The Return of American Idol

On January 13th American Idol returns with the often hilarious tryouts of Season 8. There are plenty of changes to keep things fresh this time around... For instance, this season there will be a Top 36 instead of a Top 24. There will be a "wildcard" round in which the judges can give good performers a free pass to advance. The Top 36 will not be limited to themes (like Disco Songs or Rod Stewart songs), and instead will be able to choose any song that has been a Billboard Top 10 hit. After reducing the field to only 12 contestants, themes will reportedly return to the show.

As we've done in the past, we've created a poll for you to pick your favorite American Idol winner from the past. Kelly Clarkson has won the last two polls, but Carrie Underwood has gained a lot of popularity since the last poll began. Vote in the poll here.

- THO Polls
.