Now that the American Idol judges have officially been announced ... Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson are sitting down with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM for their first interview as the new AI team.

Jennifer Lopez, who really seems to be in her element, speaks out about how she plans on dealing with the grueling auditions.

    "You can't help but want to give them tough love. I don't think I can be cruel to another artist because I am an artist and I know what it's like to put yourself out there...being in front of people and saying 'hey, do you like me? ...and it's hard. Those kids are going to have to get up there every week and hear 'no, I didn't like that, that could have been better and you know what, if you want to perform at this level it's gonna take a lot more. But, it's always gonna be done from me with a lot of love and a lot of caring and a lot of nurturing, and honesty, for sure.


As for Steven Tyler, contestants better prepare for the Aerosmith frontman to dish out the harsh criticism ... with love, of course. As for what he'll tell the Idol hopefuls:

    "Don't hate me for what I say. Don't get mad, get better."


Season 10 premieres in January 2011. Loves it!