'Idol' judge says men have early lead

• Tweet

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson says male contestants on the singing competition show take an early lead in Season 8.

The previously taped season premiere is slated to air Tuesday night and will feature auditions in Phoenix. Wednesday's episode will chronicle tryouts in Kansas City, Mo.

"Let me just say, 'Oh boy!' There's some standout boys," USA Today quoted Jackson as saying.

Tuesday's episode is also to mark the addition of songwriter Kara DioGuardi to the panel that includes Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Cowell said he thinks DioGuardi's arrival will translate into less time for him to express his views.

"It's hard enough with Paula. Adding another girl who talks a lot, I'll probably be allowed one word per hour," the newspaper quoted Cowell as saying.