By Stephanie Krikorian
- Fox
- The new cast of judges
American Idol’s premiere, part one, was as much about the judges as it was about the contestants. If you haven’t heard: Superstar Jennifer Lopez and rock legend Steven Tyler joined mega-music producer Randy Jackson to kick off the 10th season of the show.
Tyler is a star judge — his humor and sarcasm are a great addition to the show. He is wacky, regularly-bleeped and frank. He is truly a laugh a minute and little bit flirty. To one singer he asked, “Did you eat a lot of paint chips as a child?”
JLo struggled big time to turn people away. Her first ‘no’ was a girl from the Ivory Coast, named Achille Lovle who took an unrecognizable crack at Madonna’s “Dress You Up.” JLo looked pained to have to send her (and everyone) away.
Also, her star power made people nervous, driving some to tears before they could compose themselves and perform — including one girl named Tiffany Rios who got a yes, but will likely be remembered for flashing her star-studded, uh, bikini top on national television than for her singing. Her voice was about the only flat thing about her.
Jackson was cutting and honest which balanced out the occasional panel gush fest, To one poor dud: “don’t sing anywhere.” Jackson was the one to say no to people like Ashley Sullivan, who only got her golden ticket because she literally got on her hands and knees and begged Tyler and JLo to say yes.
The singing waitress Devyn Rush was solid – “dessert to the lunch” as Tyler described it. She has a great voice that wowed the room, but will have to work on the creating the entire package.
Robbie Rosen banged out “Yesterday” with tremendous emotion. He put his own twist on the Beatles song and was loved immediately. He might be a fan favorite as the show goes on.
Rachel Zevita squeaked by but it wasn’t because of her performance tonight, which came up short. JLo and Jackson remembered her from her season 6 auditions, which was apparently good. They gave her a pass despite her awkward performance of “Hallelujah.”
The show’s first 15-year old (since the rules changed to allow them on) is Kenzie Palmer. She filled the room, and while Tyler and Jackson thought she lacked pizzazz, she might have a little something that will come out as the show goes on. We didn’t see all of it tonight.
Victoria Huggins should have been leaving on the “Midnight Train to Georgia,” not singing it, but the judges were taken by her personality, her short skirt (Tyler – she’s 16!), and her enthusiasm.
And a few contestants with moving stories got the green light to go to Hollywood including Melinda Ademi from Kosovo. Tyler nailed it, describing her singing as “sweet, straight and beautiful.”
There was also a tear-jerking yes for Brielle von Hugel, 16 years old, who sang “Endless Love” and then got the good news in front of her dad, who just beat cancer.
The final contestant of the show proved they save the best for last: Travis Orlando from the Bronx. His family recently lived in a shelter, having lost their home during the recession. His dad said, “There is a chance for everyone in this country “ and this kid just got his. His performance of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” was unique and fun.
Part Two of the premiere tomorrow night.
Readers — are you glad Idol is back? Do you like Tyler and JLo as judges? Let us know in the comments.
I didn’t really think I would, but I gotta admit, I missed Simon. He would have sent half of those who got golden tickets packing.
I LOVED the new judges! I was really sick of Simon and Paula. Simon was absolutely cruel, and I don’t think it’s entertaining to see anyone belittled and humiliated. I disliked him more with each season! Paula was too ditzy and came across as a diva. I’m thrilled with what I saw last night…it’s going to be a great season!
So much commotion about a talent show involving thousands of contestants, one or two of whom might have a hit song in the future. This show’s track record of producing stars is very weak. The judges, who can at least recognize a good voice, are vapid. The only interesting part of the show used to be when Simon rudely (and rightfully) informed the talentless that they should find something else to do with their lives. Now that he is gone, the show is completely without any entertainment value. If I want to hear singers and songs, I will listen to the various forms of radio, where the talented have already been discovered and signed.
This is the first honest and unbiased article I have read so far. Thank you for not being so critical of Tyler. He is a rocker! Shock! He is a heterosexual guy. He is going to admire beauty it does not mean he is going to act on this admiration with underage young women.
If parents are o.k. with allowing their children to be in adult situations where they may be admired by older individuals then blame them. Otherwise, keep them home until they are of age. There were underage young men audtioning too if I am not mistaken. JLo even told a young man he was cute. I don’t hear anyone critizing her. In this type of business, it is important to be attrative but not essential. I think it is important for these young people to start their careers early under parental supervision. If they don’t, time passes too quickly and they may have missed opportunities for their future. If they have talent, they should be encouraged and be warned of the dangers.
I really enjoyed all the judges and look forward to a great American Idol season.
it was full of life and utterly enjoyable. a great first impression of the new season.
in the end, the judges will make the right idol decisions, but for now, the hange
was welcomed. Steve is a delightful person, Jennifer is adorable and so pretty to
watch, and Randy came into his own. loved it