'American Idol' 2014 Judges Review: Harry Connick Jr Charms Viewers with Quotes; Ratings Dip as 15M Viewers Watch Premiere [VIDEO]
"American Idol" 2014 Season 13 (aka AI XIII) judges show great chemistry together on the premiere episode that aired Wednesday on FOX. Harry Connick, Jr wins the wit and charm department. He knows how to drop quotable quotes, for sure. However, even the judges' chemistry all together did not help 'Idol' ratings. Only 15 million viewers tuned in Wednesday.
READ MORE: 'American Idol XIII' 2014: AI Season 13 Premiere Recap [WATCH VIDEOS]
Harry Connick, Jr is currently not the most "known" celebrity among the American Idol 2014 judges. The AI premiere features a "Who Dat" segment for Idol hopefuls who don't know the singer-actor, let alone his legendary career, thus far. But that will soon change, viewers speculate.
Together, Harry, Keith, and JLo make a fabulous team at this year's American Idol panel. Keith Urban is still laid-back and sweet to fans. Jennifer Lopez has made some fans tear up just by her mere presence. Still, the ratings were down 15 per cent compared to AI 2013 premiere, according to the latest TV ratings reports.
Harry is not exactly a newbie on American Idol. He was there on AI Season 1. He was there last year, and in many years in between. But for the first time, he's part of the panel. And he's been giving viewers a lot of moments to remember. This gives reviewers the impression that he may just be the judge to save 'Idol.'
The exit of Nigel Lythgoe and entry of Per Blankens as American Idol executive producer does not result in any marked improvement, the TV ratings hint. Even "The Chamber" and more Twitter engagement do not do much for the show. If Idol would see some rise in ratings in the future, it would be because of Harry Connick, Jr. or some amazingly stupefying contestant.
American Idol 2014 contestant Munfarid Zarid, Pakistan-born, got a lot of cradling love from Harry on the show's Season 13 premiere. #Cradling trended on Twitter because of the bromance between these two, fan and judge.
HCJ is not easy to please. But when Harry approves of a contestant, he says things like, you'll be a "nightmare" to other contestants. Or, you have to be "nice" to other contestants because they will be "intimidated" around you. Or, he cradles the right contestant.
Harry throws some playfully snide remarks every now and then. Some judges are easily impressed, he says. JLo calls him out. Or he gives her a quick "lecture." But no mean vibe ever dominates the fun panel.
MTV.com has a nice summary of many of Harry Connick, Jr's quotes on American Idol 13 premiere. "It just might twerk" starts a long list of quips.
When all the attention is on Jennifer Lopez, Harry starts a casual conversation with Keith Urban. When some young teen sings a song better suited to adults, he says he's creeped out. And when Keith says he's not bothered by the song choice, Harry says it's because he's Australian. There are more moments that make viewers feel like they're watching a fun comedy show or pop commentary.
Some longtime American Idol fans have high hopes for Season 13 because of the judges - primarily because of Harry Connick, Jr. Some viewers say HCJ is the new Simon Cowell "with more heart." Producers could only hope the word will spread about the fun new elements on the show.
American Idol Season 13 returns Thursday on FOX for the second part of its 2-part premiere.
UPDATE: 'American Idol XIII' 2014: AI Season 13 Premiere Part 2 Recap [WATCH VIDEOS]
More new American Idol Season 13 segments are expected to be introduced to viewers before the live performances air on FOX.
WATCH: Sam Woolf on American Idol 2014 Auditions (Covering Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House')
SOURCE: American Idol on YouTube
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