Season Eight (eight!!) of American Idol got started this week in the States, with the UK as usual running a couple of days behind. So we revved up our coverage last night and for the time being at least, we'll be having two shows a week. Thursdays from 8-10pm and Fridays from 9-11pm. So what's new? And, perhaps more importantly, what's not?

The good news is that this year Idol is trying to accentuate the positive. So there'll be less coverage of deluded wannabes who haven't a hope in hell of a singing career because... er... they can't sing.

That'll be bad news for some people, since this is the only reason they watch the show, but hey. The producers have decided it's a talent contest, so let's see some talent. And anyway, there's enough doom and gloom in the world right now without listening to squealing, grinding, off-key twits banging on about how this is the only thing they have in their lives. No, this year is all about inspiration. Simon has finally completed his task of transferring the X Factor sob story over the Atlantic, only naturally with the American version it's got to be bigger and better and more, well, sobby.

Don't get too worried though. There might be fewer bum singers, but that doesn't mean none. We still had a fair crop of "unusual" acts last night and I'm sure we'll see more tonight.

But the big news of the year, at least, judging by the amount of air time devoted to her and the vexed question of how to pronounce her name, the Idol people think it's big news, is the arrival of a FOURTH judge! Yes! Imagine my excitement. Now Idol looks even more like X Factor. It's a conspiracy. So who's this new judge? Well, if you read Paul's note from Wednesday you'll know it's Kara DioGuardi.

Amazingly, it's not the DioGuardi part that all the kerfuffle was about, but the right way to say Kara. Naturally, all the Americans say Kara. But Simon, being British, says Kara. Which is right? You decide. But I think Kara prefers Kara. Whatever the answer, I think it's her last name that'll give people the most trouble, and she's destined to be referred to as "thingummy" or, "you know, the new one" for a while.

So is she any good? Well, she comes with pretty impressive credentials - as a songwriter and producer - but I'll reserve judgement on her as a judge until she's had chance to calm down. At the moment she's trying too hard to impress, which leads to unfortunate footage of her trying to SHOW an auditionee how to sing, constantly singing along with them, and staring scarily into space whenever she talks to anyone, rather than making eye contact. All a bit disconcerting really.

I won't bore you with a blow-by-blow account of the auditions. Some were good, some weren't. Let's wait for Hollywood before we try to pick the bones out of the bunch. And bask in the excitement of Idol being back! Yay! Even though after seven complete series and now into its eighth, their website is looking a bit busy as it tries to squeeze in news of the new and of all its successful previous contestants and winners, AND provide interactive space for its many millions of fans. Guys. Revamp required. Nuff said.

Idol continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and on Wednesdays and Thursdays until further notice :o)