NEW YORK - "American Idol's" new addition to the judging table, Kara DioGuardi, admitted that she is "a little nervous" about her new gig that is due to start today.
DioGuardi will meet with her new co-workers for the first time during the New York round of "Idol" auditions. She joins current judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.
In a conference call with reporters on Monday, DioGuardi said that in spite of feeling nervous, that doesn't mean she's going to be a pushover.
"I'm going to be a straight-shooter and say it like I see it and maintain that philosophy," she said, according to People.com. "I'm somebody who's really honest and gives an opinion. If I feel I need to be hard, I will be. And if I feel I need to be more nurturing, I will be."
She said hopes to inject "a new chemistry" into the panel of judges.
DioGuardi said she "almost fell off the chair" when the show's producers contacted her about the job, and expressed excitement about working next to Abdul, with whom she collaborated on Kylie Minogue's 2000 track "Spinning Around."
Meanwhile, Paula Abdul told Phoenix's 104.7 KISS FM Johnjay & Rich radio show yesterday that she was excited about DioGuardi coming on board, but added: "I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We'll see."
