So it began, with a fast-paced montage of news coverage following the shake-ups after Season 9. Everything was hyped to the line “Because the best … is yet to come.”

Good one . . . but that remains to be seen. After America was introduced to the new judges (“I decided to become a judge because we can actually take somebody and change their life,” Jennifer Lopez, "I took this gig because I love music," Steven Tyler and “Wow. It’s a different table. But you know what? It’s hot. Let’s go, baby,” Randy Jackson), America was given a melange of audition clips. And then a few more. Some shots of the judges. . . and a few more.

It only took nine minutes to get through the recaps, get-to-know-yours and montages and see a few actual auditions.

Rachel Zevita, 22, auditioned in Season 6 and made it to Hollywood but got cut on the first day. She sang “Hallelujah” unimpressively for the panel, and Jennifer Lopez claimed to remember her. “This wasn’t the best audition,” J-Lo admitted. “We ought to let in the door, water that flower, because it’s gonna grow,” Steven Tyler said of Rachel's singing. Lopez gave Rachel a positive vote based on memory, not on singing. Tyler also said yes, and Randy Jackson quickly jumped on board.

And, we're off. Other auditions followed, many of them forgettable. Some Jersey-style fist-pumping and a few horrendous singing moments provided spots of entertainment, but mainly the focus was on the new members of the panel. Steven Tyler still loves the ladies, and they seem to love him. Jennifer Lopez struggles with saying "No," and Randy Jackson is still eager to please his co-workers. Without a Simon Cowell to dole out cruel insults, it's a kinder, gentler Idol panel. If you think that sounds boring, try watching it for two hours. In spite of it all, there were a few bright auditions.

Tiffany Rios was inspired by Jennifer Lopez, which won her a hug from the superstar. Tiffany sang an original song designed for the panel -- and despite her theatrics, there is a nugget of a good voice buried in there somewhere. He ending line “America needs me … for higher ratings on TV,” was actually a winner. She also sang “I’m Your Lady The Power of Love,” and did rather well despite her showy performance. Rios scored three yes votes, which brought her to her knees. “She’s out of her mind, but I love it,” J-Lo announced after Tiffany was gone.

Robbie Rosen, 16, spent a little more time with the cameras. He was in a wheelchair at the age of 5 for several months before progressing to a walker. Today, he is able to walk around on his own. He’s a lifelong Idol fan, and beamed his way through a quick Q&A with the judges before softly singing “Yesterday.” Rosen’s silky voice was immediately impressive. Randy Jackson called him a “breath of fresh air.” “Beautiful voice,” Steven Tyler complimented. Rosen easily scored a ticket to Hollywood.

Ashley Sullivan, 25, is adorable and lively. She worships Britney Spears above all others, and hopes to be just like her. “I just want to perform,” she told the panel sincerely. Ashley sang “Gimme Gimme” with a strong voice, but not much melody. A long silence ensued after her last long note. “Wow,” Steven Tyler breathed. “The way you sing, and the way you act . . . it’s not for Idol . . . it’s more for Broadway,” Jennifer Lopez told her kindly. Sullivan was reduced to tears after throwing the judges a few more performances, which pushed J-Lo over the edge. “Give her a golden ticket,” she gritted out to Randy, who was ready to give her the heave-ho. But Ashley probably will be a star -- she’s over-the-top, uninhibited and energetic.

Victoria Huggins, 16, is an adorable southern belle. “I’ve been counting down the years,” she told cameras. She has been making video updates of her Idol journey, because “every moment you can’t take back.” She nervously belted out “Midnight Train to Georgia,” screaming the lyrics to the judges. But cute little Victoria has no tone whatsoever. “Ya think?” Steven Tyler was floored by her confidence. “The most personality ever on Idol!” Randy Jackson gave her a "Yes" vote, and mysteriously Huggins will be making the journey to LA.

Melinda Ademi was the last contestant of Day 1. She’s from Kosovo, and her parents are war refugees who came to America via the green card lottery. No damn way was this beautiful little girl with the interesting story not getting a ticket to Hollywood. Thankfully, Ademi can also sing beautifully. Steven Tyler thought her singing was “sweet,” and Melinda won herself a golden ticket on a clean sweep of yes votes.

Brielle Von Hugel used to sing with her dad, who suffered from throat cancer but today is free of the disease. She crooned “Endless Love" so prettily for the judges, there was no doubt she would make it to Hollywood. Steven Tyler enjoyed her smile and her “beautiful voice,” declaring that “it was nice.” Randy Jackson asked her to bring her dad into the room, which she did. Dad, of course, was present to hear the sweeping yes votes, which led to much happiness.

The final contestant of the Jersey auditions was Travis Orlando, 16, who is from the Bronx just like Jennifer Lopez. He has a twin brother, and spoke openly of the time when he lived in a shelter with his family to the cameras. He ambitiously sang “Eleanor Rigby” with a very unusual arrangement that made it hard to tell if he’s actually got a good voice. The judges cut him off after only a few notes. “I want to hear something else,” Steven Tyler asked. Orlando switched it up with a Jason Mraz tune and sounded fantastic, scoring himself a quick golden ticket.

Which standout will continue to move forward in the competition? Thanks to our spoiler, we've already got a few ideas. Meanwhile, American Idol’s New Orleans auditions will air Wednesday night. Among them may lurk the next winner.

Check out all our American Idol 10 posts while you wait for the next episode.