Disclaimer: I am an Idol Sponsored VIP. I was hosted by the producers of American Idol for an overnight stay in Hollywood to preview the 1st night of the new season, and had an unprecedented all access pass to backstage productions of American Idol XIII at the Dolby Theatre. My opinions of the new season are my own.
Harry Connick, Jr. – Who DAT?
With the infamous chant of Harry’s favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints, “Who dat? Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?”, and in that beautiful drawl that is 100% New Orleans, I ask… Harry Connick, Jr…. Who Dat?
Harry Connick Jr. is a world renowned jazz stylist, composer, actor, producer, and philanthropist. Easy on the eyes, the women swoon…but stand down ladies… Harry is a devoted family man who has been married 19 years to former Victoria Secret model Jill Goodacre and is the father of three girls. He makes Connecticut his home, but I am pretty sure a part of his heart still resides in his New Orleans hometown. A devoted son, he stays with his dad when he goes home. In his own words, going home keeps it real.
Harry Connick Jr. is a what you see is what you get kind of guy. I have been a fan of his for years, as has my 24-year-old daughter. That gives him generational street cred when it comes to his fan base. Perhaps he is not as well known as Jennifer Lopez in main stream pop culture, but make no mistake, he is a superstar!
He possesses the smooth style vocals similar to Frank Sinatra and was even given the nickname “The Vice-Chairman of the Board” in deference to Sinatra’s famous nickname as “Chairman of The Board.” Sinatra was indeed a fan of Connick, Jr. and referred to him simply as “The Kid.” As Harry was climbing the proverbial ladder to music success, who could possibly dream for a better endorsement than from Sinatra himself? And success, he has certainly achieved both on the big screen, television, and in the recording studio. He has sold well over 25million albums worldwide. He earned double platinum status with “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” in the timeless movie When Harry Met Sally. His personal taste in music runs the gamut from Rock n’ Roll to Jazz. He does not have a bad thing to say about others in the business, and I respect that he knows his personal lane, and is not afraid to stay in it; nor is he afraid of up and coming talent.
During my visit to Hollywood for a sneak preview of Idol XIII, we had an opportunity to meet Harry Connick, Jr… Code name… Howie.
Connick, Jr. surprised our group with a visit to the judge’s lounge where we were enjoying a beautiful lunch provided by the producers of Idol. Harry strode in happily and all smiles. He stopped to greet and shake hands with each and every lady in the room. He takes your hand, and looks you directly in the eye with the manners of a true southern gentleman. After saying hello to everyone, we get down to business.
I asked Connick, Jr. about his goals for this season of Idol. He shared with us that he himself had been a fan since the beginning of Idol, and as a father, his heart goes out to young contestants yearning to be the next American Idol superstar. However, he made no bones about the fact that he is a judge, and as a judge he would be doing not only the contestants, but also the audience a great disservice if he did not take his job as a judge seriously. And he knows a thing or two about being a judge…
Harry Connick, Jr. lost his beloved mother at the age of 13. She was a Louisiana Supreme Court Justice. His father, the original Harry Connick,Sr. took on the role of mom and dad while serving as the District Attorney for the Orleans Parish for 30 years. Can you imagine the dinner table talks, not to mention the high standards that must have lived in the Connick household? I would imagine that Connick, Jr. was encouraged to choose his path (his parents owned a music store), but whatever he chose, aim to be the best. He certainly did right by his parents and their high achieving standards. He aimed for the moon, and landed among the brightest of stars.
It became clear from watching Connick, Jr.’s judging style that he is seeking the best in the group to become the next American Idol Superstar. He shared with us on that day that he felt this group of contestants does indeed include a future star. And whereas only one can win the coveted crown, there is some amazing talent this season.
During the preview show, he tells a potential contestant that at her young age, he was not comfortable with her song choice. When we asked him about this, he said all he could think of in his head during that moment with the contestant was “Where is your mama?” BINGO! At long last, there is a voice of reason. As a viewer, I often think that very same thought…”Where is your mama?” … be it your mother, father, grandparents, etc… Where is that person who tells you “NO! Not a good choice!”
Harry Connick, Jr., while pretty serious when it comes to judging, can lighten the mood in an instant with his quick wit. He can take you from a painful audition, and turn it around with a music theory lesson, a smile, and the earnest compassion of a loving dad. He is both respectful and playful with his fellow judges, and lightens the mood when it seems too serious.
As a family man, his face lights up at the mention of his girls. And those girls include the love of his life, Jill. He carefully twists his wedding ring around his finger and shares with us, that he takes that ring very seriously, and that his wife is the strongest woman he knows; and his marriage means the world to him.
When you hear the phrase… “Harry Connick, Jr. ???? WHO DAT?” Who dat is, is the newest judge on the panel. You can’t help but like him, and want to sit and share a bowl of gumbo with him and talk Saints football. Harry Connick, Jr. is the all American “every man.” Women love him, and men want to share a beer with him. He can charm both children and seniors alike. Kids want their dads to be as cool as Harry. You are going to love him on this new season. No drama. No bullying. No shaming. He is here to judge, and with that he will use the lessons I am sure his parents have taught him. Do your best, play fair, and don’t destroy anyone in the process.
As the old song goes… I am just wild about Harry! I hope you will feel the same. He is one cool cat! Don’t miss this season of American Idol XIII!