How closely does the show mimic the American Idol format?
Rzeznik: It’s the same thing. There are three judges and people vote on the bands. But you can see these bands in local bars around the country. They’re not manufactured for the show. There are some genuinely talented people in the bunch. TVGuide.com: So are you more the Randy- or Simon-type judge? Rzeznik: Well, Ian is very funny. He’s pretty acerbic, but he’s not flat-out mean. I’ve been in a band for 20 years, so I’m just there to give some constructive advice. All I’ve got to share with anybody is my own experience. I’m not there to bash anybody or sway public opinion. People are going to decide for themselves. TVGuide.com: Did the Goo Goo Dolls ever participate in a battle-of-the-bands competition? Rzeznik: Sure, we did those types of things in local bars. You had to get out in front of people. We did a couple, but we really came up out of this underground scene in Buffalo. There was a really vibrant musical underground at the time that we were part of, but we took the initiative
