American Idol

The three judges are amiable, upbeat and gentle. They’re also incapable of criticism, either constructive or harsh. ... It’s a soft down pillow, a gentle bromide for turbulent times. Ageless, old-fashioned, congenial, reassuring.

After watching that first episode, we can tell you that it’s a solid return, and definitely stronger than its last few seasons. A good part of that is the chemistry of the new judges--pop star Katy Perry, country singer Luke Bryan and Mr. “All Night Long” himself, Lionel Richie--with the contestants who walk into the room to audition and with each other.

It’s a kinder, gentler show that, at least in the first two-hour episode, jettisons Simon Cowell–style cutting commentary and more fully embraces positivity and uplift. Call it American Idol Disney, or The Voice: Wish Upon a Star Edition. ... The new Idol often may make you want to gag even while it’s coaxing tears out of your ducts.

Neither an endorsement nor an indictment, but this reboot so aggressively plays down the middle that it doesn’t seem to be seeking one either way.

The new version is really just the old version, but a little sappier, a little more Disney-fied, a little more Americana-obsessed, and it's all, well, fine. It's not particularly good or particularly bad. It's just familiar. And familiar may be enough, depending on what you're looking for. But it's not special.

“I Kissed a Girl” pop star Katy Perry, country superstar Luke Bryan and music legend Lionel Richie form a panel that doesn’t so much practice tough love as dole out “Chicken Soup for the Soul” critiques.