The newer, kinder, softer American Idol leaves me weeping every night I watch the revamped show. And in case you were wondering, no, you’re not mistaken: Newcomers Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and old dawg Randy Jackson sent a record 300+ Idol hopefuls through to the second round in Hollywood.

That number is so astoundingly large for this stage in the contest that it would leave Simon Cowell rolling over in his grave if he were dead.

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe admits that due to changed economic and social times since Idol‘s inception 10 years ago, Idol needed to put on a cheerier face this year. He told reporters on a conference call Thursday: “I believe these are times when we need to be warmer, brighter, and we need to think we have a future. If we can translate that into kids coming on this show from flipping burgers one day to ending up as the star of a television series, then we are showing everyone there is a way out of our lives.”

Lythgoe continued: “The judges this year have been particularly finicky and careful about giving people a second opportunity because they know everyone screws up with nerves.”

Some 22.8 million viewers tuned in to Wednesday’s episode, down from 24.1 million a week earlier, but the show is holding onto its status as the most-watched show on U.S. television.

“We have held up brilliantly considering we are in the 10th season and we have lost two stars in Paula [Abdul] and Simon. We are in a very good place,” Lythgoe said.