cowell, Kara seems to be bullish on the guys.
