The American Idol XIII auditions wrapped up in Atlanta yesterday, and the takeaway producers want to leave with the audience is that this judges panel get along. No, they more than get along! They are BFFs! They even eat lunch together! They love and admire each other!
Also: It’s not about the judges, it’s about the contestants and their hopes and dreams. Indeed, the new Idol promos are leaning heavily on the aspirational fantasy of American Idol as THE singing competition that can actually make dreams comes true.
An entire Associated Press article is devoted to the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban gushing about each other. Well, Jennifer and Harry do all of the gushing:
Jennifer on Harry
“He incredibly funny. His music education is so far beyond the normal person I think,” said the singer. “What he has to offer to America…is the art of singing, the art of playing, all of that… It’s gonna be something new for the show.”
Jennifer on Keith Urban:
“I find that I’m like that and women are like that but to see a man so kind of in touch with that place it was really a pleasant surprise for me again. People got to know him last year but I think they’re gonna get to know him even more this year.”
Harry on Jennifer
“No one really has any idea what it takes to be Jennifer Lopez. I mean people say, ‘Oh, I want that.’ Well, if they wanted it they would do what it takes to get there and they don’t even have a 10th of a percentage of an understanding to do what it takes. These people that are auditioning for this show are so lucky to have a minute of (Lopez’s) time, whether they make it through or not because the essence of ‘American Idol’ is looking for a new superstar and Jennifer embodies superstar.”
Rodney Ho of the Atlanta Journal Constitution talked with Keith and Harry. Keith calls the chemistry between the judges “easy.” Harry gushes about Atlanta. Harry says the hopefuls have been “bringing it.” Harry says he doesn’t care how people perceive him. He’s been hired to judge talent, and that’s what he’s going to do. Watch a few videos HERE.
National entertainment sites, like Entertainment Tonight were there too
“It’s love and respect at the end of the day,” says Jennifer as Harry side hugs her! “Jen and Keith take it seriously,” says Harry. They give everyone an equal shot. Ryan Seacrest says, “We want to bring back a lot of fun and somebody that can be a big success in our industry.” The chemistry between the judges is “natural,” says Ryan. “There’s no act here.”
