MAIN Pop Culture Reality TV American Idol 10

First, 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.

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.)

American Idol Season 10 Rumors & Gossip

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

Well, before the season even kicked off, news was already buzzing that American Idol judge Simon Cowell would be quitting American Idol when his contract ended 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 was packing his bags after the Season 9 finale in May.

Now with Season 10, news comes that Ellen is now quitting the show after a single season...

....followed by the rumored departure of Kara DioGuardi which is now considered a foregone conclusion!

Is this the end of Idol? Not quite. With all the fresh publicity about THREE judges to be replaced for Season 10, the American Idol PR machine keeps rolling along... with rumors about new American Idol judges flying fast and furiously - pointing to everyone from Shania Twain and Steven Tyler to Justin Timberlake or Elton John as likely candidates to take over new judging positions in 2011.

And here's a good one: Jennifer Lopez has already been bumped as a possible candidate over the summer due to the pop diva's unreasonable demands.

Meanwhile, watch for the new season to kick off in January 12, 2011 with a two-night, four-hour premiere on FOX.

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.

American Idol Season 9 recap ....

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 - 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).

And the Winner Is ....

The final appearances by Krystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze, who battled it out in this week's final Idol competition revealed most of the love going to Bowersox, who gave three powerhouse performances that dazzled the judges the night before the winner was announced.

The big 2-hour Wednesday finale - which was by turns drawn out, awkward, and at times downright bizarre - featured appearances by American Idol alumni Kelly Pickler, Carrie Underwood, and former judge Paul Abdul along with an emotional farewell to the departing Simon.

AND FINALLY THE BIG ANNOUNCENT CAME when LEE DEWYZE was named the newest American Idol who will enjoy an upcoming record deal, concert schedule, and a good shot at genuine stardom. Congrats! Meanwhile, keep glued for the summer tour schedule of American Idol Season 9 when Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban – will hit the road this summer on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010.

American Idol Season 9 TOP TEN 2010 summer tour schedule:

As Season 10 kicks off next year, keep it right here for more of the latest on 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 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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