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‘It was freshman year. … I’d never been on television,’ DioGuardi told Jay Leno on ‘The Tonight Show.’ By Eric Ditzian Kara DioGuardi Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ Getty Images On Monday night, the night before “American Idol” debuts its top 12 contestants , Kara DioGuardi stopped by Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” couch to talk all things season nine. The “Idol” judge dished on her tableside flirtation with Simon Cowell, defended the performance of Ellen DeGeneres and admitted that her nerves got in the way of her commentary last season. ‘American Idol’ Season 8 Memorable Moments “It was freshman year,” DioGuardi explained about her first year behind the judges’ table. “It sucked. I’d never been on television. The 30-second sound bite — I’m Italian, that’s impossible! To shut up is difficult!” This year, she’s finally started to have fun on “Idol.” From a viewer’s perspective, there’s no doubting DioGuardi has become more comfortable on camera and has been able to deliver more insightful criticism . “I think this year, it’s more about the contestants because I’m not feeling as nervous, so I can zero in on them and what they’re feeling and what they’re going through,” she said. “It’s just a different experience and it feels way better.” Leno also made a point of questioning the ongoing coziness between Kara and Simon. The two judges seemed to be snuggling up to each other over the last few weeks — something that even Ryan Seacrest addressed at one point. DioGuardi is a newlywed, while Cowell recently got engaged . So what’s going on between the duo? “I’m trying to figure it out,” DioGuardi said with a laugh. “I don’t know if it’s because he’s got a girlfriend and he’s got separation anxiety and he needs to lean into me.” Before the segment wrapped up, DioGuardi came to the defense of DeGeneres, who has come under criticism for delivering kind words rather than accurate, constructive critiques from behind the judges’ table. Kara maintained that Ellen is “doing a great job.” “It’s scary,” she added. “She’s getting used to that. Sometimes it’s bad news and it ain’t fun to deliver.” Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos “American Idol” Season 8: Memorable Moments “American Idol” Season 8: Live Performances ‘American Idol’ Season Nine Performances

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‘American Idol’ Judge Kara DioGuardi Says Her First Season ‘Sucked’