Kelly Clarkson: 'Duets' is 'harder' than 'American Idol' (Video)

Kelly Clarkson is widely known for a certain show: "American Idol." However, come Thursday night, the pop singer and first champion of the FOX series will take part in another singing competition: ABC's "Duets."

Clarkson is one of four mentor/competitors on the series and recently spoke to OnTheRedCarpet.com about the difference between "Duets" and "American Idol" and her teaching technique.

"Whenever I first was talked to about 'Duets' and the concept and everything, I did think initially & I was like, 'Oh this is tailor made for me. It's like awesome. This is like something that I'll excel at 'cause I've done 'Idol,' you know,'" Clarkson said. "But it's a lot different, it's a lot harder because you're not just looking out looking out for one...I think it's very easy to look out for one person but to make sure it's a great decision for two people -- that's a difficult thing."

"It's been a challenge but it's been fun," she added. "It's way more challenging than I thought but I love that."

The show involves modern singing stars like Clarkson, Robin Thicke, John Legend and Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles. The four will search the country for two singers who will be their duet partners. Every week, the celebrity and one of their artists will perform in front of a live studio audience.

At the end of the competition, the winning partner will receive a recording contract with Hollywood Records.

"Honestly this show has really made me kind of turn on a light in my head going, 'Man, I should really be a part of some kind ! of artis t development,'" Clarkson said about her participation on the series. "I just love working with people, making them push themselves and challenging them."

Clarkson also touched on what makes the series different from other shows that feature entertainment and music stars like "The Voice."

"I think that's the cool thing about the show is we're not just sitting here telling people what you did wrong or being constructive critics."

So, what's the environment like between the mentors in the competition?

"It's an extremely fun environment," Clarkson said. "I think 'cause everybody knows why we're here and it's not for us. It's to help all our amateurs kind of get recognized, find their feet in this industry and what they want to do."

She added, "We definitely have the witty banter -- have you met Robin?"

Clarkson's partners for the competition are 23-year-old Jason Farol from Torrance, California and 21-year-old Jordan Meredith from Kimberly, Wisconsin.

"The biggest thing I learned [from Clarkson] is just warm-ups and how to use my breath right," Farol told OnTheRedCarpet.com before he was interrupted by an excited Clarkson.

"I love that you said that," Clarkson said. "I love that. I will cry. That was exciting."

Clarkson's other contestant, Meredith said, "She knows all the little like tricks to breathing and we do this little bubbling thing."

"I really try to drill them on it because people don't realize breath support is key when you're a singer," Clarkson said. "You can do so much more. I really work them on it but that's only 'cause I want them to beat everybody else. So that's our goal. Watch out y'all!"

"Duets" premieres on Thursday, May 24, at 8 p.m. ABC is the parent company of OnTheRedCarpet.com.

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