Randy Jackson has praised Jennifer Lopez for maintaining her professionalism on American Idol in the wake of her divorce from Marc Anthony. The veteran panellist said he was impressed that Lopez, who separated from Anthony in July and is now dating dancer Casper Smart, had managed to leave all her personal troubles at home.
"She's really cool and very professional," he told reporters during a conference call. "She comes to work and she doesn't carry anything with her."However, Jackson noted that Lopez and co-judge Steven Tyler had got "tougher" on Idol contestants in their second season.
"I must say her and Steven this second season you will see, we put these kids on the paces and we were tougher on them," he said. "I think as a judging role because that's what I can speak on, I really think they settled in and I think we are a real crew now."
Jackson has recently backtracked on his past criticism of The Voice and The X Factor USA, insisting that it is possible for all three shows to co-exist. American Idol airs Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox in the US. UK viewers can catch it Thursdays and Fridays on ITV2.