Competition 'hard' this season, 'Idol' judges say

Randy Jackson may have been around since the birth of "American Idol," but this season only marks the second time Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be behind the judges table covered with Coke cups.

When we chatted with them at Sunday's Fox winter press tour, the judges were in very high spirits, despite just leaving a panel where they ripped "The Voice" and "X Factor" apart. There wasn't any more talk about other singing competitions on TV, but they did reveal some secrets about season 11. Plus, Jennifer and Randy have some well wishes for new mom Beyonce ...

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Being a new judge on the No. 1 show on television isn't an easy task, but Lopez and Tyler insist that they've learned some lessons from having one season under their belt.

"We cut more to the chase [this season]," Lopez told E! "We were finding our way last year. But now that we know the process, we know what we're doing."

And what they're doing is being overwhelmed with talent in the upcoming season. When we asked how many contestants they thought at this point could go all the way, the number was impressive.

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"Last year there was two. This year there are 10," Tyler revealed.

Lopez added: "It's harder this year. We're having a hard time cutting people."

While developing this large group of talent, the Aerosmith rocker will find time plan his wedding. Will he have to find time during the season to talk centerpieces and napkin rings? "Probably. It's going to come down to that."

'Idol' shouldn't let Seacrest get away

Finally, we had to ask Lopez if she had any advice for new mom Beyonce, since she's a working mom herself. "We're just so happy for her. I know this will be the most beautiful time of her life and I just wish her the best," she tells us.

As for the baby's much-talked-about name, Blue Ivy, Randy quipped: "That's a dope name."

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Source: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45931351/ns/today-entertainment/

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