Here's Why 'American Idol' Judges Won't Always Say if They Don't like the Performance

Being an American Idol judge is a tough job. Being eliminated at the show is definitely painful, not just for the participants but for the judges as well. After all, they are the ones who make all the decisions.

Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie are the judges for the popular reality singing show. During an interview with a source, Katy opened up about the experience of judging all the amazing talents during the show.

“It’s tough because we’re so invested. It’s so difficult to play chess with people’s dreams. I do wish we could have American Idols, the show, but I think that America did a fantastic job at voting for this first live show.”

Luke also opened up about his experience at American Idol, saying that the performers inspire him to sit home at his piano.

The show is often a tearful affair with all those amazing emotional performances. It is hard to imagine how the judges decide whom to toss out.

Katy talked about how the judging styles were going to be different than how they used to be in the past ahead of the last season’s premiere.

The 13-time Grammy nominee said the judges are “really real” with the performers. She recalled how she was in their shoes 10 years ago and their stories inspire her.

“I know it wasn’t an overnight success for me; it’s not going to be for them. They still have a long way to go. We’re really real with them,” she said.

During a listening session with the Top 8 contestants on Monday, Katy talked about how she and fellow judges don’t always tell a contestant that they didn’t like their performance. She shared how they like to be a little vague about their constructive criticism.

The “Fireworks” hitmaker shared how any of the top contestants could be a star someday and make something of their talent.

Judging sure is a tough job but Katy said she is grateful for the position she is in.