American Idol

The American dream

2009 promises to be the biggest season yet of the world’s biggest talent show, American Idol.

Last year David Cook won the competition with nearly 100 million votes. And now, in its eighth year, the show has been searching the US to find the next American Idol.

Judge extraordinaire Simon Cowell heads up the panel along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. And joining the show this year is Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge. Kara is a Grammy-nominated songwriter who has a number of hit tracks to her name.

Her songs have been recorded by award-winning artists including Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana and Pink.

According to Simon: “She has experience, she’s written hit songs, she has an opinion, she talks a lot and is well qualified.”

What more could we ask for?

With Kara by her side, Paula has some back-up and there’ll be a lot more "girl power" on the show.

Meanwhile, Ryan Seacrest will be on hand to assume his duties as host and making sure the judges are kept in check.

So tune in and watch the drama unfold on ITV2.