The American Idol 15 Judges Round auditions took place in Little Rock on Saturday and Sunday, with Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. all excited by the talent the Arkansas town had to offer. This, in sharp contrast to Philadelphia, where Keith and Harry expressed disappointment in the singers they were hearing.
“It feels good. Yesterday we had an amazing day. Really, really excited,” said Jennifer to FOX 16. “It got all of us excited. So many good people walked in. We even had people we felt like could win. which I’m really good at picking right at the top. So, there was a couple of people that was like ah, this person could go the distance. ”
“Really strong. Yeah, Little Rock is delivering in spades,” said Keith. “Yesterday, I don’t know how many people we sent through, but it was a lot. ”
Harry said the judges are calling this last season of American Idol the “farewell season.”
“Our main objective is to find that next superstar to sort of bookend the whole thing with Kelly Clarkson. Which is going to be hard to do, but we have our standards set very high and we’re going to keep the bar high,” said Harry.
Also on hand, was Season 8 winner, Kris Allen. The Arkansas native was back for more after working the audition tables with producers during the Little Rock cattle call. Not sure if he’s at the judges table, or just there to lend moral support to the hopefuls. In any case, you’ll need a trip to the dentist after this sweetness. Kris’ wife Katy tweeted a photo of the couple’s young son, Oliver “auditioning” for a spot on the show! If this isn’t a bit for air, I’m going to be very disappointed.
Oliver tried out for @americanidol today. I think he has a good shot at winning. #babyidol https://t.co/tXtTpzpo4L
— katyallen (@katyallen) August 23, 2015
Oliver tried out for @americanidol today. I think he has a good shot at winning. #babyidol A photo posted by Katy Allen (@katyallen79) on
Season 2 runner-up, Clay Aiken, was on hand for the Philadelphia auditions last week, while the winner of that season, Ruben Studdard helped out at Philadelphia’s cattle call, and Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks worked the Denver auditions. LOVE seeing the alums have full circle moments at the last American Idol auditions ever.
More photos:
Ha ha Harry! Jlo looks ready for Easter. She’s late! Or early. Depending on how you look at it.
can you believe it? @jlo just left her dress on the floor in the hallway. how rude! @americanidol auditions #littlerock A photo posted by Harry Connick, Jr. (@harryconnickjr) on
Kris Allen also makes a funny:
