I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for tonight to start watching American Idol again.  I am addicted somehow to this show.  I say I won’t go so crazy and insist on watching all the shows, but somehow I do.

AMERICAN IDOL is set to return with a two-night, four-hour premiere event featuring extraordinary talent and outrageous new auditions Tuesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 14 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

This year there is a Wild Card episode as well where featuring the judges favorite remaining contestants. After each of the contestants perform, the judges will select the three final contestants who will round out the Top 12.

The competition heats up as those Top 12 finalists take the stage for the first time together Tuesday, March 10 . Immediately following, America has another chance to share its voice and vote for their favorite finalists.

So bring it on, I’m ready for another season.

With waiting anticipation for the 8th season to start in January, News of a 4th judge has been announced.How will the dynamics of the judges be affected, just when we have it down on how we expect each judge to vote, to respond, now another is being added.  Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi is joining American Idol as a judge.

Read the people article for yourself.

DioGaurdi is certainly qualified for the job, having written songs for artists as diverse as Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink. Even Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have released DioGuardi’s songs.

And at least one executive at FOX, Mike Darnell, the network’s president of alternative programming, believes that original female judge Paula Abdul deserves some companionship.

“For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table,” Darnell said in a statement. “With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”