Judges Table (img: Michael Becker/FOX)

Celeb sightings in Aspen are pretty ubiquitous and today was no different. We caught up with judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, and host Ryan Seacrest – idols in their own right – on their lunch break during American Idol auditions.

The American Idol production crew chose our favorite mountain town to trim the pool of Season 11 hopefuls for a two-day “Judge’s Round” at the Aspen Meadows Resort. And it’s not the first time Idol has invaded Colorado. Earlier this year, Idol completed an open call audition at Sports Authority Field at Mile High and only those who made the cut were invited to Aspen.

The Idol stars love Aspen as much as we do and Jackson marveled at the view behind their infamous table. “Look at this view man…it must be the sun, snow, rain in one day, but I’m impressed.” One complaint was his “altitude rash” – shared with us in true Seacrest form before Jackson came out of the make-up chair.

The altitude also has also taken its toll on the contestants. “I can see that it’s affecting them. They have been having trouble with the higher notes and having a hard time catching their breath,” Lopez said. Despite the minor troubles at 8,000 feet – the judges are excited about the talent they’ve seen here. Tyler was obviously happy to see “a couple of hippie chicks” come through the doors and saw star quality in a few faces before they even sang. But just being able to sing isn’t enough to wow the judges. Lopez said that she can immediately tell the performers from just the singers. “You can’t teach someone to be a star, they’ve got to have that natural instinct.”

Overall, 60 contestants faced their fate before the judges each day and out of that, only about 25 will hear the words, “You’re going to Hollywood!” Until then, Seacrest and Jackson are planning to enjoy their newly invented sport of “land skiing” and finishing up their last round of auditions with the rest of the Idol crew in San Diego.

Season 11 of American Idol debuts Sunday, January 22 on FOX.

And for you fashionistas planning that killer outfit for the upcoming Denver Fashion Weekend (October 13-15) – take a few style ques from the always-fabulous J.Lo and dapper “Dawg” Randy Jackson.

On Lopez
Shoes: Christian Louboutin, available at Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek

Top: Stella McCartney

Shorts: Tibi, available at Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek

On Jackson
Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

Top: Michael Kors, available at Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek

Necklace: Nialaya

Watch: Jacob & Co.


Video courtesy of Aspen Magazine