MAIN Pop Culture Reality TV American Idol 9

Are you itching for the American Idol 9th season to really get started?

Last season, we had to get through the world shattering news that Kara DioGuardi has been added as a fourth judge to the panel for Season 8, and what that may have meant for the future of the show. Well, this season we found out!

As we predicted, DioGuardi was just waiting in the wings to take over the role from Paula Abdul, whose antics we suspected were wearing very thin on producers. (For fans, not so! She will be missed. However, talks are already underway to lure her over to Dancing with the Stars. Take that, FOX.)

American Idol Season 9 Rumors & Gossip

Along with the sudden - and very unexpected! - announcement that comedian and top talk show host Ellen DeGeneres would be taking over Paula's spot in the 9th season, what else can happen?

Well, before the season even kicked up, news was already buzzing that American Idol judge Simon Cowell will be quitting American Idol when his contract ends in 2010. Cowell, who is also the executive producer of "America's Got Talent", has in the past hinted at being bored with his role as the talent judge. So he is packing his bags after the Season 9 finale in May.

Is this the end of Idol? As Simon would say, not quite — as his rumored replacement in shock jock Howard Stern almost guarantees a tabloid headline-a-week to keep audiences returning next season. Stay tuned!

This season promised lots more guest hosts making surprise appearances each week.

News and rumors abounding that Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, former Idol Kelly Clarkson, and Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers would be judging the initial auditions have so far come true.

The new season kicked off on January 12, 2010 with a two-night, four-hour premiere on FOX featuring auditions in Boston and Atlanta.

With additional casting calls in Chicago, Orlando, Dallas, Los Angeles and Denver - a handful of lucky contestants will again be headed to Hollywood where they will compete to make the Top 100, followed by the Top 24 and 12 ... and on to the big finale.

Top 11

This time round, the format reverts back from 36 contestants featured last season — to the traditional 12 male and 12 female semifinalists which were announced on February 17 with voting commencing on February 23, 2010.

Only weeks into the new season, some of the names of contestants who made it into the Top 24 were leaked on to the Web, a list that almost exactly matched the official list, below - except for Chris Golightly - who was deemed inelgible at the last moment due to a former record contract that Golightly failed to disclose (Chris was replaced by Tim Urban).

Here they are:

Eliminations Week 4 - Who Went Home?

The Idol interpretation of the Rolling Stone's greatest hits reaffirmed that this may yet be American Idol's worst crop of performers yet. Thank heavens for the female contingent, because the guys aren't doing anything to consistently impress. That said, it was Lacey Brown who got the boot this week following a shrill performance of the Stone's classic, Ruby Tuesday.

Keep it right here for more of the latest spoilers on possible Season 9 contestants including photos, video clips, and a survey of buzz, gossip and rumors surrounding one of reality TV's greatest hits ...

More about American Idol Season 9 around the Web:

American Idol - The official site at FOX featuring the latest news, background profiles on judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Karen DioGuardi and host Ryan Seacrest, how-to's on voting, auditions, show recaps, trivia and downloads, online games, forum and American Idol Club info, ticket availability, FAQ, and behind-the-scenes pictures and video clips.

Yahoo! Full News Coverage - American Idol - The latest breaking news and pictures from major news organizations around the Web, plus related links and a Yahoo! TV American Idol profile with an extensive contestant photo gallery, show history and info on upcoming episodes.

American Idol - Who will be the next American Idol? - A top blog and unofficial fan site offering the latest news, rumors and gossip, vital stats on contestants and regularly updated popularity checker.

American Idol - Wikipedia - From the online encyclopedia, with how it all works including the audition, the final 12, show spinoffs, a list of guest judges, synopses from seasons past, recent updates and related resources.

Television Without Pity - American Idol - The show viewed from another angle, with merciless and sometimes hilarious updates and reviews, background info on contestants, FAQ.

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