With the new series of 'American Idol' beginning on US television on 13 January, judge Simon Cowell has been telling fans what they can expect.
In a conference call with reporters, Cowell said of the new series: "We've got an interesting bunch. We got stuck last year with a battle of the blondes - they all looked the same and we couldn't differentiate one versus the other. We tried to be as broad and as open-minded as possible so we don't wind up with 12 people from 'The Stepford Wives'."
Of the new contestants, he said: "We filmed 'Hollywood Week' about a month ago. My memory of that is that the guys, overall, were stronger. Five or six of them stood out more than the girls."
Cowell said that one contestant had arrived at the auditions in a bikini.
"Of course she got a 'yes' from us, the guys, and a 'no' from the girls," he said.
"Luckily, we got our way. I love [being the deciding vote]. They hate it. There's been a few arguments along the way, particularly from the girls when they don't get their way."
On dealing with two female judges, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi, Cowell said: "What guy would like that, come on? You've got two girls ganging up on you. One is hard enough - two is terrible. At least I've got Randy by my side."
Cowell also revealed his wish list of guests for the show.
"We try every year to get Paul McCartney on, and for whatever reason, he won't come on," he said.
"Lionel Richie and Quentin Tarantino, they were brilliant fun, and we'd like those type of people to come back. We just recently had Beyoncé on the British version of the show ['The X Factor'], and she was absolutely incredible, and Britney [Spears] was great fun."
He added: "Britney would literally be first on the list [as an 'American Idol' guest] I would love to see her mentor the contestants. There was more excitement and interest in her [on 'The X Factor'] than I'd seen in many, many years. She would be very, very welcome."
