MUMBAI: Star World is set to launch the eighth edition of the popular music reality show American Idol. The show will hit the screens from 15 January and will be aired every Wednesday at 11 pm.
For the new season, Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi will be joining the jury table as the fourth judge. The other three judges will be Simon Cowell, pop singer and choreographer Paula Abdul and record producer and music manager Randy Jackson. Ryan Seacrest will continue as host for the show.
Cowell said, We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table. She is smart, sassy lady and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show….
The new edition will see some new changes in the format. The Hollywood stage will change as 36 contestants (previously 24) will now go forward to the semi-final stage. They will be divided into three groups of 12 members each.
Additionally, the latest season will also see the return of the wildcard.
American Idol, which is known for producing global pop sensations like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks, has seen the format spreading across other nations as well – including Indian Idol.