WASHINGTON, January 16, 2013 —The star making machine known as American Idol returns tonight with the premiere episode of its 12th season. Unlike America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and The X factor, American Idol boasts a slew of winners who went on to become stars in their own right. Among these are Adam Lambert, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
American Idol alumni have sold more than 200 million records.
When compared with other talent shows, it is obvious which show makes dreams come true and which shows do not. Considering American Idol’s impressive track record, the show’s slogan this season makes perfect sense, “Everyone dreams, ‘Idol’ delivers.”
The show’s producers decided to invite conflict last year by choosing rapper Nicki Minaj as their newest judge, a move that may have attributed to a loss of 25 percent of its viewers. However, he who laughs last, laughs loudest and the diva sparks between Minaj and Mariah Carey are flying, caught on tape and shared with the world via the Internet. We can’t share that video here, but it can be seen on You Tube .
The TMZ video in question reveals Minaj’s “earthy” diatribe in Charlotte, N.C. during auditions. It’s already helped jump-start a movement to get rid of Minaj.
Notoriety sells better than fame these days, so the bizarre attire and urban demeanor of Minaj will serve the show well in maintaining its popularity. Only time will tell if she makes it past one season as a judge.
Meanwhile, viewers will love the passive-aggressive dance between Carey and Minaj, hoping that they’ll be there in front of the tube on the night the passive gives way to the aggressive. Besides, who doesn’t love a good cat fight?
Tonight’s viewing:
All times are EST:
8 p.m.
ABC: The Middle: (New) When Frankie and Mike dedicate a day to each of their children, Axl takes them to a paintball range, and Sue has them do 17 separate activities and Brick wants to go to a sci-fi convention.
CBS: NCIS: (Repeat) The team investigates when the body of a missing NCIS facilities manager, who disappeared the day the Navy Yard was bombed, is found. Meanwhile, psych evaluations are conducted; and Gibbs worries about Abby’s recurring nightmares.
FOX: American Idol: (New) Everyone’s favorite singing competition returns for its 12th season with auditions from New York/New Jersey. Oh, and that controversial video we mentioned? You mean you’re actually interested in seeing that video? OK, here it is, via TMZ (Note: Click through at your own risk of headache!):
NBC: Whitney: (Repeat) Alex speaks at his alma mater but accidentally falls off the stage, eliciting a less-than-sympathetic response from Whitney. Elsewhere, R.J. teaches Mark how to impress a lady.
CW: Arrow: (New) Oliver’s confidence is shaken after being beaten by the Dark Archer and he takes a break from being Arrow. However, when Laurel calls Arrow for help investigating a firefighter’s suspicious death, he reluctantly agrees but his hesitance while fighting almost costs him his life.
8:30 p.m.
ABC: The Neighbors: (New) When the whole Weaver family comes down with a cold, the Bird-Kersees — especially Larry — are terrified and confused.
NBC: Guys With Kids: (Repeat) Chris hosts a barbecue to introduce the gang to his new girlfriend—who turns out to be a familiar face for Nick. Elsewhere, Gary lands in hot water when he forgets about his wedding anniversary.
9 p.m.
ABC: Modern Family: (New) Gloria and Jay try to make Manny’s 14th birthday extra special by planning a surprise party; Haley starts hanging out with a much older guy.
CBS: Criminal Minds: (New) When Reid discovers that his girlfriend has been kidnapped by her stalker, he and the BAU team band together to find her before its too late.
NBC: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: (Repeat) Claims of sexual abuse at an elite private school are investigated by the detectives, but their efforts are stalled by uncooperative school officials. A retired teacher then helps the police expose a huge cover-up involving even more victims.
CW: Supernatural: (New) Naomi (guest star Amanda Tapping) tells Castiel that Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) is holding an angel captive and Castiel must rescue him before Crowley finds out their secrets. Castiel turns to Dean for help. Meanwhile, Sam meets with Amelia (guest star Liane Balaban) who asks him to make a choice: stay with her or leave and never contact her again.
9:30 p.m.
ABC: Suburgatory: (New) George has to manage Tessa’s recovery after her wisdom teeth are removed and deal with Fred Shay, who has moved into their basement after a career setback; Dallas is insecure about her relationship with George.
10 p.m.
ABC: Nashville: (New) Rayna and Juliette prepare for their first concert together in San Diego; Rayna has an interesting proposal for Liam; Gunnar and Scarlett go on a road trip.
CBS: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: (New) The CSIs investigate the demise of a prominent news anchor during a live broadcast.
NBC: Chicago Fire: (Repeat) A fire claims the life of a team member in the premiere of this drama series following the firefighters, paramedics and rescue squad of Chicago Firehouse 51. Following the tragedy, Lt. Matthew Casey and Lt. Kelly Severide point fingers at one another. Casey also deals with personal dramas surrounding his separation from his wife, Hallie.
Basic cable:
New episodes of:
Shipping Wars at 9 and 9:30 p.m. on A&E
The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents at 9 p.m. on History Channel
Border Wars at 9 p.m. on NGC
Ghost Hunters at 9 p.m. on Syfy
Toddlers & Tiaras at 9 p.m. on TLC
Baggage Battles at 9 p.m. on Travel Channel
Barter Kings at 10 p.m. on A&E
Top Chef at 10 p.m. on BRAVO
Moonshiners at 10 p.m. on DSC
Bobby’s Dinner Battle at 10 p.m. on Food Channel
American Horror Story: Asylum at 10 p.m. on FX
Hell on the Highway at 10 p.m. on NGC
Ghost Mine at 10 p.m. on Syfy
Fast Foods Gone Global at 10 p.m. on Travel Channel
Hot in Cleveland at 10 p.m. on TVLAND
For movie lovers:
8 p.m.
The Karate Kid on AMC
The Dead Pool on ENC
Slap Shot on FLIX
Surrogates on FMC
The Union on HBO
War Horse on SHO
Man’s Castle on TCM
9 p.m.
Final Destination 5 on CINEMAX
We Bought a Zoo on HBO
Strike Back on MOMAX
Hysteria on STARZ
Later tonight:
Full Metal Jacket at 9:35 p.m. on ENC
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows at 9:50 p.m. on MOMAX
Ticker at 10 p.m. on REELZ
Car Wash at 10:05 p.m. on FLIX
Friday Night Lights at 10:45 p.m. on STARZ
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