Hey, Harry Connick, Jr.: I Was Creeped Out Too!

Since my fellow Patheos blogger Tony Rossi threw open the door for conversation about American Idol, I thought I would share the moment last night when I sort of fell in love with new Idol judge Harry Connick, Jr.

Morgan Deplitch – Paris – American Idol 13 by IdolxMuzic

It happened when fifteen year old Morgan Deplitch sang “Paris” by Grace Potter. The song includes the lyrics:

You got me down on the floor
So what’d you bring me down here for?
You got me down on the floor
So what’d you bring me down here for?

If I was a man I’d make my move
If I was a blade I’d shave you smooth
If I was a judge I’d break the law
And if I was from Paris
If I was from Paris
I would say
Ooh la la la la la la la

After J Lo called the performance “Cute”, Harry Connick Jr. counseled Morgan that it was important to “find the songs that are right for you” and encouraged her to look for tunes that are age-appropriate, “Cuz hearing about you ‘shaving me smooth’ really was creepin’ me out.”

That’s the point where I wanted to stand up and say, “Go Harry!” J Lo turned to him and said, “You’re such a dad!” with a giggle in her voice. I really don’t know anything about Connick Jr., whose wikipedia page states that he is a practicing Catholic. But you’ve got to love a dad with the integrity to tell a young teenager that she should really try to respect herself in her art.

I’ll be watching in the weeks ahead to see how the season unfolds, but my first peek at Harry as a permanent member of the judging panel has me feeling optimistic.

A question for you: Do you watch American Idol?