Last night, “American Idol” kicked off season 13 with a panel of new judges and a new attitude! With all eyes on the judging panel last night after last season’s drama debacle between R&B diva Mariah Carey and rapper Nicki Minaj returning judge, country artist Keith Urban joined singer/actress Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr.
Despite Lopez’s likeability, it was Connick’s humor along with an impressive bunch of guitar playing contestants that stole the opening show.
“I read your Wikipedia page every night before going to sleep,” Pakistan-born Munfarid Zaidi, 19, told Connick. “He’s the one,” urged Urban, prompting Connick to run up and embrace a starstruck Zaidi.
“If you blow us away with the first song, I’d like to pick you up like a baby and hold you,” Connick told the singer, who slayed his very own rendition of Adele’s “Crazy for You”.
“I see a cradle coming on,” Lopez joked with Connick, as Zaidi held out his arms for said hug and craddling.
Zaidi was one of 46 contestants hailing from Austin and Boston to snag golden tickets to Hollywood in last night’s premiere. With so much talent this year and just in two cities, will America find it challenging to weed out their favorite?
“American Idol” continues tonight on FOX at 8 p.m. ET, with additional Austin auditions. Will you be watching? – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie
Photos via American Idol
