Looking for another Kelly ClarksonOnce again the reality TV show "American Idol" returns to plasma and lcd television screens around the globe. Much fanfare has been circulating around the media in respect to this season. Fans are wondering whether there will be another Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood waiting in the wings when the show airs tonight.

There has been the usual publicity that gains attention for the reality TV show, such as the gossip of sex and too much drinking by the energetic Paula Abdul.

Simon has been up to his usual tricks to drum up awareness, by trashing Bob Dylan and saying he would much rather listen to Ms. Clarkson than a poet singing.

Of course, many of you are now seasoned veteran fans of American Idol and have finally come to accept the fact that all of the amusing shenanigans of Paula and Simon are only meant to attract new people to the show and get people saying, when does American Idol come back on?

Last season, the hit tv show exceeded 30 million viewers when it got into the final rounds. There have been so called experts that have predicted that the show has peaked and will see a decline this year.

Even with a decline, the show only needs 17 to 20 million viewers to rank in the top 5. While a decline is possible, it most likely will not be as drastic as 33-45% of their audience.

The blockbuster show returns with a four-hour season debut from 8 to 10 tonight (January 16) and tomorrow night (January 17) on Fox.

This is similar to the setup Fox used for the hit show 24. It must be a new technique that Fox expects to help grasp audiences early on. Hopefully there is talent at Kelly's level to keep the show interesting through the final rounds. We all know the first few episodes always contain some of the funnier contestants to watch.