Simon Cowell may have left American Idol but it now appears that his spirit has taken possession of Randy Jackson.  Reports say that Jackson is fast becoming America Idol's toughest and most critical judge for the talent show's latest season.

E! News reports that Randy Jackson has been, by far, the most critical of the judges

"It's been like Randy has stepped up his game and is being more blunt and bottom line," a source told E! News.

"He's definitely not wishy-washy. He's, like, rebranded himself a little."

But this might not come as a surprise as previously, his fellow American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler said that they empathize with audtioners, having been musicians themselves.

"Some of the kids are so young that I'm not sure if they can get how long it's taken me to be successful and how many clubs I had to play and how I was judged so wonderfull by the press," Tyler said. 

"And how hard it was to take. But they all took [ours] well. A lot of tears. Kind of hard for me. But I'll get over it."

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest also noticed Jackson's shift in character as he points out that Jackson is "the one to shut it down the most."  Randy Jackson's newfound role as the most critical judge will surely add flavor to the show. 

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