The X Factor season 3 premieres tonight on Fox with Simon Cowell welcoming new judges Paulina Rubio, Demi Lovato, and Kelly Rowland.

In an interview with Hypable and other press, Rowland spoke about the season ahead.

Rowland said that her background in the music industry is what drew Cowell to selecting her. “I am very smart, and I have been in the music industry for a very long time and I have a lot of knowledge to give,” she said. “I love finding new talent, to be completely honest, and my opportunity that I got to do X Factor U.K. was just incredible. I will never forget it. It was one of the best moments I’ve had, actually, in my career, because I’m working with a specific group and there I had the girls and I’m a part of their building process and that makes me happy. I feel like I’m actually giving back. Simon picked me because I’m smart and I am definitely up for the job.”

The former Destiny’s Child star added that since Cowell is surrounded by three women at the judge’s table, you can expect lots of female power. “It is the year of the woman. Women rule, men are just, live there. Like Simon, looking like a sad puppy dog, with three women on the panel is just sad; it’s hilarious, actually.”

As for the type of judge she’ll be, don’t expect any sympathy towards the contestants if they’re no good. “I am constructive when it comes to criticism,” she said. “I am firm, but I like to be honest, and I remember coming up in the music industry and I ran into people who had some harsh things to say, but I grew more from people who actually were constructive and gave details about how I can grow. I paid attention to those people and wanted to apply that to the way I’m a judge, because it’s about seeing people grow and be better and become something wonderful, and being honest with them if you possibly don’t see something either, but it’s a tactful way of telling them to where you’re not just killing someone’s dream. We are not dream killers.”

No matter how well each contestant who makes it onto the show does, Rowland admires how they deal with the pressure from the sudden fame and the weekly format. “People are watching you each week and that’s a lot and you’re pushed a little bit faster to grow,” she explained. “I admire them taking this on because it’s a lot of pressure, but you either rise to the occasion or fall. Sometimes they’ll fall because they didn’t believe in themselves enough. I truly believe that sometimes as people we let ourselves get the best of us. I just hope the contestants know what a unique gift they have and that they’re ready and excited and hungry and passionate enough to give it to the rest of the world.”

The X Factor season 3 begins airing tonight, September 11 at 8 p.m. eastern/pacific on Fox. The two-night premiere carries into Thursday at the same time.