American Idol returns, with J.Lo but not Cowell

Steven Tyler, left, Jennifer Lopez, center, and Randy Jackson, judges on the FOX show American Idol, take part in a panel discussion during the FOX Broadcasting Company Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena.AP Photo

Its a kinder American Idol without Simon Cowell. Televisions top show returned with a makeover for its 10th season on Fox. Cowell, everyones favorite villain, is gone as a judge. So are Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres, replaced with the star power of Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmiths Steven Tyler. Original judge Randy Jackson remains. The first, two-hour episode accentuated the positive, an indication that producers are setting a different tone.

Past audition shows have seemed a procession of train wrecks, narrated by Cowells biting putdowns. But the first three contestants shown all made it through to Hollywood.

And the New Jersey auditions ended with two emotional stories: the daughter of a cancer survivor from Staten Island and a boy from the Bronx who kept to his dreams despite time spent living with his family in a homeless shelter. Both are only 16, and both were given go-aheads by the judges.

J.Lo in particular had a difficult time becoming J.No. She seemed in agony the first time she was shown rejecting a contestant.

Oh, my God, I hate this! she complained. Why did I sign up for this? I want to go home. She got up to hug a contestant who was crying upon meeting her.

When the theatrical Ashley Sullivan auditioned, Jackson voted no. But when the tears started flowing, Lopez and Tyler overlooked their reservations to keep her in the competition.

Its our 10th season, and everything feels brand new, host Ryan Seacrest said, adding that it was the most fun weve ever had.

Its all a ga! mble for American Idol, no longer as dominant in the pop firmament as it once was. Last seasons finale was seen by 24 million people, down 5 million from the big night the season before.

The shows offseason turmoil was dismissed in a two-minute review at the shows beginning.

Forget what you think you know, the show proclaimed, because the best is yet to come.

And the show quickly signaled what producers have been saying, that they want more emphasis on the contestants stories.

This isnt our story, Seacrest said. Its yours.
Tyler easily played the part of the rakish rock star, taking quick notice of the appearance of several female singers and being bleeped for off-color remarks twice in the first six minutes.

Just the right amount (of leg) shows, the 62-year-old rocker said, looking at the dress of an energetic 16-year-old contestant.