The 14th season of American Idol kicked off last night, Jan. 7, with the judges searching for singing talent in Keith Urban's favorite town: Nashville. The show will also roll through the Bronx in honor of Jennifer Lopez as well as Harry Connick Jr.'s New Orleans. The latter spoke to The Hollywood Reporter recently about the new season's talent and the departure of the show's last original judge, Randy Jackson.
"We are trying to find someone who can sell records and become a big superstar," Connick said. "Given the talent we've seen, that isn't going to be an issue. We are going to be OK."
Last night's highlights included Riley Bria on an Urban tune, Cameron Bedell sharing some soul on a Ray LaMontangne track and Michael Simeon taking on Sam Smith's hit "Stay With Me." But Connick assured fans there were plenty of other yes votes from the Nashville session, which continues tonight on Fox.
"We had a ridiculous amount of talent through the door," he said. "At one point, there were 10 unanimous yeses. That has never happened before. It was really encouraging."
Connick also talked about the departure of OG judge Jackson, who moved into a mentor role last season and announced his departure from the show in November. Connick now sits in Jackson's old seat.
"We're all sad to see him go, but Idol is constantly trying to reinvent and improve the show," the judge said, adding that Big Machine Records head Scott Borchetta is not better than Jackson, just different. "In order for a show to remain successful for as long as Idol has, those things need to happen. You need to reinvent yourself. All of the changes that they made are positive. I haven't seen Scott work but I've talked to him and just sort of philosophically what he is about seems right in sync with the Idol program."
The fresh format was on full display last night. Connick and Urban joked around often, and the pair even did an impromptu performance of "Stay With Me" while Simeon danced with J.Lo. That would have never happened under Simon Cowell's reign.
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