Kelly Rowland on Joining The X Factor: "Simon Picked Me Because I'm Smart and I Am Definitely Up for the Job"

Kelly Rowland said it plainly: "Simon picked me because I'm smart and I have been in the music industry for a very long time. I love finding new talent.…" — and Premier Guide Miami was in the room when it happened.

On September 10, 2013, Fox Broadcasting hosted a press conference call with The X Factor Season 3 judge Kelly Rowland ahead of the show's two-night premiere — September 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. on Fox. Rowland joined the panel alongside Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and Paulina Rubio, returning to the franchise after previously mentoring the Girls category on X Factor UK — the season Little Mix won. Premier Guide Miami's Daedrian McNaughton was on the call.

Why do you think Simon Cowell picked you, and what was that conversation like when you were told you were going to be a judge?

I am very smart, and I have been in the music industry for a very long time and I have a lot of knowledge to give, and that I want to give to these contestants. I love finding new talent, to be completely honest, and my opportunity that I got to do X Factor U.K. was just incredible. I will never forget it. It was one of the best moments I've had, actually, in my career, because I'm working with a specific group and there I had the girls and I'm a part of their building process and that makes me happy. I feel like I'm actually giving back. Simon picked me because I'm smart and I am definitely up for the job.

Because of your career background — you've had your ups and downs — how do you think that has affected your style as a judge?

I'm able to see certain things, to be honest. I don't know if I can necessarily put it into words, but all of my experiences actually have prepared me for this moment. And if anything where I feel like I may see a piece of myself or a bad habit or something in a contestant, I'll be able to actually notice it and hopefully help them to move from there, to grow from there. That's why I'm here. That's why they call us mentors.

On the chemistry with the new panel:

We were really just having fun. I remember the first day on the set, and all the cameras were, of course, all on us, and I remember Demi walked up to me and she goes, 'Hello, how are you?' and she was like — I don't know how much more natural this could be, but we just had a good time, to be honest. We had fun together. And it's not about the judges — this is about talent, and I think that is why I love the show so much, because we're all focused on talent and finding great talent as well.

On her judging philosophy — and not being a dream killer:

I am constructive when it comes to criticism. I am firm, but I like to be honest, and I remember coming up in the music industry and I ran into people who had some harsh things to say, but I grew more from people who actually were constructive and gave details about how I can grow. I paid attention to those people and wanted to apply that to the way I'm a judge, because it's about seeing people grow and be better and become something wonderful, and being honest with them if you possibly don't see something either, but it's a tactful way of telling them to where you're not just killing someone's dream. We are not dream killers.

On advice for contestants who want to make it:

I would tell them to make sure that you're doing it for the right reason. What I do admire about the contestants on the show is these contestants have a week to be prepared, to be ready for interviews, to be camera ready, to get a makeover, to know the song, to know the placement on stage, to know a dance step. That's a lot. People are watching you each week and that's a lot and you're pushed a little bit faster to grow. I admire them taking this on because it's a lot of pressure, but you either rise to the occasion or fall. Sometimes they'll fall because they didn't believe in themselves enough. I truly believe that sometimes as people we let ourselves get the best of us. I just hope the contestants know what a unique gift they have and that they're ready and excited and hungry and passionate enough to give it to the rest of the world.

On what the indefinable "X Factor" actually looks like:

You just see it in people's eyes. You just see how bad they want it, you see how hard they are willing to work, and you have to admire that and you have to give them a shot. That's why I love the auditions, because you actually start the weeding out process of people who actually, of course, sound. You go by their feel, by their charisma when they're talking to you, everything — how the audience takes to them. You're taking in all of that and you're separating everybody.

On her own Star Search experience — with Beyoncé:

It was. I was on 'Star Search,' and I got three and a quarter stars with my group that I was with at the time. We were called 'Girls Time.' It was myself and Beyoncé and some friends that we went to school with, and we got on 'Star Search' and we lost and I remember what that three and a quarter stars felt like. Once that red curtain closed we were like little sad puppy dogs, just bawling our little eyes out. We were so sad. When we got to the hotel, I remember our parents going 'What do you guys want to do? You want to go to Disneyland?' — our eyes dried up so fast it wasn't funny. I truly believe that when it's your time, it's your time. When you're prepared, you are ready for it.

On putting Little Mix together — and the British invasion:

I actually put Little Mix together, so I am very proud of these ladies and I knew they would be something special from the moment I saw them together. It doesn't matter where talent comes from as long as they are entertaining, and it makes it even better when after you hear their music you are able to fall in love with them. I love a British accent.

On the toughest part of being a judge:

The toughest part is when you have to say no to somebody or letting someone go. One thing that I had to remember in my personal journey in the music industry and coming up in the music industry was how many times I was told no. I was signed, I was dropped, I was signed, and I was put on a shelf. It's so many things that are dynamic you get into in the music industry. I just remembered all of that and I wanted to put that forth in this opportunity in being a judge on The X Factor.

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar .