American Idol star Jordin Sparks was surprised to win the TV talent contest - because she was distracted by judge Simon Cowell's good looks.

The singer won the reality TV show last year and has since dominated the international charts with her hit "No Air."

But the 18-year-old was shocked to win the contest - because Cowell made her go weak at the knees.

She says, "I did have a crush on Simon before going on the show. He doesn't care about hurting people's feelings and doesn't hold back with that he says. For some reason, that's so attractive."
 
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New American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi was so surprised to be offered the job that she nearly fell off her chair.

The songwriter was stunned to be given the post, but insists she will add to the chemistry of the TV talent show.

And she is determined to get on with her fellow judges - including Paula Abdul, with whom she collaborated on Kylie Minogue's hit "Spinning Around."

Speaking about the moment she was offered the role, DioGuardi says, "I almost fell off the chair" and adds that she hopes to create "a new chemistry as well as keeping the old".

And asked how she felt about judging wannabe pop stars, she says, "I'm a little nervous. I'm going to be a straight shooter and say it like I see it and maintain that philosophy.

"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."

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American Idol judge Paula Abdul has spoken out about her "concerns" over the hiring of songwriter Kara DioGuardi as the show's new expert.

Grammy-winner DioGuardi will join original judges Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the hit show when its eighth season kicks off next year.

The songwriter and producer is a stand-out talent in the music industry - writing hit tracks for superstars including Britney Spears, Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera.

But former pop star Abdul is worried about how the show's fans will take to the newcomer, and how she will interact with her fellow panelists.

Abdul says, "I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We'll see.

"That's gonna be weird if it's a split decision. I'm sure Simon will get to make the final call. It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through."