Randy Jackson.

With a music career spanning more than three decades, Randy “The Dawg” Jackson is as much an undisputed doyen in his field as Simon Cowell and LA Reid.

His teddy-bear personality (which has noticeably toughened up since Cowell’s departure for The X-Factor, with him having to step up to the plate as the sole original judge on American Idol) is lapped up by viewers, who also appreciate his ghetto speak.

Now sharing the limelight with musical heavyweights Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, Jackson, in many ways, takes ownership of the show.

Getting that awkward question on the drop in ratings out of the way, Jackson explains: “Listen, Idol is in its 11th season. It’s still the No 1 show on television, not by the huge margins it was before, but just in terms of time. And I think now the space of singing shows is definitely a little crowded. There’s The Voice, X-Factor and Got Talent. So what happens when your marketplace gets full? You know what I mean?”

Following on from a previous season has its fair share of requirements, one of which is a twist to ensure that viewers remain enamoured with the show.

About the “creative tweaks”, Jackson says: “We have a couple of little wrinkles that we’re going to throw in because its always about finding ways to make it better.

“One of the things we’ve been tossing around is the judges’ save. Last season, we said Casey (Abrams) was the right person to do that with. But I certainly wished we had another one or two more (opportunities) because it didn’t serve the rest of the team well.”

Commenting on co-judge Lopez, who has split from hubby Marc Anthony, he shares: “She’s very cool and very professional. She comes to work to work. She doesn’t carry anything (emotional) with her.

“But I must say, she and Steven, this being the second season, we put the kids through their paces in Hollywood week. We were all a little tougher on these kids and we challenged them a lot more. I think they have settled in and we’re in a real groove now.”

The 55-year-old TV personality admits that the panel don’t always agree on the ability of contestants.

As for whether the judges are swayed by sob stories, à la Amy Brumfield, who lived in a tent, Jackson maintains: “Listen, all we can really judge is their singing ability. I remember the story about the tent, but none of us knew about the background. It wouldn’t have influenced her chances.”

So what are the key factors that Jackson, who has pretty much seen and heard it all before, looks out for? “It’s always kind of the same – discovering and bringing to America amazing talent. Are you unique? Do you have any star quality and is your voice unique? Whether it’s a Mariah Carey, Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, Beyoncé, Rihanna or Katy Perry voice – it just has to stand out.

Shedding light on many of the contestants’ much-talked about fainting spells during the Hollywood week audition, he says: “People are put through the rigour of what it’s like. You think Idols is hard? Wait until you become an artist and you’re trying to put a record out.”

Having worked with Carey throughout her career, Jackson, also a producer of America’s Best Dance Crew, was asked about rumours that Carey could be poached as a judge for the next season of The X-Factor, now that Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger have been given the boot from the US series.

“I have not spoken to Paula. We have texted back and forth. It’s sad to hear about all that’s going on with that show – all those people are dear friends of mine. Idol started with me, Simon, Ryan (Seacrest) and Paula. That’s what really brought us to our prominence.

“When you do these shows, you’re really looking for that chemistry with the judging panel.

“And, yes, she (Carey) would be amazing. I manage her and, of course, I’m going to say that. I don’t know if that’s ever going to happen. Look, Simon is one of the smartest people I know. I’m sure he’s got some very interesting ideas up his sleeve.”

With music the heart and soul of Jackson’s existence, it is pretty clear why, when it comes to his ranking as a music reality show judge, he is celebrated as one of the top dogs in the biz.

• American Idol is on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on Saturday at 6pm.

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