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Surprise! Randy Jackson Says This Year's Idol Contestants Can Actually Sing!
Tuesday January 15, 2008

Randy Jackson
Randy Jackson arrives at the 2007 Angel Ball sponsored by LEVIEV to benefit the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research in New York on October 29, 2007.
Scott Wintrow/Getty Images
American Idol Extra

Ahead of tonight's premiere, Randy Jackson talked to Usmagazine.com about what to expect from the seventh season of American Idol.

"I must say that season seven is probably the most original cast we’ve had," Jackson told Us when we caught up with him in New York City during auditions for his new dance series Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew, premiering February 7 on MTV. "There are kids that don’t sound like sort of copies of everyone else, so it’s interesting. The under-21 crowd is definitely, definitely good."

Contestants in the early rounds are allowed to play instruments in their auditions – as long as they can sing, too. "It’s very cool and very different," Jackson said.

The Idol judge – who is also working on a new album featuring Paula Abdul and Mariah Carey also told Us that the brother of previous champ Fantasia Barrino auditioned this season.

As for a much-anticipated Beatles-themed night, Jackson explained, "We always wanted to [have one], but it’s hard to clear some of these songs... But I love the Beatles! I wish McCartney would come on the show, c'mon now, man!"

Where are past Idol contestants? Click here to find out.

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