I did watch the auditions in New York City when Adam Lambert substituted as a judge with JLo and Harry, and he was am excellent judge, btw, even tougher than the others.
They also had a lot of talented people go through to Hollywood week out of the NY auditions. I don't know who the top 24 end up being (did not watch the first week at all) but I am given the impression that the judges are doing a much better job of having the people with some potential and talent get to Hollywood week and not try to weed out those who might beat out a producer favorite (something Simon and Company were infamous for, especially in the early seasons.)