The popular talent show, American Idol returned to TV  last night with an hour-long episode. Tonight there will be a two-hour episode.  Starting with the live shows in mid-March, “American Idol” will cut back to a two-hour show once a week, on Wednesday.

This seems to be a make-or-break season for American Idol.  Last year, the show dropped to an all-time low weekly average of 10.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen company figures and

that is about a third of the 30.2 million American Idol hit at its peak in 2006.

I will always be thankful for American Idol because it introduced Clay Aiken to the world.  However, I haven’t watched the show for years.  The premise of finding an unknown talent is no longer a part of the show and the horrible way they treat the former stars is amazingly disgusting.  I will only watch if Clay Aiken is on the show.

Will You Be Watching The New Season of American Idol?

For Clay Aiken, it all started in Atlanta, Georgia on January 28th, 2003, when millions of people were introduced to a skinny redhead who wore glasses and had a unique fashion style. The American Idol judges looked skeptical and no one knew what to expect.

But like your mother used to say, don’t judge a book by its cover. Clay Aiken opened his mouth to sing and the incredible voice that poured out amazed everyone.

“Why are you here?” Clay spread his hands and stated simply; “Because I am the next American Idol.”

The skeptical judges watched and listened as Clay sang an excerpt from the 80’s song, Always and Forever and demonstrated his rich, clear voice.

Randy Jackson wanted to know where the voice came from and Simon Cowell suggested that he didn’t look like a pop star. But, it’s all about the voice and so Clay, the unlikely pop star, made his first steps on an incredible journey.

The voice continued to amaze through the following weeks. Clayton Aiken became Clay Aiken. He not only looked like a pop star, he became one.

Please watch this incredible audition video!