Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr.
Singers and judges Keith Urban (L), Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. pose at the party for the finalists of "American Idol XIII" in West Hollywood, California February 20, 2014. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

"American Idol" XIV aka American Idol 2015 premiered Jan. 7 on Fox, with a slight change in its usual presentation. For instance, the Top 24 has been (almost) revealed. Enjoying the spotlight on the first episode are "white guys with guitars" (WGWG) Kory Wheeler, Michael Simeon, and Riley Bria.

Viewers got to listen to the American Idol 2015 Top 24 even before the first audition is shown. Though the Top 24 appear only in silhouettes in the special clip, viewers are expected to spot them during the next couple of episodes. Wheeler is believed to be in the special teaser video.

Here are some of the best auditions from the first episode of American Idol Season XIV. They all happen to be WGWGs.

American Idol 2015 Video: Kory Wheeler, 26, Barista (Nashville Audition)

At the time of auditions, Wheeler was working as a barista in a coffee shop that is just right across from the audition venue. He delivers a good cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me."

American Idol 2015 Video: Michael Simeon, 20, Farmer (Nashville Audition)

Simeon got significant screentime after asking AI judge Jennifer Lopez to dance with him. He even sounded better when he sang Sam Smith's "Stay With Me" while dancing with JLo.

American Idol 2015 Video: Riley Bria, 18, Student (Nashville Audition)

The first Idol hopeful to sing for American Idol XIV viewers was Riley Bria. He was 17 at the time of the audition. He has performed with AI judge Keith Urban in a Grammy-organized event. For his audition, he picked "Georgia Woods" from Urban's "Get Closer" album. His stage presence impressed the judges, including Harry Connick Jr.

(Video Source: American Idol Channel on YouTube)

Critics of American Idol have pointed out that too many WGWGs have won the competition, but only few of them have achieved significant album sales. Idol 2014 winner Caleb Johnson, another WGWG, launched "Testify," but the album sales have not been remarkable.

In terms of record sales and accolades, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips were the last relatively successful winners of American Idol (Seasons 10 and 11, respectively). Both singers earned a nomination from the Billboard Music Awards - McCreery for Country, Phillips for Rock.

Observers are saying it's no longer about WGWGs getting a lot of attention. The show itself has become unable to launch superstars, according to some forum netizens. Candice Glover, American Idol Season 12 winner, is the first female to win the competition after five consecutive years of WGWG wins. Her album sales, however, is way below McCreery's and Phillips' records.

Also noteworthy in the first episode of American Idol XIV is Cameron Bedell, 25, a server. He took on Ray LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing" and did a fine job. Emily Brooke, a 15-year-old student, is the only female to get a unanimous approval from the judges. She sang Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away."

The second part of Nashville auditions airs Jan. 8 on Fox. American Idol XIV will start airing only once a week once it reaches its Top 10 phase.

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