American Idol 2011, Season 10, New Judges, New Talent

Yeah! American Idol is back! Season 10 is upon us with two new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi are missing from the equation in this new 2011 season. The only returning judge from last year is Randy Jackson.

In the season 10 premier tonight, Jennifer Lopez was sweet, teary eyed and had a difficult time letting the weak performers down. Steven Tyler who is 62 years old came off as very likable and charming, a much needed breath of fresh air. He quickly figured out how to let the bad performers down without devastating them. Randy Jackson appeared to be trying to fill the departed Simon Cowell's shoes, but fell short. He didn't command the presence that Cowell did.

The first round of auditions was held in New Jersey. One of the changes in American Idol this season is that 15 year olds can audition. Pennsylvania's Kenzie Palmer was the first 15 year old to audition and did a good job on We're Young And Beautiful by Carrie Underwood.

As is always the case in early rounds of American Idol, the bad singers and seemingly "crazy people" came out to audition. One of the most memorable moments on this first Idol show of the season came when Robbie Rosen, 16 years old, sang a very soulful version of the Beatles' Yesterday. The song was all that much more touching as Rosen had spent part of his childhood in a wheelchair.

There were other highlights and lowlights to the season premiere, many tears, much pouting, some confusion and disbelief. Who will eventually move on? Only time will tell.