‘American Idol’ season 12 promo: Is Nicki Minaj kick-starting the next Casey James?

When Casey James first auditioned for “American Idol,” he probably never imagined that he would have to spend much of the rest of the season trying to convince the world that he was more than just a good-looking guy who took his shirt off.

So is a contestant for the show’s upcoming 12th season going to be feeling the same way? We’re betting so, at least based on the latest promo that Fox has released for the show. There is not too much in the way of actual singing talent shown off here, but Nicki Minaj does instruct one male contestant to, like Kara DioGuardi and Victoria Beckham did with Casey a few years ago. The man obliges, and Nicki gives him a yes without even hearing him sing.

What we liked about this promo is rather simple: it reminds us, especially after the overly loud spectacle that was “The X Factor” this season, just what the original singing competition here in America does so well. The auditions are intimate, and you don’t have some enormous crowd making the singers feel like they are at a greater point of celebrity than they really are at that very moment. We like how this show in particular builds the stars up slowly so that they are one day ready to sing in front of thousands of people, rather than throwing them out there with backup dancers, singers, and crazy lights going all over the place. Plus, Keith Urban seems like he may end up being the true star of the panel.

What do you think about this promo for the show? Be sure to share your thoughts below! If you want to hear some more news courtesy of Phillip Phillips and Fantasia, be sure to head on over to the link here.

Photo: Fox