Disclosure: American Idol Productions treated me to Hollywood Week and covered my travel expenses. I think we can maybe all agree last season's American Idol was kinda a train wreck. I tuned in a couple times and was so annoyed/distressed by Mariah & Nikki that I quit the show entirely. I just can't stand mean girls, ok? I just. It triggers the middle-schooler in me who had buck teeth and frizzy hair. I don't play that game no more. And I was sick of seeing the exploitive let's-make-fun-of-contestants-who-can't-sing thing. It hurt my Mama heart.

So. When American Idol asked me to join them for an exclusive behind-the-scenes-tour, I was skeptical. Well, at first I thought their Twitter account got hacked. Because: WHY would American Idol follow me on Twitter? But then. It was totally legit. Like, dude. A CAR PICKED ME UP.

And drove me to a historic hotel on Hollywood Blvd.

And then there was the personalized gift basket.

Even with all this VIP treatment I was all: YOU CANNOT BUY MY POSITIVE REVIEW. Because, I haz self-respect, y'all. I know what I likes and don't likes and I cannot be bought!!

Turns out, American Idol just wanted my honest opinion. Like for real. It started when I went downstairs to meetup with the other "American Idol Tweethearts" as we had begun calling ourselves. We were a group of the most down-to-earth, fun-loving, smart and amazing women from every demographic imaginable. There were social media business owners, former news anchors, a tech girl, moms with lotsa kids like me!, savvy Internet entrepreneurs, a spunky Grandma, a professional photographer...and more. We bonded immediately.

Soon after, American Idol summoned us upstairs for a pre-screening of season thirteen's premiere episode. I kept expecting to cringe but instead? I started crying. And laughing. And cheering.

Was surprised, encouraged and brought to tears by new season of @AmericanIdol. It's so DIFFERENT this year--in best ways. #idolsponsoredVIP

— Elizabeth Esther (@elizabethesther) December 18, 2013

 

Once again, I can watch @AmericanIdol with my whole family. No bullying. No raunch. Smart. Funny. Talent-focused. #idolsponsoredVIP — Elizabeth Esther (@elizabethesther) December 18, 2013

All I can say is that American Idol pulled it off. They've revamped and restructured and obviously worked very hard to re-imagine this groundbreaking show. After watching the premiere, it was clear they've done their research and are super focused on giving viewers what they really want: an entertaining, smart, funny and talent-centric show. I honestly CAN.NOT.WAIT for this new season. Best of all, I can watch with my whole family.

Last night I got to screen the premiere of @AmericanIdol season 13. Just. Yay. Idol is bringing classy back. #idolsponsoredVIP

— Elizabeth Esther (@elizabethesther) December 18, 2013

The next morning, American Idol took us on an exclusive, backstage tour of the show. I was only a LEEEETLE excited when Harry Connick Jr. showed up to personally answer our questions!

Ok, and HERE is the reason American Idol 13 is gonna be awesome: Harry. Yeah, I'm just calling him by his first name because we're totally on a first-name basis now. Ha. But seriously. This guy is legit and a real class act. He's so smart and educated about music. He's super quick-witted and a devoted family man. He brings a measure of experience, knowledge and real gravitas to the show. The way he interacts with the other judges and the contestants is FUN to watch. You guys, I couldn't be MORE EXCITED about this upcoming season. Well, I *could* be more excited but I'm really trying to dial it down. Maybe. A little. SQUUUEEEEEEE. We also got a backstage tour of Dolby Theatre (where the Oscars are held every year). I re-applied lipgloss in the contestants' staging area. Because LIPGLOSS es muy importanto. I have no idea why I launched into Spanish.

And then there was that moment when Ryan Seacrest, Harry Connick Jr., Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez were standing like 5 feet away from me. And Harry was all: "Hey guys, these are the Idol Tweethearts!" And they all turned and were like: "HI GUYS!" I can die happy now.

This is me pretending that I got cut from the show. (This is the real exit point for the contestants!)

All this to say, you guys. American Idol Season 13 is gonna rock. I should know. I saw it with mine very own eyeballs.

Watched @AmericanIdol contestants perform live yesterday during #HollywoodWeek. Whoa.Some of these kids? Crazy talented. #idolsponsoredVIP

— Elizabeth Esther (@elizabethesther) December 19, 2013

 

SO. YOU GONNA WATCH THIS YEAR? THE PREMIERE IS JANUARY 15 & 16 ON FOX! YAYYYY!

ALSO, Big Question: Have you watched American Idol before? If so, did you ever QUIT WATCHING? And why? What would bring you back? Be honest! :)