AMERICAN IDOL, the most anticipated show of the year, returns for an eighth season in January. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the runaway hit series empowers viewers to discover America’s next solo singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the coveted title. Last season, AMERICAN IDOL was the nation’s No. 1 television series. 
Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom and a chance to be the next American Idol. The show’s judges – Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson – winnow down the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who sing their hearts out each week for the studio audience and the television viewers. The judges have their say after every performance, but it’s the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of the competition and who will go home. Voting via telephone and text messaging begins immediately after each performance show, and the results are announced during the following night’s broadcast. 
Eventually the competition is narrowed down to two finalists who compete for a major recording contract and the American Idol title. Past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and recently crowned David Cook have already risen to the top of the recording industry.