‘American Idol XIII’ 2014: AI Season 13 Premiere Recap [WATCH VIDEOS]

CREDIT: YouTube/American Idol

"American Idol XIII" 2014 just premiered its Season 13 on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 on the Fox television (TV) network. It is a two-night premiere and the second part will air on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. So far, AI Season 13 looks promising especially with the changes incorporated in the reality singing competition such as the judges, new mentors and some tweaks in the show's format.

"American Idol XIII" 2014 is about finding the next superstar who will go on to become successful in the entertainment business much like original American Idol Kelly Clarkson who has won numerous awards and Carrie Underwood, who has become a huge country superstar.

But, a lot of viewers also tune in to the show's judges. This time it's Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. who appear as if they are actually there to judge and not steal the spotlight from the AI hopefuls.

CREDIT: YouTube/BeyondBeautifulJLo2

The auditions from the AI hopefuls highlighted them more than the judges' antics. They were given more time to showcase their talent and to chat a bit about themselves with the judges.

"American Idol XIII" 2014 also showed the contestants in "The Chamber," which is a holding room provided for them that is about the size of a phone booth. They go here and prepare themselves before going in front of the camera and singing their hearts out as Lopez, Urban and Connick, Jr. look on. They just need to wait for the green light to flash in the room and then, it's game on.

Auditions from funny contestants were not highlighted as much as before. There was one contestant who wanted to twerk, but then he sang "Over the Rainbow," which was surprisingly good enough to earn him a gold ticket.

It just might twerk! #IdolPremiere pic.twitter.com/k5dIqHpQHO
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 16, 2014

Harry Connick, Jr., the newest "American Idol" judge is also one of the reasons why viewers should tune in. He offers sound advice to the contestants, which comes from his experience as a singer and an actor as well. Plus, the contestants have to win him over because he's not as easily impressed compared to Keith and JLO. But, he also knows how to have fun. He even cradled a contestant on the show which earned him the Twitter hashtag #cradling. Check it out below.

"I just want you close" #cradle #cradling #IdolPremiere pic.twitter.com/cWI18zotaP — American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 16, 2014

The newest internet phenomenon: #CRADLING Special thanks to @HarryConnickJr for this one! - http://t.co/nB6wevPSfg
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 16, 2014

Thankfully, the AI Season 13 judges are not as harsh or as mean as Simon Cowell. But, they aren't too nice as Paula Abdul either.

The "American Idol XIII" 2014 hopefuls sang a variety of contemporary songs including "Titanium" by Sia, "Roar" by Katy Perry, "Paris (Ooh La La)" from the Nocturnals, and "Lego House" from Ed Sheeran.

AI Season 13 will reportedly cut back its one-hour results show to just 30 minutes. There's also the Rush Week round to look forward to. Stay tuned for more 'American Idol XIII' 2014 Season 13 updates including spoilers and episode recaps.