By Lindsay Strouse

After American Idol’s grueling beginning to Hollywood Week, it’s safe to say that both the contestants and the judges are exhausted. After Tuesday and Wednesday night’s preliminary Hollywood auditions leading to the ever feared group rounds, some contestants were jumping for joy while others were left in tears. Judge Kara DioGuardi spoke with reporters about her experience on the show and rumors surrounding American Idol’s newest judge, Ellen DeGeneres.

Q: What's the biggest mistake contestants make during Hollywood week?
A: It’s usually song choice. They take on something that’s way to big for them or they go through the audition round where we praise them and then they decide to completely change when they get to Hollywood week. So, song choice and the fact that they can’t fill up the stage. They can’t perform out or they can’t project.
 
Q: We’ve seen a lot of the contestants perform with instruments this season. Do you think that the additional musicality helps?
A: Definitely. During auditions I’ll ask the contestants if they play a musical instrument. Those are the people who look so uncomfortable when you take the instrument away from them. Bringing in a guitar or piano to Hollywood shows a different side of them.
 
Q: What sort of dynamic change does Ellen bring to the show?
A: Dynamic is something that grows over time. To talk about it now would be problematic. I’ve spent five days with her for many hours and what the viewers see is a watered down, edited version. It’s going to be a very exciting, unpredictable season. I’m very excited to see it through. I think Ellen did a great job during Hollywood week. I was very pleased with her and it was an honor to sit next to her.
 
Q: Many people are saying they would like to see a girl win this year. Do you have any preference?
A: I would love to see a girl win. This year, it’s the woman’s movement. Just look at artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Looking at the talent we have this year—it’s similar. The girls are unique, they’re different. I do think the men are very good, too. They may not be as different as the women but they are very solid singers.
 
Q: What sort of qualities does Ellen bring to the show?
A: Ellen brings a sense of humor, of course. She knows more about music than you think she does. She gives good feedback that is constructive. What I see in Hollywood is different than what you see. The show is edited a specific way so it doesn’t give a full view of the judges. It’s about the contestants. I thought she had a really good handle on whether a contestant had potential or a star quality. I thought she delivered the message with kindness.
 
Q: There have been some rumors about potential tension between Ellen and Simon. Can you expand on that?
A: I think you have to take any rumor you hear about American idol with a grain of salt. These things are just ridiculous. We’re here to do one thing and that’s to find the greatest American Idol there is.
 
Q: Is there a “Adam Lambert Effect” this year with the performers’ uniqueness and creativity?
A: I would like to say that people were interpreting songs form the get-go in auditions. They weren’t just singing it like the way people were recording them. They were taking some risks and that’s a sign of a good artist.
 
Q: How would you describe your experiences as a judge on American Idol? How has it changed since you first joined the show?
A: I’m definitely more relaxed and more comfortable. I kept my expectations open about Hollywood because the expectations are changing every week. I want to be in the moment and be the best judge I could be.
 
Q: Who would be a good mentor this year?
A: I love meatloaf, I think he would be fun for rock. When we recorded together, I was very impressed with the way he brought out a different side of me.

Don’t miss next week’s episode of American Idol airing next Tuesday, February 16, at 8pm ET on FOX.

(Photo courtesy of Fox)

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