‘American Idol’ Hits New Orleans, Shows Off Emotion & The Judges’ ‘Situations’

A week ago, the revamped “American Idol” judges’ panel told reporters at the Television Critics Association Winter 2011 Session that this season they were a cuddlier sort of group, and it turns out, they were telling the truth.

Over the course of an hour on Thursday night in New Orleans, La., the panel showed off their fashion side (Steven Tyler in a Sarah Jessica Parker style hat), their manly side, they turned doting on a baby faced Bieber-voiced teen, and even revealed tender compassion to a single mom as they auditioned and passed through a host of youthful singers to the Hollywood round.

There was Jovanny Baretto, clearly familiar with the “Jersey Shore” guide to life – (GTL: gym, tan, laundry), who popped up on stage and after making Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson swoon with his Luis Miguel cover, decided to do a little six-pack strip tease for the lady of the group. But he didn’t do it alone. Steven and Randy decided to join him in a light moment, jumping onto the “Idol” audition block and after a count of three, revealed their “Situations” to the world.

Then, there was Jacee Badeaux, a cherubic-faced 15-year-old with a voice somewhere between a young Justin Bieber and a little Michael Jackson, who performed “(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay,” which left the panel fawning over his smooth sounds.

Jennifer called him “adorable,” as he netted his ticket to Hollywood.

Jaquelyn Dupree, 24, from Summit, Miss., made an impression too — not just with her voice on “I’ll Stand By You,” but with her uncle – Jerry Wilkinson — who happened to be Randy’s high school football coach.

Several other contenders made it through from the Big Easy, including Jordan Dorsey, 21, a smooth-voiced piano teacher from Laplace, La., and Sarah Sellers, 28, a big-lipped blond from Richardson, Texas.

Ending on an emotional note, the show introduced viewers to 23-year-old Paris Tassin from New Orelans, a single mom to a special needs child, who has a host of health issues, including major hearing loss.

Singing “Temporary Home” by former “Idol” champ Carrie Underwood, Paris brought Jennifer to tears, which rolled down the superstar’s face as they let the young woman sing several verses of the number before finally bringing her audition to a close.

“When you sang, I felt it. I really felt it,” Jennifer said. “It brought tears to my eyes.”

Unable to stop thinking about the young woman, Jennifer went outside to praise Paris, and meet her little daughter, before giving her a hug and a genuine good luck wish.

“American Idol” returns on Wednesday at 8 PM on FOX when the show will feature their first ever auditions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.