Vocal sensation Mariah Carey has confessed that her judging role on 'American Idol' can be tough and that saying no to aspiring singers is incredibly emotional.

Speaking to E! News about her role on the new series, the 'Obsessed' songstress explained that turning down hopeful contestants is "like a dagger" and she hates to bring them bad news:

"The human side of you comes out eventually, when you're looking at people that are this close to fulfilling their dream and in their head they have already seen it come to fruition, so saying no, it's like a dagger."

She also talked about the friction that can arise between panelists when they don't agree, adding: "We have to go against each other sometimes to say, 'But wait, this person has something amazing! Maybe you're not seeing it. It's a little bit beyond your comprehension at this moment, but there's something great about this person.'"

Watch a new interview with Carey below: