Harry Connick Jr. learned in his first year judging "American Idol" that the performers' personalities matter just as much as their vocal talents.
As Connick and his co-judges Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban decided which singers to send to Hollywood, they put more thought into which performers' personalities were suited for a life on stage.
"I didn't really think about the fact that when you put people through to Hollywood, it's almost like what you see is what you get on that first day," the second-year judge told Headlines & Global News and other reporters at the "American Idol" Top 12 party on March 11. "We put a lot of people through that were really talented singers and were a little bit like a deer in the headlights on the stage."
He continued, "This year we tried to find people that were a little more ready for the journey, because being on TV is a huge part of this journey. So we tried to find people with more of a personality side and vocally talented."
"American Idol" will pare down to once a week when the show returns on March 25. It's the first time in the show's 14-year history that Fox hasn't aired the show at least twice a week, but Connick doesn't see the scheduling change as a problem.
"It doesn't really affect me," he said. "We show up, listen to the music and talk about what we hear."
The "Dolphin Tale" star has an intense preparation routine each week in order to judge the performances. He learns who originally wrote the song, knows every version ever recorded and watches as many YouTube versions as he can.
"You have to be educated, so I come prepared. It's okay not to spend a lot of time talking about how cute they are. They're already in the top 12, so we can get down to business," Connick said.
The veteran performer also advises the contestants on how best to stay grounded and true to their sound in an unforgiving business. He tells them to focus on "honing [their] craft" and being protective of how they work.
The lighter schedule has allowed Connick to tour and record more during the season. His time on "Idol" and starring roles in more family-friendly movies has also brought out a younger audience to his concerts.
"There are real youngsters coming and people with kids aged 10 to 12. You have to separate those into two groups - the one that know me from 'Idol' and the ones who know me from like 'Dolphin Tale' - and don't even know that I sing or play. So it's interesting to see," he said. "I'm a performer, so getting out there and being in front of people is crucial."
Connick is back in the recording studio laying down a new album that will feature many songs written by him. Unfortunately, the album will not include any duets with his fellow judges J. Lo and Urban.
"It's going to be really different and it was a chance for me to push myself in a way I haven't been pushed. I'm very excited about it and I can't wait to talk more about it," he said.
"American Idol" will return with a two-hour show on Wednesday, March 25 at 8 p.m. on Fox.
Reporting by HNGN correspondent Steve Gidlow
