Will Jennifer Lopez take Simon Cowell's place as the "mean" judge?
As the 10th season of American Idol began auditions earlier this week, newbie judges Lopez, 41, and Steven Tyler, 62, admit that doling out criticism to countless contestants doesn't come easy.
"I really want to put them through the wringer in the sense that I don't want to let anybody really great go," Lopez told reporters at a Wednesday press conference, adding that she's been "tough, easy and fair" so far on aspiring singers.
"It's very hard," Tyler said. "I try to judge them fairly."
The Aerosmith frontman's advice for dealing with harsh critiques? "Don't get mad at what we say. Get better!"
Lopez added that she's not just looking for vocal power; the singer and actress also expects each contestant to have their own style. "It's definitely part of a package when you're going to be an artist," she said. But don't expect Lopez to start doling out fashion tips.
"I can't tell you what that would be because it's a very personal, individual thing."
Her favorite idol? First season winner Kelly Clarkson, 28. "To me, she's a real artist."
