New Star Judges Tyler & Lopez Premiere On American Idol’s 10th Season

Wednesday night/ Tonight at 8 p.m. begins the Fox show's two-night season premiere event.

Over the years of American Idol , it has become hard to distinguish which among the two (separate, though not always equal) sets of on-air talent — the contestants or the judges’ panel — could be called the real stars of the show. At times, it seemed that the caustic remarks of Simon Cowell, or the dazed antics of Paula Abdul, provided most of the series’ entertainment value. At others, it was clearly the kids onstage.

Now that all the familiar faces have gone, save one (Randy remains, unfortunately, Randy), we are entering into a new age of American Idol, Randy, inexplicably, survives, and is joined by Jennifer Lopez (already a legend-in-her-own-mind) and Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler.

Tyler and Lopez are certainly much more famous than any of the original judges were when the series started, but star power doesn't automatically equate to being both articulate and entertaining in this role. Certainly, Tyler seems to have an enthusiasm that the judging panel hasn't seen in a while, though there are many times he has trouble stringing sentences together, which could kill his credibility (and interest) when the show airs live. For J-Lo, it would seem to simply be another opportunity to showcase herself as a product, as each audition city seemed to bring with it an entirely different look for the sometime self-proclaimed style icon.

The next question would be whether adding a bunch of 15-year-olds (and 16-year-olds who weren't eligible last year under the old rules) make things significantly better? The age limit for auditioners was lowered from 16 to 15 in the hopes that might refresh a talent pool that's been depleted over nine seasons of auditions
For the most part, the show's youngest contestants have often seemed the most afraid and least polished once they get to the big stage. And once you get into the higher age ranges, it's hard to imagine there's someone on a Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood level who's still both undiscovered and hasn't bothered to audition in any of the previous 9 seasons.