American Idol's biggest star right now may be Jennifer Lopez.
The waterworks that ensued after the judge told contestant Chris Medina he was going home solidified Lopez's own plot line in Fox's hit singing talent show.
"This is all new to me," the long-time pop star told host Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show Thursday. "I'm used to having a script in a movie, or a big performance with a cane and a microphone, and I have all kinds of stuff going on… You're [not always] getting me."
The judge explained that "Idol" the real J. Lo. "This is the first experience… where I feel like people are getting to know who I am as a person. It's such a vulnerable place to be," she said.
The seriously strong dose of drama coming out of the "Love Don't Cost a Thing" singer and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler's wackiness have replaced the harsh, snarky attitude of former judge Simon Cowell. It's safe to say that the dynamic of the judge's table is more touchy-feely than intimidating this season.
Medina's run is the perfect example. On the show a couple of weeks ago, the Illinois native was introduced as a promising talent standing by his fiance, who was severely disabled in a car accident. Judges Lopez, Tyler, and "Idol" veteran Randy Jackson asked to meet her and were clearly moved when she was brought into the audition room.
But Medina, 26, wasn't talented enough to make the cut for the top 24. Lopez's motherly instincts took over and there were even more tears when she gave the bad news.
"It was honestly a pleasure to meet you, that was a blessing for me," the Puerto Rican celebrity said. Once the "Idol" hopeful left, she broke down. "I just don't feel like I didn't tell him in the right way. I felt so bad. I don't want to do this anymore… I can't" Lopez said between sobs.
Reuters' Kevin Rutherford speculates that the show has given the 41-year-old's career a much needed boost, and on March 3, "Idol" will show the premiere of her new music video, "On the Floor."
And Lopez's popularity will only increase with her showcase of relatable sensitivity; Hollywood Life Editor-in-Chief told PopEater the moment proves the long-time superstar is not a diva.
"She spends her life being catered to, so she's not faced with people who are in such difficult circumstances and that show such courage in the face of tragedy. This really got through to her," the media exec analyzed. "She's no Angelina Jolie, but this was a breakthrough moment. The true test is whether or not this passion lasts."
Selected News: On Air with Ryan Seacrest, People, PopEater
