Andrew Fenlon -- the "smartass" Kara DioGuardi ripped into and threatened to spank on "American Idol " -- now says his d-bag demeanor was just for kicks.

The bespectacled brat called into The Morning MIX with Scott McKenzie at MIX 105.1 in Orlando yesterday where he said he acted like an ass so he would stand out more ... and get some prime TV time.

Fenlon also claims he would have made it to Hollywood if he would have played it straight for the judges

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And I will be forever thankful for him doing this. Let everyone see what a immature bitch that Kara is.

The guy was rude and I didn't think he was even all that good. I was glad Kara put him in his place.