American Idol Judges Shed Tears During New Season
Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler
For an American Idol season supposedly without drama, there already seems to be a lot of tears shed. "I've cried," admitted new judge Jennifer Lopez at the Los Angeles auditions for Season 10 on November 4. "All of us have cried a lot this audition season," added Randy Jackson. "Me, Steven, Jennifer and Ryan."
The tears, they say, are a result of having to disappoint people, something both of the new judges still find difficult. While Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler tries to suppress his desire to "flambé" bad contestants, Lopez opts for constructive criticism. "I think everyone's trying to be as honest as they can without breaking too many spirits," she said. "We're not out to cut them down or make a joke of them. What we're trying to do is really mentor them and help them to the next step if we think they're worth it and if they're not, just be super honest with them and let them know this is not for them."
Lucky for the three judges, it appears this season is full of potential talent. "I know we say this all the time, and I say it a lot, but dude, this year the talent is better than what we've had in many, many a season," Jackson said. That includes the newly eligible 15-year-old contestants. "Obviously it's a whole new pool of talent, and we've got some really, really great young ones," said Lopez. "We've put a bunch of people through, probably more than they have in the past, and we're confident that we have 15 to 20 real superstars."
For Lopez, even the long days can't put a damper on her excitement. "For me, when I come to work, it's like watching the show all day," she told TV Guide Magazine. "So if you love the show, which I do, it's a ball!" Her fellow judges agree, with Jackson loudly exclaiming "It's fire up here!" And if all else fails, they can always capitalize on their great chemistry. "We've all moved into a beach house together," joked Ryan Seacrest as the banter continued. Could Idol Shore be next?
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