Kara DioGuardi: "Don't try to be anybody but you."

Curious about new American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi's initial impressions of Idol Season 8? FOX conducted a conference call with Kara and I was lucky enough to be a part of it. Full transcripts to follow tomorrow but for now here are the highlights...

You said the other day about the guys having the edge. Why do you say that?
I'm not sure I can get into the names of the contestnats 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 wel. I'm really excited for the show to start the next phase.

Are there differences from last year's 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.

It used to be most contestants were fairly pop but it seems that the show has expanded for rockers and country in particular. Can you talk about the expanding range of contestants?
We definitely saw that this year. 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.

With 4 judges there is the oddity of 2-2 ties and Simon getting to be the tiebreaker. Did that happen very often and what was your impression of it?
For me, the thing that would happen was that Randy and Paula would say yes and that I knew Simon was going to say no, so I had to make the critical decision of whether to give them a shot or not.

What do you bring to the judges' table that Idol did not have before?
What's really unique about me is that I've worked with a lot of singers out there, from Christina to Pink to Celine Dion. I think that distinguishes me, having given those performers guidance and support.

Has there been a lot of disagreements at the judges table?
Yes. It comes down to any of us putting through a contestant if we know which way Simon is going to go. In the beginning, you want to make sure you're putting enough people through so that you have enough contestants. You have to think maybe this guy just had a bad audition or maybe you saw something special in a certain person. It's not about looking for "The Idol" in the initial audition because then we wouldn't put anybody through so you have to give people another shot.

Last year was the first year for instruments. Did that really make people stand out?
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.

What else are you up to besides American Idol?
I just flew in from working with Colbie Caillat in Hawaii, I haven't even slept yet. She's just great, I love her voice. Such a great tonal quality and such emotion. I think her new album is going to be great.

As far as you can tell, how has you being there changed the judges' dynamic?
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 whee I was going to speak or where I was going to sit.

How would you 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 about 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.

How do you think you'll be seen or described by the audience?
I think they'll see somebody who is pretty feisty and opinionated but is also coming from a good place. I'm trying to help the contestants and help them learn something.

Do you 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."

Who do you tend to agree with the most among the judges?
You know, I've agreed and disagreed with all of them. It's hard to really say but I definitely see where Simon is coming from. I do agree with second chances though. I see potential in people and you have to look past that. Third chances? That's another story.

You've worked with a lot of the past American Idols. Does one stick out as just a real gem to work with?
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.

Are there any former Idol contestants that you would like to work with that you haven't gotten to yet?
I really like Daughtry. I'd love to co-write with him. If he's out there and he wants to do a co-write, please call me!

What about Seacrest? Did you get to interact with him?
He's just been a doll, very supportive and encouraging.  I have nothing but great things to say about everybody.

What do you hope you get out of this for your own career and your own work?
You know, I never in a million years imagined that I would be a judge on American Idol. When I got that call it was really an honor and I didn't even really think about what it's going to mean. Yeah, of crouse I would do this! This is what I do every day. I look out for talent, I help in the studio, I produce them, this is my life. It's the biggest TV show, with so many viewers... wow, it was just an honor to be called and I'm looking forward to making this year as great as it can be.

Have you looked at American Idol and felt like it is hokey?
At the beginning I didn't quite understand it, I thought it was like Star Search, but then I saw the show and it was incredible. If you've got talent, whether you slug it out or whether you get lucky, kudos to you no nmatter how you break in. This show gives kids that would never have an opportunity to be in front of professionals to have that opportunity. It's about helping people realize dreams.

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