Big changes are coming to American Idol for Season 8!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- "American Idol" is coming back in January for its eighth season, but the show is bringing some changes with it.

In a memo from FOX Network Program Executive Council, leaked on the Internet and published on mjsbigblog.com, "Idol" is expanding.

For starters, the month-long period where "Idol" usually features the best and

It's worth noting that the first time I heard Carrie Underwood sing on American Idol season 4, I said, "She has already won the competition." Simon would have been proud of me for spoting the best talent in the competition!  After seeing her bikibi shots, you could say that I clearly have an 'eye' for talent; I am sure Simon would agree. :)

Well, our

American Idol judge earns more than David Letterman.

Simon Cowell made a whopping £25million last year - making him the highest paid star on US television.

The acid-tongued 48-year-old even beat chat show host David Letterman, 61, who earns £16million.

America Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest, 33, came in third, raking in £14.5million, according to TV

 American Idol Clay Aiken Just Became a Father!

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken, who has gone onto a singing career, said his "dear friend," music producer Jaymes Foster, gave birth on Friday to a son fathered by Aiken.

Aiken, 29, wrote on his Web site that his child, named Parker Foster Aiken, was born at a hospital in North Carolina.

"My dear friend, Jaymes, and

American Idol Loses a Mastermind: Nigel Lythgoe

By Natalie Finn Tue Aug 5, 3:36 AM PDT

Nigel Lythgoe is striking before the iron cools off.

The American Idol executive producer, who flashes his extremely pearly whites in front of the camera as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, announced he's leaving the über-successful singing competition, which is heading into its eighth season on a ratings

 

'American Idol' winner Ruben Studdard Weds!

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former "American Idol" Ruben Studdard has married Surata Zuri McCants at a church in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama.

But there was no singing during the 30-minute ceremony - just an exchange of vows, prayers and music provided by a string ensemble.

The groom, nicknamed the "Velvet Teddy Bear" on "Idol" for his big frame and sonorous