American Idol - American Idol Returns Tonight With J'lo And Steven Tyler

Tonight's show is set to include auditions held in Austin, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, San Francisco and East Rutherford, and the episode will also feature an appearance from JIMMY LOVINE, the chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. Later in the series, producers RODNEY JERKINS, RON FAIR, Timbaland and ALEX DA KID will act as mentors. The new season features several format changes including that contestants are now able to release their music as the season progresses. The familiar face of Ryan Seacrest will return to the show, reprising his role as presenter and Randy Jackson will continue in his role as a judge.

Most notable tonight will be the absence of Simon Cowell, who has left the show to concentrate on developing the US version of 'The X Factor', which is scheduled to premiere in September 2011. The 51-year-old recently stated that he would be announcing the show's judging line-up in the next few weeks, and Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Mick Jagger, Katy Perry and Noel Gallagher are all rumoured to have been approached.