LOS ANGELES - 'American Idol' judge Randy Jackson was wearing his record producer hat at Sunday's Grammys, but he took a moment to defend the TV talent show, which has come under fire this season for seemingly amping up the personal level of criticism.
Flanking singer Van Hunt, who won an R&B Grammy, Jackson said the success of show alums such as Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson shows the program opens doors for undiscovered talents.
"These kids definitely help to validate what we do," Jackson said. "... People talking about how mean and crazy we are -- Simon (Cowell) calling people names and all that kind of stuff -- the truth of the matter is that at the end of the season, someone great that wouldn't have had a chance otherwise, wins it and gets a shot at a career and I'm really happy about that."
Underwood took home a country Grammy. Hudson's performance in "Dreamgirls" has earned a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award nomination.
