LOS ANGELES - Get ready for a kinder, gentler "American Idol." New judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler were among those eager to convince TV critics on Tuesday that the country's No. 1 show can continue to thrive without caustic Simon Cowell.
"The show will now be more about finding a winner than stopping them from getting there," said co-executive producer Ken Warwick. "Idol" starts its 10th season Jan. 19 with auditions from New York.
Those who do want a dose of cynicism may want to pay closer attention to Randy Jackson. "You'll see a more assertive side of the dawg, a little more hair of the dawg," Jackson said.
Tyler said he was excited about the challenge, despite criticism from his Aerosmith bandmates. "They may have some things to say about it, but it's not going to fly," said Tyler, who said he still plans to record and tour with the band. "Even if the band was dead, it can't be dead," he said.
Others addressing critics on Fox's showcase day included Jennifer Beals, Christian Slater, Cloris Leachman and Ryan Seacrest.
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