American Idol: Season 9 Kicks Off

As American Idol gears up to launch its ninth season, it begs the question: will it live up to past seasons? Sure, the glory days of Idol have long since passed-- days when its ratings rivaled that of the Oscars and the World Series...on a weekly basis-- but to say it has lost its mojo is debatable. Last season introduced a new judge, showcased the most talented top five since season 4, gave us the most polarizing contestant in its eight season history (sorry, Sanjaya) aptly nicknamed 'Glambert,' and concluded with arguably the biggest upset in Idol history, making for some great television.

With that said, the show has also recieved an onset of backlash over the past few seasons, and although the votes are still churning in by the billions and trillions, record sales for Idol alum aren't reaching the platinum statuses they used to. Reigning champ, Kris Allen, for instance, has seen tepid numbers with his self-titled debut (although, his first single has recently seen new chart life and has so far climbed to #30, more than Glambert can say). Aside from Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, most winners of American Idol have failed to make much of an impression on the music biz.

Season 9 proves to be an equally interesting season; with Paula out and Ellen in, it could make for some much needed humor and charm on the show. Ellen may not being a musician, but who are we kidding? Paula Abdul isn't either.

Only time will tell whether American Idol can maintain its firm grip on the hearts (and remotes) of America and if it can re-secure its position as the most powerful show on television. With 7 Grammys, 1 Oscar, and over 27 million records sold, the show has all but proven it can discover talent. The question standing, however, is "Can it continue to do so?" Tune in Tuesday and Wednesday nights from now until the end of May and see for yourselves.

Songwriter Kara DioGuardi To Be Fourth American Idol Judge

She's written for or co-written with Santana, Jewel, Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, David Archuleta, Christina Aguilera, Celion Dion, Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls, Avril Lavigne, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Jonas Brothers, Kylie Minogue, Gwen Stefani, Enrique Iglesias, Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin, Backstreet Boys, Faith Hill, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, Bo Bice, Lindsay Lohan, and Clay Aiken just to name a few. Now, Kara DioGuardi is set to be the fourth judge on American Idol.

Although Idol remains the top show on television, ratings are starting to slip from the average 30 million viewers a week to a mere 27 million (oh no!). Adding a new judge, especially a female judge, could create enough buzz to give the show the boost it needs. Does this mean Paula Abdul is on her way out? "We had originally intended for 'American Idol' to have four judges," says executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "We've seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and viewers."

Having another female judge will probably just make the show nicer, and a lot more boring. Mike Darnell of Fox commented, "For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table. She's been an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon ... with Kara by her side, Paula final has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more girl power on the show." Great, now Paula has someone to agree with her besides the audience when she picks out obscure things to compliment after a rough performance. The two are bound to be buddy-buddy; after all, they go way back. DioGuardi and Abdul co-wrote "Spinning Around", a hit for Kylie Minogue in 2000.

www.karadioguardi.com

iTunes Watch

So American Idol jumped on the digital music bandwagon this season by announcing that each nights' performances will be available for purchase on iTunes. Dredlocked singer Jason Castro was the first to make waves when his rendition of "Hallelujah" climbed to #2 on the iTunes charts. I'm not for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's higher than anything Jordin Sparks has put out yet. I'm not counting on a Castro victory this season though. The high chart placing is definatley based on the song and not the artist. I guess the folks at iTunes realized this and swapped Castro's cover with the Jeff Buckley original which now sits at #1.

That's power right there ladies and gentlemen. American Idol has catipulted a 14 year old song to the top of digital downloads for if only for a few days until Usher shoulders his way back. If you don't believe me, check top music videos. Paula Abdul's comeback, "Dance Like There's No Tommorow" is at #1. American Idol has catipulted a pop star who hasn't released an album since 1995 to the top of digital downloads if only for a few days until ..."Thriller" shoulders its way back. Hmm...Thrillers like 25 years old...and as of right now has nothing to do with American Idol. Well, don't mess with American Idol or Michael Jackson.