Jennifer Lopez Is Idol’s Best Judge Ever

Simon who? Jennifer Lopez has emerged as "the most cogent, sensible, and helpful judge Idol has ever had," writes Jon Caramanica in the New York Times. It makes prefect sense: Lopez, after all, is neither a great singer nor a great actress, but she's famous for both careers, he observes. That's "because she deeply understands the extrinsic factors and strategies that go into creating a star."

She's adept at making the most of strengths and hiding weaknesses, and that translates to her judging duties. "She’s been outstanding at breaking down performances into their component parts, understanding that even if the vocals are strong, the body movement and stage presence might not be, or vice versa." Not too long ago, people were griping about not having a new Simon Cowell. Someday, they might be saying the same about Lopez, writes Caramanica. (More American Idol stories.)