"American Idol" Judge, Randy Jackson, Speaks with Associated Content

You Think You Know Him, You Have Absolutely No Idea: American Idol Judge, Randy Jackson

Do you know that American Idol Judge, Randy Jackson, is nominated for 2 Grammys at the 49^th Annual Grammy Awards in February? Do you know that Randy was an A& R {Artist and Repertoire} guy for 15 years? Do you know that Randy considers himself "the voice of reason" when compared to "go for the jugular vein" judge, Simon Cowell, and "let 'em down easy" judge, Paula Abdul. AssociatedContent.com listens in as Randy Jackson shares his thoughts on American Idol as it gears up for its 6^th season:

AssociatedContent.com: Hey, Randy!

Randy Jackson (American Idol): What's happening?

AssociatedContent.com: Is there a front runner in American Idol, season 6?

Randy Jackson (American Idol): Simon and I have been saying it's more like season 1. I think it's going to be somebody that really grows during the competition.

AssociatedContent.com: What surprises does season 6 of American Idol have in store for its
viewers?

Randy Jackson (American Idol): You know we have a few things that we change. But I
think, you know, the formula is pretty much what it is. I mean you'll see a couple of wrinkles,
here and there, but I, of course, can't tell you what they are.

AssociatedContent.com: Who are your favorites of all the American Idol contestants?

Randy Jackson (American Idol): My 2 favorites probably hands down are Kelly Clarkson
and Fantasia. Those two girls' voices are just amazing.

AssociatedContent.com: Are there any songs that you are tired of hearing during the audition
process?

Randy Jackson (American Idol): There's a lot of songs we're sick to death of during the
auditions. At Last by Etta James which is an amazing song but people just butcher it. Fallin'
by Alicia Keys, people just butcher that. I have heard no one yet ever sing a Mariah Carey song
and do it justice.

AssociatedContent.com: How does it make you feel when former American Idol contestants
such as Jennifer Hudson (Co-Star, Dreamgirls) make it big?