Kristin Chenoweth Judging American Idol ‘Harder Than I Thought’

 

Kristin Chenoweth joins the ranks of Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige and Shania Twain as the latest in a string of superstar guest judges to appear in the new season of American Idol.

The Tony Award-winning actress will sit on the judges’ panel tonight alongside Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell for the Orlando stop on the Idol auditions tour.

“It was harder than I thought because you really do have to look into the faces of people and say yes or no,” Chenoweth told PEOPLE at the Operation Good Mood lunch event in West Hollywood Tuesday. “I don’t like to be a bummer and hurt anyone’s feelings.”

It’s no doubt Chenoweth’s positive attitude makes her the perfect Good Mood Ambassador for the Oscar Mayer initiative, which collects food for hungry Americans. It’s that same disposition that made her ideal to hand out — or not! — golden tickets to this season’s American Idol hopefuls.

“I saw some really good talent and hopefully I was an encouragement to some people,” the former star of Pushing Daisies said. “There’s always usually one good thing you can say [to people].”

And that includes Cowell. Watch the clip to hear Chenoweth’s take on his upcoming departure from the show — and her spot-on impression of the boorish British judge. 


Season 8 Karaoke Revolution: Presents American Idol Encore 2 with Microphone Karaoke Revolution: Presents American Idol Encore 2 with Microphone American Idol - Season 8: The 5 Song EP