Without Simon?

For many years, American idol was "can't miss television"for me. I'd go into Val's house - -and we'd watch it together, picking our favorite singers, rooting for them, and voting every week.

But, like every television show -- American Idol jumped the shark.

Four judges was at least 3 too many...Ellen never added a thing...and Kara what's-her-name was like a skinny white Randy Jackson without the annoying name-dropping.

Last year was so pitiful -- I found myself missing Paula. Who I always thought was TERRIBLE because I could never understand a word she said.

I actually do NOT KNOW the name of last year's winner. I only know it wasn't Crystal Bowersox...And the year before that -- it was NOT Adam Lambert...

Like everybody else -- I had quit caring about this show. And this year -- without Simon, I just knew it would suck. No Simon? Impossible. American Idol without Simon would be like lemonade without the lemon.....toast with no butter....a sewing machine with no needle...

Well -- you catch my drift...

SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE...

No kidding!! I've never seen this happen before. After ten seasons -- American Idol has revamped the concept -- relaunched the franchise -- and IT'S GOOD AGAIN...

Jennifer Lopez is a knowledgeable, current female judge with a brain, an opinion, and the chops to know what she's talking about. She is stunning -- smart and kind. And I can actually understand every word that she comes out of her mouth.... Wow.

But, of course, the real surprise is Stephen Tyler. OH MY GOD. Can we just spell the word "charming"...? He's so interesting and funny. You never know what he's going to say...but he is NOT MEAN...he's smart and I WANT to hear what he thinks of the contestants. And so do they...

My friend Valerie thinks the producers have dialed back the number of "loser" auditions in these early shows. And maybe that is the difference. Because the only reason to watch these audition shows is so you can have that Clay Aiken/Carrie Underwood "moment". Because THAT is an amazing thing...when you see a complete unknown, ordinary person -- walk out on that stage and SING. And maybe you get goosebumps. Then you know. Their life will never be the same...and someday, you'll be buying their album....

I am DELIGHTED with the new American Idol. Thank you Jennifer Lopez -- I love you, Stephen Tyler.

For me, a big difference this year is that the judges actually WANT to be there. And so do I...

Simon who??