American Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. explained to the thirteenth-season's Top 12 finalists why he's been incredibly hard on them.
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
"I don't know if it was as bad as it seemed. I think Harry was having a little indigestion. Him and [judge Keith Urban] were going at it! Harry, what was happening brother? What was happening?!" mentor Randy Jackson asked during last night's broadcast.
"Do I think that these kids are talented? Yes. Do I think that they are immensely talented? Yes. I was not hired as a mentor. I'm envious of Randy. If I were a mentor, guys, I would be at the hotel until 5AM in the morning, working with you. I would give everything to that. I was hired as a judge," Harry told the Top 12.
"I have a very short amount of time to be very specific with information I think will help you grow. You're already here. I don't need to belabor the fact that you are incredible in different ways. I could go on for half-an-hour at least on each one of you. I spend so many hours every day thinking of why you're so great and what can I tell you in response to your performance to help you grow? I'm not going to belabor the fact that you're great. You're grown-ups -- most of you. Some of you are not."
After letting out a little laugh, Harry then gave the group an enormous compliment.
"I think you're all incredibly talented and this is maybe an overstatement, even though I have a harsh look on my face, I think this is the best group of talent since the first season. I've watched every year," Harry admitted.
"But let me say one more thing. However, I didn't see it last night. I've seen all of you sing. We've all seen all of you sing. You are powerhouse talents. You have to treat that stage like it's a church. Let yourself be free. Spend your days walking down the beach and thinking, 'How can I tap into what makes me great and unique?' But I'm a judge. I can't fraternize with you... I'm not going to say things just to say it."
Harry then got a message from New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees in a video. Harry, clearly a huge fan of Drew's, became giddy and called the football star his "hero."
"Harry, you okay buddy? Little harsh on those guys last night," Drew said. "I know it's not football season so you don't have a way to get out that energy, but be a little more positive, a little more encouraging. I know that's your mentality. You look like you're having fun up there, man. Keep it up and I'll be watching," Drew said.
"That's the coolest thing!" Harry yelled with a big smile on his face.
"I promise you this," Harry began. "If Drew throws a bad pass, his coach Sean Payton is not going to come up to him and tell him how handsome he is. He's going to say, 'Look, we got to make this work! What can we do that makes you better?' He's already Drew Brees. You guys are already champs. Just trust me. I love you, I do."
"The judges love you guys. They want you to win!" Randy assured the contestants.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
