Rita Paulsen

"It’s a very difficult task, I always get emotional about it because I know how much they want to make it in life and they need this opportunity, because I’ve been there wanting to do something and you don’t want to lose any chance you get. I try to convince the other judges to be slightly soft on them and we fight a lot. If it was only up to me everyone who makes the top 10 would be a winner. It really is painful and a very hard thing to do when you know this is someone’s dream, someone’s future."

"Funny enough we do get on so well, and we have good chemistry despite all of the judges standing up for their cause as they are experienced music industry figures and they understand exactly what to look for in an artist. Generally we get along very well, though we fight here and there and do have our misunderstandings. We are all there for the same cause. It is so much fun working together."

"Yes, I love Zanzibar very much. Generally I love nature and I have been to most of the exotic places in Tanzania but more frequently to Zanzibar."

"I always say sorry to everybody who I have wronged. Most likely the person I would like to say sorry to is not alive."

"I was lucky to meet Nelson Mandela, and he kissed my hand – so that day I will never forget. I felt very special and I actually cried. I really loved him."