Success—something familiar to eleven very talented people.  From Kelly Clarkson in season one to last year’s winner Philip Philips, Fox’s American Idol produces some of the most popular artists in the world.  Making dreams come true for many hardworking singers, American Idol has continued to be a top reality show for millions of viewers across America. This week, Season 12 of American Idol premiered, beginning the nation-wide search for the best undiscovered artists.

Audience members will see many new twists this season because of low ratings last year.  Over the past years, many judges have come and gone, and this year Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and the familiar Randy Jackson will join returning host Ryan Seacrest in the search for another winner. There is much doubt whether these judges will mesh well together and create another thriving season for the hit show. Already, a fight between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey was leaked to TMZ, adding to the suspicion that the judges will not work well together.

In order to find their winner this year, American Idol will travel to 7 different locations which include Los Angeles, San Antonio, Charlotte, Newark, Chicago, New Orleans, and Oklahoma City.

In attempt to freshen the process of auditioning, American Idol changed a few things.  They created a small town audition bus tour that gives people who were unable to attend the regular auditions a chance to try out.  Additionally, the show created a new program called “Nominate an Idol” which lets family and friends who think they know the next winner nominate a person by sending in a form along with a video of the person singing solo and acapella.  The crew will surprise the chosen artists and allow them to advance in the competition.  Lastly, they added  the option of online auditions for Season 12.

It will be interesting to see how the new judges, and audition processes will turn out as America will meet hundreds of talented singers when Season 12 kicks off January 16, 2013.