‘It’s not an easy job,’ she says of judging the televised talent show. By Ryan J. Downey Kara DioGuardi Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, California — The Rocket Man in the judge’s seat? At Elton John’s annual Oscars viewing party, Kara DioGuardi weighed in on rumors that the big party’s legendary host may replace Simon Cowell on “American Idol” next season. “It would be a very interesting replacement,” she told MTV News. “[Elton] is somebody who’s been wildly successful in music, who obviously knows a star when he sees one.” Reps for John (and the show) have denied that any specific talks have taken place; DioGuardi isn’t sure who’ll be joining her, Randy and Ellen when Cowell exits next year , but she’s optimistic about the changes ahead. “This is going to be a really interesting year when they pick that person, because they have to have music knowledge but they also have to be a star. It’s not an easy job,” added DioGuardi, who herself just joined the show last season. “I know people at home, they say, ‘Aw, that person sucked or ‘She’s great,’ and you can do it at home to your TV but once the camera’s on you, it’s like, ‘Oooh…’ ” DioGuardi will be in a great position to offer the new judge advice. It took her entire season to feel like she had found her voice on the show, so she’ll have plenty of pointers for whomever joins the show for Season 10. “I was not really happy about my performance last year. I was just getting used to being on television. I was so nervous and scared. I wasn’t really me. I wasn’t as focused and connected with the kids because I was going through my own fear of being on television. And this year, I kind of let go and I’m much more me. I can be more in tune with what they’re doing and worry about them and not worry about ‘Oh my god the camera is going to be on me in five minutes.’ ” And now? “I felt much better about this year.” Despite her newfound fame as a judge on one of the most popular television shows in history, DioGuardi is still surprised to be invited to major Hollywood events. “This one I was shocked to get an invite to,” she said of John’s event at the Pacific Design Center, a benefit for his AIDS awareness foundation, where Cowell was also in attendance alongside stars like Will.I.Am, Jennifer Hudson and Slash. “Because I don’t really consider myself a celebrity. I still consider myself a songwriter. “I’m lucky to be on that show. I mean, it’s opened up a whole new world to me and for me and for that I’m really appreciative — but I know my job is to judge. That’s really it.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Videos ‘American Idol’ In 60 Seconds Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances Who Should Replace Simon Cowell On ‘American Idol’? Simon Cowell On “American Idol”
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‘American Idol’ Judge Kara DioGuardi Talks Replacing Simon Cowell
