Iovine face time on Idol

THERE IS AN “I” IN IDOL: The insightfulness and tough love of main mentor Jimmy Iovine provided a sharp and refreshing contrast to the overall sunniness of this season’s panel of judges on Wednesday night’s episode of American Idol, opines N.Y. Daily News TV critic David Hinckley. During the course of the show, according to Hinckley, the casually dressed Iovine was shown doing the following: 1. He advised Lauren Alaina to sing Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" in part because "There are a slew of Pia votes out there and this is how to get them. It sounds cold," said Iovine of the vote-grabbing strategy. "But you gotta think like that." So Lauren sang it and the judges loved it. "You don't have to steal anyone's votes," Jennifer Lopez cracked. 2. He advised Casey Abrams not to sing Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy," explaining "This show is a hurricane. If you go out there and whisper, no one will hear you." Abrams sang it anyway. The judges loved it. 3. He advised James Durbin not to sing "Call It Heavy Metal." Durbin sang it anyway. The judges loved it. (4/14a)