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, 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? Stay tuned!

American Idol Season 9 Spoilers & Rumors

This time round, changes to the format in Season 9 include lots more guest hosts making surprise appearances each week.

So far, news and rumors abound that Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, former Idol Kelly Clarkson, and Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers will be judging the initial auditions that have already been filmed last summer.

Season 9 auditions are the true beginning of the new season, leading up to the big December 7, 2009 premiere. Through grueling auditions in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Orlando and Denver - a handful of lucky contestants will again be headed to Hollywood where they will compete to make the Top 100, then the Top 36, followed by the Top 24 and 12, Top 8... and on to the big finale.

Meanwhile, 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.

also in Reality TV-> Dancing With The Stars

So You Think You Can Dance