AMERICAN IDOL Returns Tonight…Are You Ready?!

I’m not even going to pretend to not be super stoked about tonight’s return of AMERICAN IDOL. I’m giddy with excitement. I can’t wait to see and hear the talent of AMERICAN IDOL Season 8. Last year I was a David Cook fan from the very beginning. Will someone capture my attention early on this year?

As most of you know, I’m not a huge fan of these early audition episodes. Well I should say I’m not a fan of the freak show aspect of it. But it doesn’t mean I won’t watch. I will. And I’m sure I will find them amusing. But I’m all about hearing from the standouts and seeing just who will be making it through to Hollywood.

I thought this might be a good time to talk AMERICAN IDOL logistics. When will the audition process end? When will we see Hollywood week? More importantly when do WE start voting? Here’s the info you need to know.

The Auditions…
The eighth season kicks off with three weeks of audition episodes, featuring tryouts held in East Rutherford, NJ; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; Phoenix, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; San Francisco, CA; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. After the two-night premiere, auditions will continue for two weeks on Tuesday, Jan. 20 and Wednesday, Jan. 21; and Tuesday, Jan. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 28. The final audition episode will air Thursday, Jan. 29.

Welcome to Hollywood…
The lucky auditioners who get the judges’ approval then move on to the “Hollywood Round” where contestants vie for a semifinalist position during the grueling next phase of the auditions. The “Hollywood Round” episodes air: Tuesday, Feb. 3; Wednesday, Feb. 4; and Tuesday, Feb. 10 . On Wednesday, Feb. 11, dreams come true for three dozen hopefuls, as Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara announce the Top 36 semifinalists.

Remember it’s an 866# and not an 800#…
It will then be up to America to decide who moves forward in the competition. For three consecutive Tuesdays including: Feb. 17, Feb. 24 and March 3, 12 different semifinalists will perform each night in the hopes of moving on to the Top 12. Each week during the LIVE results shows airing Wednesdays, the three finalists with the highest number of America’s votes will secure coveted spots in the Top 12.

The Wild Card Round…
On Thursday, March 5, AMERICAN IDOL presents a special “Wild Card” episode featuring the judges favorite remaining contestants. After each of the contestants perform, the judges will select the three final contestants who will round out the Top 12. Let’s not forget that it was Clay Aiken who was the viewer’s choice in the Wold Card round back in the day.

The Top 12
The Top 12 finalists take the stage for the first time together Tuesday, March 10th. And then it’s on like Donkey Kong.

Here’s a few promo vids to get you excited for tonight…

Anyone else as excited as I am?