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Randy Jackson

By Serena Kappes

Originally posted Tuesday January 18, 2005 06:00 AM EST

"We are definitely close friends," says Jackson of his relationship with fellow American Idol judges Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. "But we also agree to disagree. Simon and I have had our moments and I'll sure we'll continue to have them." Photo by: George Pimentel / WireImage

You've become a life coach for Ruben. How's he doing with his weight?
He's on his own program now and I'd like to think that we jump-started him to a good place. I wish and hope that he's gonna be successful with it. I know he's definitely trying to work it out.

And how are you feeling since your gastric-bypass surgery (in July 2003)?
Thank God, I'm really, really good – I'm maintaining and doing it. I work out five days a week. The surgery's really helped me with my eating habits. Once you lose weight, something funny happens – you want to work out. You have all this energy. You're like, "Man, I can't wait to get to the gym!" That's why when you see someone heavy and people say, "Why don't they just work out?," it's like, "You put on an extra 120 lbs. and see if you feel like working out." Your mind might be willing but I don't know about your body.

Tell us about the new foundation you're starting.
Yeah – the Randy Jackson Childhood Obesity Foundation. We're trying to put some programs and initiatives together that are really gonna try to help kids with their weight issues. Kids from the ages of 8 to 16, kids that surgery may not be an option for yet. With the money that's not being spent in schools today – exercise programs have been cut so drastically and eating programs – my wife (Erika, 34) and I are trying to do something to help and give back.

Back to American Idol. When you look at some of the past contestants, who do you envision will still be in the business 20 years from now?
That's a tough question. I think Kelly's got a shot, I think Clay and Ruben have a shot, I think Fantasia's got a shot. It's all about those second and third records. I think the first record that you make from winning Idol or being in the top three or five, you're gonna get the attention. But can you sustain that over some time? A career is based on long years of being in it and being up near the top.

What's your advice to the aspiring Idols competing this season?
Read my book (What's Up, Dawg)! The general problem that I see with most people that audition is they come in not knowing who they are, saying, "I'm a great singer. Put me on. I want a record deal. I want to win." Because everyone comes in and thinks, "I'm the next Gwen Stefani," when maybe you're more like Mariah Carey or Gretchen Wilson. You have to know who you are in order to build a road to your success and you've got to know what you do best.