If Simon Cowell was bothered at all by Paula Abdul’s departure, he might feel better when Katy Perry comes to town. In an interview with E! News, the future guest judge claims she is a fan of the American Idol critic.

Perry, who isn’t planning to bring a “build them up, Buttercup” approach to the show, predicts she and Cowell might form a nice bond. “I might become a little bit of a buddy with Simon. Because whenever I watch that show, as much as he’s an a**hole, he is a very truthful, honest a**hole.”

“It’s weird, because I don’t want to break their hearts—but how many of us know that one person that has been trying and trying, and doing karaoke and that has been doing little gigs here and there at, like, an open mic. And nobody has told them they can’t sing in pitch—for 15 years. And you’re like, ‘Someone needs to say something’ and unfortunately, I might be that gal to tell you the truth. I always have been,” Katy forewarned.

The “I Kissed a Girl” singer will join the program when the LA auditions begin. Other guest judges already announced for this season include Joe Jonas, Mary J. Blige and Victoria Beckham.

(Make sure to check out our other American Idol 9 posts.)