Randy Jackson Sees a Male "Idol" This Season

The first 12 contestants in the American Idol top 36 performed for the first time last night, and the judges are already impressed by what they've seen.

According to MTV News, judge Randy Jackson called this year's contestants the "most talented bunch we've ever had."

"We say it every season, but I'm not kidding you," he said in an interview with AOL. "This is the eighth season of the show. People have seen every other brand of artist. But these kids are different than any other season we've had, and I think these boys are some of the most talented we've ever had."

Last season's winner, David Cook, won over America with his talent, and Jackson seems to think that a repeat is in store for this year's season. Along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, Jackson believes that the male contestants have a chance at walking away with the title for the second year in a row.

"I said it before them, and you can quote me. I was the first to say that," he said. "I just think for some reason this year . . . the boys are just on a whole 'nother level. I mean, there are some great girls as well. But we'll see who goes through the ranks, because there's a lot more show to go before we get to the end."

Jackson also addressed the issue on the minds of many Idol fans – why the judges chose to keep Tatiana Del Toro and Norman Gentle around for so long. Fans were not amused by Del Toro's strange laughter and Gentle's comedy act, thinking that producers had possibly chosen to keep them around to boost ratings.

"[Nick's] a bit of a comedian, but when he puts his mind to it, he's actually a really good singer; he's actually got a voice there," said Jackson, defending their choice.

As for Del Toro, Jackson added, "I know that there's a voice there somewhere, too. And also, you know, what's interesting always to us is you go, 'Who can I remember out of seeing, you know, 100,000 people?'"

The judge didn't give any further details on another source of controversy - the disqualification of contestant Joanna Pacitti, saying, "I don't really, really know all the details about it. I think it's just one of those unfortunate things that happens sometimes."

Idol experienced a change this season with the introduction of fourth judge Kara DioGuardi, and producers have planned even more changes for the remainder of the season.

"We're gonna tweak the genres a little bit. We're gonna tweak the mentor thing a little bit. These are changes that are gonna enhance what the viewer sees at home," Jackson said. "It's not really to take away from it. We're just trying to mix it up a little bit. It's not like we're not happy with the success, and blessed with the success of the show, because we truly are."