Star World marks 8th year with American Idol

MANILA, Philippines - Star World is bringing the top US reality entertainment show, American Idol, once again to millions of viewers in Asia and beyond for the eighth year in a row, making the pay TV channel the true home for idols as well as the show’s legions of fans. Star World is committed to delivering every exciting moment of American Idol Season 12 to scores of viewers in Southeast Asia, India, Taiwan and the Middle East so that they get the latest performances, updates and scoops straight from their homes as soon as they happen.

Huge, fantastic changes are happening to AI in its 12th season, the biggest of which is a new roster of celebrity judges of unprecedented international stardom. Joining Randy Jackson, whose presence has fueled the show since its first season, are Keith Urban, husband to Nicole Kidman; Nicki Minaj, whose hits Super Bass and Starships have inundated global airwaves in recent years; and Mariah Carey, who has been enthralling audiences with her vocal prowess over a musical career that has spanned more than 20 years. Together, these four judges have enough star power and experience in the music industry to select the best AI hopefuls to vie for the coveted title as well as give meaningful and insightful comments to help them along their journey. Fans will be happy to know that Emmy-nominated host Ryan Seacrest is returning to the show to guide viewers through another exciting season of amazing musical performances.

With such larger-than-life personalities on the judging panel, expect some fireworks to happen on the show as egos clash and flare. One thing most Idol fans that have kept up-to-date with the pre-season activity of AI want to see most this year is how the purported feud between judges Mariah and Nicki has played out. Late in 2012, during preliminary auditions, it was reported that Mariah and Nicki had a disagreement, with Nicki referring to the fight on her Twitter account. Both stars, however, are pleased to be part of the show, with Mariah saying that she’s proud to be on a show that has produced massive stars and Nicki eager to be part of American Idol’s big family. Ryan assures AI fans that there won’t be a dull moment between the two judges this season, and even if things between them may get intense, their presence together on the panel is something the show’s producers are excited about.

Some new twists have been made to the audition process to stir things up a bit for AI hopefuls. The first is the American Idol Small Town Audition Bus Tour, which will bring the auditions to 10 small towns in America for those who can’t make it to the auditions in the big cities. Another type of audition is the Nominate an Idol program, where friends and family members can secretly nominate someone by filling up an online form and submitting an existing video of the person singing solo and a capella. A film crew will turn up on location to surprise the chosen nominee and give them a chance to advance to the next round. Online auditions were also held for the show in late 2012. With these new ways to get onto the show, AI fans can anticipate an even wider demographic of performers to be showcased.

 AI Season 12 premieres tonight at 6 with replays at 8 and 11.