American Idol, season 10, premiered Wednesday with a fresh breath of talent, beauty, wit and class. Contestants sang their hearts out before a new judging panel, for a chance to make it to Hollywood, and in all 51 lucky singers left New Jersey with a golden ticket.

Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s famed frontman, gave viewers a new reason to watch. He was honest, gentle at times and as always candid with a spontaneous flair. Jennifer Lopez, actress and singer, was stunnning. She struggled with the word “no” finding it difficult to crush the hopes of a potential young star but in the end, she did her job well. Randy Jackson was solid as usual, offering sarcasm, sound advice and the straight-up class we have come to expect from him.

Simon Cowell will be missed by some but expect Tyler, Lopez and Jackson to provide viewers a season to remember. And who could forget Ryan Seacrest. Seacrest was flamboyant and sympathetic, always quick to empower and provide hope to the contestants.

The New Orleans audtions continue Thursday at 8:00pm est., on FOX.

American Idol 2011, Simon Cowell who?