MUMBAI: Star World is all set to premiere yet another season of the hit reality show American Idol every Wednesday at 8 pm starting 16 January.

Once again, Ryan Seacrest will host the show, and Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson will judge the wannabe warblers, deluded divas and off-key performers to find the next singing superstar.
As per an official release, around 35 million US viewers tuned in last year to see 17-year-old Jordin Sparks becoming the winner of the sixth season of the American Idol.As a new initiative, contestants can now show off more than just their vocal prowess. If they play an instrument, they will also get to flaunt that talent. "We knew Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood (participants from season six) could play the guitar but we really couldn't show it," says executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. "If (the contestants) can play an instrument, we want to be able to see that this year."

Following the success of 2007's Idol Gives Back, which raised $75 million for various charities that deliver support to the underprivileged, providing them with medical care, food, literacy programmes and groceries, a same two-hour fund-raiser will be telecast this April.

Since its debut in 2002, American Idol has produced winners like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood who have become Grammy-winning pop sensations. The show also launched the careers of award-winning artists such as Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.