The Search for the Next American Idol Begins: Season 8 Has Begun

American Idol is back again. Season 8 kicked off with auditions in Phoenix, Arizona on January 13, 2009. As expected, the talented, or lack thereof at times, is nothing short of entertaining. American Idol, as usual, has begun there season with the highlights from auditions across the country. This time; however, contestants encountered a new twist to the competition - a fourth judge!

The addition to the panel of judges is no other than Kara DioGuardi. She is an award-winning song-writer and will add her expertise to that of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul. My first question was how ties would be decided. This was quickly answered when a contestant was sent to Hollywood with only two out of four "yeses". Simon Cowell is the final say. Apparently, he will act as the fifth judge should ties occur.

Kara DioGuardi seems to be a nice mix between Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. She can be nice, but she's also very serious and doesn't mind saying whether an audition was up to par or not. She became part of the family as contestants talked back, Simon refused to say her name correctly, and she was forced to make or break the dreams of hundreds of American Idol hopefuls.

So far, a new judge is the only new twist for Season 8. However, as with Season 7, fans may be in for a treat as the show moves from the audition faze to Hollywood. In Season 7, contestants were allowed to play instruments while they performed. There was quite a bit of controversy. Some contestants actually hurt their performances, while others shone. Regardless, it wasn't a requirement for contestants and made the show a bit more entertaining than past seasons.

As always, the auditions were full of people sure they were the next American Idol, but didn't come close to having the talent required to nab the golden ticket to Hollywood. Since the auditions have become just as popular as the show itself, people have gone to extreme lengths to at least make the audition blooper reel. Whether some people do this on purpose or not, no one really knows.

Ryan Seacrest was there with anxious family and friends as hopefuls auditioned. For some, he served as their only cheerleader, as family and friends couldn't come. For others, he became the sounding board as dreams were crushed. Fans are looking forward to hearing the wordplay between him and Simon for yet another season of American Idol.

The main highlight from the Phoenix auditions was a blind singer. Scott Macintyre was not only the first blind singer to ever audition for American Idol, he also wowed the judges. The only concern is that he may not be judged on his talent alone once the competition actually begins. Fans will remember how sympathy votes have caused the wrong contestant to be voted off. Remember Chris Daughtry?

The next American Idol for Season 8 has yet to be chosen. Where will they come from? Will they be male or female? How will the new judge handle the stress of the competition? All that and more to be revealed as the new season of American Idol takes America by storm.