Exclusive

American Idol: Ryan Seacrest Takes Us Behind-the-Scenes With Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban

Exclusive! The new judges pick their early favorites after a long road of auditions

By Jenna Mullins Nov 20, 2012 1:00 AMTags
American Idol CastFOX

Ready for American Idol's new season, but hate waiting until January for it to premiere? Then you're in luck, because Ryan Seacrest is taking us on an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the new season with the all-star judging panel: Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson.

The host with the most talks with the judges about the talent they've seen come through after a long road trip of Idol auditions, and it's pretty clear that this season will be very special.

"I think there were some incredibly talented people. And it's going to be tough," Carey says. When Ryan asked if they think they got all the talent they need, the legendary singer scoffed and insisted they have "triple" what they need.

With loads of talent but only so many spots open to make it to the Idol stage in Los Angeles, the judges know they have their work cut out for them.

"It's going to be hard to get to Hollywood week and let so many people go," Urban says in his adorable Australian accent.

Veteran judge Jackson adds: "You're going to see a lot of [your favorites] soar, and a lot of them fall apart."

For the newbies on the judging panel, it's been an adjustment to get used to the Idol machine, to say the least. "Day one, it's like getting used to what this is. This is like a very new, different, wild interesting new school," Jackson says, which was followed by Carey giving a knowing laugh in agreement.

"Wild. Period," she insists.

To hear more from the Idol judges, including who they picked for their early frontrunners, watch our exclusive interview below! 

Watch: "American Idol" Judges Dish to Seacrest

American Idol returns on Jan. 16, 2013.