Expect the unexpected from new season of 'American Idol'

After 10 seasons of "American Idol," is it really possible to promise that season 11 will “deliver the most talented season of singers yet”?

Regardless, it appears that the juggernaut of reality shows will deliver a season of surprises.

Among the auditioners for this season's "Idol," which debuts Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Fox and continues Thursday at 7, is Johnny, a young, good-looking boy from Florida who works at an Italian restaurant but looks as if he should be displayed on the shopping bags at Hollister. As soon as he opens his mouth to sing, you’re expecting a Backstreet Boy but get a Jason Mraz/the Script hybrid — with way cooler runs. Johnny gets barely five seconds into his audition when Steven Tyler says, “Should we just vote right now? No, keep singing.”

Ten seconds later he’s interrupted again, this time by Jennifer Lopez. “What do you do again?”

“I work at an Italian restaurant,” Johnny says grinning.

“Keep singing!” Lopez shouts.

The next audition to throw viewers for a loop comes from someone who knew last season’s winner, Scotty McCreery, and even beat him out in a local talent competition. Once he starts singing, you’ll know why, although don’t let his 10-year-old-boy looks fool you. This kid’s actually a senior in high school nicknamed “Mr. Steal-a-Girl” for his amazing vocal ability to make the ladies swoon.

And then there’s Reid from Wisconsin, a quirky, goofy guy with a very interesting song choice.

“I’m here to sing for you guys. It’s happening, what? It’s actually happening!” Reid says as he shakes his head and psyches himself up for the audition of his life.

“What are you singing, man?” Randy Jackson asks as all three judges look down at their papers, seemingly embarrassed for the guy.

“The theme song to 'Family Matters'!” Reid replies confidently.

A theme song? An "Idol" first.

And then … magic. He starts scatting, snapping and tapping his feet, and pretty soon you’re moving right along with him to his cool jazzy vibe.

“You’re crazy!” Tyler exclaims, laughing. “That was genius!”

“A mark of a great performer is that you never know what they’re going to do, so you can’t take your eyes off them," Lopez says. "You have that."