American Idol Season 8. Episode 1.

Tonight the 8^th season of American Idol,on the Fox Network started. The show has added a fourth judge, Grammy-Nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi, she joins Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson to judge who has the vocal chops to make it to Hollywood and eventually in front of the viewers to be judged on who will be the next American Idol. The winner will join the ranks of the past seven American Idols. In case you have been living in a cave somewhere the past seven American Idol winners have been Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and David Cook.

The show stays wildly popular because of the great music talent that is discovered due to the show. There have been many contestants that did not win, that have gone on to have successful careers. Such as, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Pickler, Bucky Covington, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin and David Archuleta among many others.

Now we are on too the 8^th season. There were horrible tryouts and the vocal destructions of songs that American Idol has become known for sharing with the viewers during the tryout airings of the show and also many great voices tried out. All professing to be the best and wanting to be discovered as the next American Idol.

So as the season begins you can rest assured that we will all be discussing at work and at school, American Idol Season 8 and who will be the next American Idol. It's a much more enjoyable topic than discussing the horrible shape our economy is in or any of the other horrible things going on in the world today. We all need a light-hearted break from the news and music is a great distraction.

Tonight's episode started in Phoenix, Arizona the home of Season Five winner Jordin Sparks. Out of all the wanna-be American Idol's to audition for the show in Arizona twenty-seven made it through.

Below is my list of some of the most memorable from tonight's audition show.

1) Emily Hughes

Her mom was a singer she chose to be a mom not a singer . Emily is a singer in a girl all rock band. Her band going on tour in Europe but they didn't know she is trying out for American Idol. She made it through to Hollywood, so they know now.

2) Randy

Rock star looking dude but isn't in a band. He was all teary and wants someone to tell him he's great. Didn't look that the type to cry but he did. He sang "Living on a Prayer" Simon said he thought he was wimpy and he expected more. He cried said he wanted a chance Simon said he's coming over as a drama queen. Going home.

3) Ariana

16 year old founded "Adopt a Grand Friend" which is organization where teens entertain elderly and get to know the seniors. She sang "Put your Records on". Made it to Hollywood.

4) Elijah Scarlett

Very deep speaking and singing voice. Paula tells him he could be a voice over for monsters. Going home.

5) Lea Marie Golde

Has written 500 songs. Fan of the new judge Kara. I liked her thought she had potential. I'm not a judge though and they did not think so. Going home.

6) Stevie Wright

She was named after Stevie Nicks she sang "At Last" by Eta James. On to Hollywood. I thought she was the best of the night.

7) Michael Sarver

He is a oil rig worker he feels American Idol can make difference for his family and his future. On to Hollywood.

8) Katrina Darrell aka Bikini Girl.

She wore a bikini to get noticed and she got that. Her voice was just ok to me. She made it to Hollywood. But have to wonder if she would have with some clothes on.

9) Brianna Quijada

Sang "Lets Hear it for the boy" she called Simon, Simy they first told her she wasn't good she then sang "Killing me Softly" Paula and Simon put her through to give her chance. So on to Hollywood she goes. I think Lea Marie Golde should have been given the same chance but that is just my opinion.

10) Deanna Brown

She had no family with her. Simon asked why she thinks she hasn't gotten her break before. She said I haven't stepped into the right opportunity. She is on to Hollywood.

11) Cody Sheldon

Loves to make to horror movies. Did not think he would have a good voice. He was pretty good. Will have to hear more to be sure. Made it to Hollywood.

12) Scott McIntyre

He plays classic piano and is blind. He doesn't let his blindness stop him. He has skied with a friend and done ballroom dancing. He went to college at 14 and graduated at 19. Made it to Hollywood.

While I have not yet heard anyone who has grabbed my attention during the audition phase the way Taylor Hicks did in 2006. The season has just begun and I am hopeful in this season for some reason already. The past two seasons were very boring and I tuned out halfway through. I am hoping this year will capture my attention the way it did in seasons 5 and 6. But either way you can be sure that American Idol will be once again be a top show and millions will tune in for season 8 to help decide who will be the next American Idol.