13. The unluckiest number of them all.

With the ratings for American Idol being the lowest they’ve ever been for premieres last Wednesday, it seems as though the show can’t catch a break.

But I have hope for multiple reasons: number one being a sight for sore eyes, the ocean blue-eyed Harry Connick Jr.

Connick is well known for his soulfoul voice and being a child prodigy for piano playing. Maybe not well known because many of the contestants had no clue who he was.

Instead of taking offense, he began cracking jokes and mimicking the more prominent Jennifer Lopez fans. And when a fan of his very own finally came along, he cherished him so much that he cradled the awed contestant like a baby abd allowed the fan to serenade him with Alicia Keys, No One.

It’s not all fun and games with Connick. When it’s time to give a contestant bad news, he’s blunt– much like the infamous Simon Cowell, yet nicer.

His critiques showcase his extensive knowledge of all things technical about voices. He hates the words like “jazzy” and “pitchy” because they’re “not real words.” So he uses the words pentonics. In the words of J-Lo herself, he knows “too damn much.”

The chemistry between these three judges is the beauty of it all. Unlike last year’s star studded panel, viewers will be happy to know that these judges actually get along. The conflict between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey outshined the powerhouse contestants. This will not be a problem this season.

The start of the show begins with video of the results of the hopefuls’ auditions. There’s laughter, tears, hugs, raw emotion. Rather than continue out with the same shot of a huge crowd of people saying in unison that they’re the next American idol, the producers took a route that evoked goose bumps and tears from the start.

A new element added to the show is a room where contestants are put in to get rid of nerves and prepare to step in front of Keith Urban– the only returning judge from last year– Lopez — returning from season 11– and Connick, the newbie.

They call it, The Chamber. When the light flashes green, they may leave the room and stand in front of the panel in hopes of getting the golden ticket– which actually looks like a ticket this year.

The producers of Idol have finally remembered the purpose of the show.

America doesn’t want to see hundreds of horrible singers and angry outbursts when they don’t make it through. We want to see people with talent, people with stories, people who have what it takes to move us.

This is exactly what they’ve focused on. Not ratings, people.

This is the genesis of Idol. This is the missing element the show has needed since Paula left. Tune in and witness the restoration of the show we fell in love with 13 years ago.

American Idol airs Wednesday and Thursday nights.