The premiere of American Idol’s Season 8 is now only days away, and everyone’s trying to get the scoop before the show airs. So what does the reality show’s newest judge have to say about her first season with the show?

Kara DioGuardi, along with the other judges in the panel, has been doing the promotional blitz in the weeks leading up to the show. But DioGuardi is one of the biggest stories of the year - she’s the one who’s new. “I hope people find I bring something to the show that’s different, and I can help these contestants learn something, whether they win or not,” she recently told reporters.

Many are honing in on the fact that DioGuardi will now share a unique position with longtime Idol judge Paula Abdul. The latter is no longer the sole female on the panel, but does that mean we can expect catfights? “I’ve never been of the thinking that women should drag each other down,” DioGuardi said. “There’s definitely times Paula and I voice our opinion and it’s of the same ilk,” she admitted. “But it’s all fun. Nobody’s going back to their room crying.”

Ah, but will anyone run off the stage crying? That’s what we’re all waiting to see.

(You can find all the American Idol 8 posts here.)