American Idol goes back to basics-

Last night's episode was very good for two reasons. First, it was only an hour long, a person can only take so much.

Second, The focus was more on the contestants that made it through- it was lss mean and more about singing. If I recall correctly, this was more the way things were during the first two seasons. Simon is preferable in small doses but in the past few years the negatives had taken over the early episodes.

it is my opinion that this more positive focus provides a venue for us to start caring about the contestants sooner.