American Idol

The audience for "American Idol" dropped by some 18 percent to 21.6 million viewers when the TV singing contest returned for its 11th season, according to early ratings figures on Thursday.

If there was ever any doubt, it's gone now. Jennifer Lopez will be back at the judge's panel for the 11th season of "American Idol."

Clad in gold pants and a silver-fringed halter top, Jennifer Lopez slinked across the glaring American Idol stage recently, crooning the lyrics to her hit single On the Floor as millions of people tuned in at home.

Thanks to charismatic rocker James Durbin, American Idol nights have become an excuse to play dress-up in the Brentwood, California home of Brandon DeVincenzi.

Season 10 and American Idol finally brought in a couple of pros.

"Piers Makes Enemy of Madonna."

That's the newspaper headline pinned above Piers Morgan's desk

A source close to Steven Tyler says the Aerosmith frontman told the source he will be a judge on Fox's "American Idol" next season.

The next "American Idol" may not be able to drive a car.

Lee DeWyze, a paint store clerk who overcame his shyness to impress "American Idol" judges and viewers with his spirit and soulful voice, triumphed tonight over bluesy musician Crystal Bowersox in the contest's ninth season.

As Dunedin winds inexorably into winter, we move closer to the warmth of our television screens, and nothing turns up the heat more than the white-hot excitement of American Idol.