Katy Perry has promised she'll be a "straight shooter" as a judge on 'American Idol'

Speaking about her judging style, she explained: "It's very constructive criticism.

"Personally, I'm a straight shooter. I'm very cut and dry sometimes.

You know it seems a little not soft - I do try and watch myself because I do know how it feels to be in their shoes. I was in their shoes 10 years ago. I remind myself and I'm reminded and I'm inspired by all of their stories.

"I know it wasn't an overnight success for me; it's not going to be for them. They still have a long way to go. We're really real with them."

Katy claimed that, in the past, some TV singing competitions have looked to make fun of certain constants.

But the 'Roar' hitmaker has insisted that the new series will strike a markedly different tone.

She explained to People: "We really encourage them.

"There's no dismissing and just sending off and saying, 'You suck'.

That's not how we roll. I think in the past there was some of that and maybe taking advantage of people; their actual skill sets for comedy.

We don't do that anymore but we still laugh just as much."

Meanwhile, Katy previously claimed that the revived show represents a chance for the contestants to live out the "American Dream".

She said: "There's still talent out there to be discovered.

"There are still stars and diamonds in the rough and I think the great American Dream - we can revive that in a way and show people that if they have the talent, if they work really hard ... maybe we can give them a little platform to just shine."