American Idol

When it comes to shaggy hair, supportive parents, a strong voice and a humble attitude, be warned Justin Bieber: you now have competition.

On American Idol's foray into Pittsburgh last night, viewers met Eben Franckewitz, a 15-year old from Milford, Ohio. We were first introduced to him via home video, as the show drove home just how close Eben is to his parents.

He then only needed a few seconds in front of the judges to earn a Golden Ticket for his  rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine," with all agreeing the kid was adorable and Randy Jackson telling him: "You definitely have a God-given gift that is pretty amazing and spot-on."

Eben Franckewitz American Idol Audition

Also serving notice in the Steel City? Hallie Day. The 24-yar old waitress means singing business.

Darn you, American Idol.

Every season, we know the opening rounds will feature a number of sob stories. We know you'll contrive various situations and shove certain contestants down our eye sockets because they have an interesting personal tale - and yet, every season, we fall for it.

Case in from last night's Pittsburgh auditions: Hallie Day, a 24-year old from Baltimore who dropped out of high school and admitted that she attempted suicide years ago. But now she's on the road to recovery and, following her take on Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," the aspiring artist "could win," said Jennifer Lopez.

Watch her audition now and learn about her background now:

Hallie Day American Idol Audition

When do 21.6 million viewers equate to a disappointing episode of television? When you've been the country's top-rated series for years.

Indeed, American Idol earned the highest ratings on TV last night and will undoubtedly do so every evening it airs through the May finale - but its numbers were down 27% from the season 10 opener.

There are many reasons for this decline - all programs suffer viewer fatigue at some point, and the competition (The Voice, The Sing-Off, The X Factor) from similar shows has never been higher - but talent is not be among them.

There were actually a few strong acts last night, three of which we've posted again here:

Phillip Phillips American Idol Audition

As usual, American Idol featured a wide variety of hopefuls on its season 11 premiere.

There was Phillip Phillips, the singer so nice his parents named him twice. There was Shannon Magrane, a 15-year old who Steven Tyler likes way too much. And there was Amy Brumfield, who made an impression on the judges for her take on "Superwoman," and on viewers for her backstory:

The 24-year lives in a tent with her boyfriend and, according to TMZ, has battled with the law on numerous occasions. Brumfield has been arrested six times in the last seven years, with multiple alcohol-related charges on her record and one criminal trespassing arrest in 2005.

But, hey, we all deserves second seventh chances, right? Take in her story and her audition below:

Amy Brumfield American Idol Audition

Shannon Magrane made quite the impression on American Idol judges during last night's season 11 premiere.

Awkwardly for the 15-year old's father, though, it wasn't simply due to her singing.

In a clearly contrived set-up, Randy asked Shannon after her athletic interests... which led to a mention that her dad, Joe, pitched in the 1987 World Series... which led to Joe and other family members entering the room... which led to Joe asking Steven Tyler about Boston and the Aerosmith frontman responding:

"Great, beautiful. Hot, humid and happening... just like your daughter!"

Shannon Magrane American Idol Audition

But let's not let that quip detract from Magrane's performance, as she earned a ticket to Hollywood due to a cover of "Something's Got a Hold on Me." We'll be keeping an eye on Shannon, just not in the way Tyler implied above.

Remaining our overall favorite from Savannah, though? Phillip Phillips, by a long shot.

Granted, it's early. It's very, very, very early.

There's probably a better chance that American Idol viewers never hear from Phillip Phillips again than there is that this southern pawn shop worker goes on to win season 11. But that doesn't mean the aspiring crooner doesn't deserve a shout-out today, as she stood above all others in Savannah on last night's premiere audition episode.

Watch below as Phillips wows the panel with two songs, first a unique take on "Superstition" and then a version of "Thriller." Anyone else reminded here of Casey Abrams?

Phillip Phillips American Idol Audition

Oh, it is on between American Idol and The Voice.

During their panel discussion at yesterday's Television Critics Association winter press tour session, judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler left little doubt that they don't care much for NBC's singing competition, which gets underway on February 5.

Among the disses lobbed at The Voice by this trio and/or Fox executives:

“It’s a compliment to Idol. We’re not hiring a lot of people from The Voice to be on our show.” - Fox reality president Mike Darnell on Kelly Clarkson joining The Voice as a mentor

"It was almost like second chance people; it wasn’t some new artist.” - Randy Jackson on The Voice champion Javier Colon having had a contract with Capitol Records

 “This is the show that produces the stars.” - Producer Ken Warwick

“We will never, ever rip of Star Trek like The Voice did with the chairs.” - Jackson

Finally, Randy responded to a question about why four consecutive Idol champions have had a penis, saying: “May the best talent win. If it’s another boy this year that’s the most talented person, that’s who should win... Look at the success of Justin Bieber; there are a lot of girls who vote for boys, that’s just what happens.”

Which singing competition do you like best?

The incredible journey of American Idol kicks off again on January 17, and contestant should be warned: there will be no more Mr. Nice Judges.

"It was hard for me in the beginning to say 'no' at all," Jennifer Lopez tells TV Guide Magazine. "[This year] we're just as honest and just as compassionate, but maybe a tiny bit more blunt about it... it has to be tough love. Maybe we're a little tougher on the tough-love part."

What about the presence of The X Factor and The Voice? Is the team worried about singing competition overkill?

"There's only one Coca-Cola," Randy Jackson said in response. "There may be many different variations made, but this is the original one. That's why I still call this the greatest talent show of its kind."

Jackson adds that there's a big difference between Idol and Simon Cowell's British important: the former is a "more intimate show," he says, elaborating:

"I think that's what really helps these kids. It's focused on us, yes, but not so much that you lose focus on the kids' talent. We never want to overshadow that."

An incredible journey is about to begin.

On January 22, Fox will premiere the 11th season of American Idol, previewing the competition to come in a new trailer that depicts more than just the three judges walking along the street.

Below, watch as Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez react both positively and negatively to contestants, some of whom celebrate, many of whom cry. Tyler also appears to be dancing and making out with one hopeful. See for yourself now and let the countdown begin:

American Idol Season 11 Trailer

We still love you, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.

Neither of these former American Idol finalists enjoyed a great Thanksgiving yesterday, as each was given a prime spot to perform - and each suffered through an embarrassing mishap.

FIRST, McCreery stood atop a float during the Macy's parade and prepared to sing a version of "The Trouble with Girls." But a recording of the track started a few seconds before the young crooner started to lip synch, resulting in the following awkward start to the performance:

Scotty McCreery Thanksgiving Parade Flub