MAIN Pop Culture Reality TV American Idol 8

Were you itching for the American Idol 8th season to really get started?

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 this may mean for the future of the show.

DioGuardi is younger than the three other judges and could be a move to bring in a younger audience. Adding Kara to the mix increases the girl power and will hopefully balance some of the harsher comments that have reduced finalists to tears in recent seasons.

American Idol 8 format changes

Season 8 auditions were in full swing this summer as the show geared up for the January 13, 2009 premiere.

This season, changes to the format in Season 8 with included fewer auditions and more Hollywood rounds, along with the return of the "wild card" giving eliminated contestants a second chance to come back into the final.

And, we didn't expect a feel-good "Idol Gives Back" episode this year as even American Idol proved it wasn't immune to hard times.

Meanwhile, through grueling auditions in New York, San Juan, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Louisville, and Phoenix - 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.

American Idol Spoilers & Rumors

As the season began, there was lots more buzz, gossip and rumors going on as millions of fans stay glued throughout the season as real people compete for a real shot at super stardom.

Who eveybody thought would win: All season long everyone wondered if we could just name Adam Lambert the winner and be done with it. Unless this season's 'it" boy hit a serious slump, or came down with a weeks-long fit of laryngitis, best bets were on Adam to take the title.

So who won?

Then the BIG SURPRISE as Kris Allen came from underdog position to take the title of American Idol 2009! Congrats Kris!

See you next season, when it happens all over again as a new American Idol competition starts in January 2010. Meanwhile, around the Web check out the more of the latest contestant profiles and photos, video clips, and more buzz, gossip and rumors surrounding one of reality TV's greatest hits ...

More about American Idol Season 8 around the Web:

American Idol - The official site at FOX featuring the latest news, background profiles on judges Paula Abdul, 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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