New ‘American Idol’ judge J.Lo promises kinder, more nurturing show

NEW YORK - After sharp-tongued Simon Cowell’s exit, it’s Jennifer Lopez’s turn to judge ‘American Idol’, and she promises a kinder, more nurturing show.

“I don’t want to let anybody really great [not make it through] because they’re nervous, and not get to see what they could have did,” The New York Daily News quoted Lopez as saying.

“So we work them a little bit more than maybe you’ve seen in the past. We’ve given them more of a chance,” she added.

That may be probably because Lopez and fellow newbie Steven Tyler have experienced firsthand the struggles of a rising performer.

“We know what it’s like to be out there,” Lopez said.

The singer said she’s already been a combination of “tough, easy and fair” in just the first two days of judging.

Tyler, who grew up in Yonkers, said he was impressed with the local talent that showed up at the Liberty House restaurant in Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from downtown Manhattan.

The rocker’s advice for those who didn’t impress him, “Don’t get mad at what we say, get better.”

Lopez said she is looking for a sense of style and a good voice in participants.

“It’s definitely part of the package when you’re going to be an artist,” she said. “[It's important] that you have your own image, and that it’s very unique. What we’re looking for, I don’t know. It’s individual for each person.” (ANI)