American idol judge Kara DioGuardi seems to have really settled into her role this season and the songwriter has admitted that she is now confident enough to stand up to head judge Simon Cowell.

Speaking to Women’s Health magazine, Kara DioGuardi compares Simon Cowell to a naughty schoolboy but says that she is more than able to take him on!

“Oh, he’s naughty, naughty, naughty!” she said. “He’s that guy who was a year in front of you in school, who had that smile that was so captivating, but if you went there, he would eat you alive.

“He’s funny and quick-witted. At times, we disagree, but I dish it right back at him, because I’m from New York and I’m feisty.”

“I can be tough,” she added, “but I can also be nurturing. It’s hard to be critical with young people. You don’t want to disappoint them, but you also don’t want to send them down a path when you know they won’t be successful.

Kara also rubbished rumours that there is any sort of bitterness between her and former AI judge Paula Abdul saying:

“Paula and I are friends, and she’s been a huge help to me,” she said. “I like strong women, and Paula is a fighter. It’s great that there are times on the show now where you see girl power.”