American Idol, American Idol Season Eight | featured news

Fans of American Idol's infamous bikini girl will hardly be surprised to learn her former profession: Hooters girl.

American Idol started auditioning contestants in Phoenix Tuesday, but on the season premiere, somebody else had a big audition: new judge Kara DioGuardi. The songwriter made her official debut as the fourth Idol judge — and made an overall positive impressions with PEOPLE.com readers.

See a video of Katrina Darrell in Tustin Ranch and Costa Mesa.

'Idol' became the most-watched prime-time show of the TV season so far.

A fourth judge, more Hollywood and more Paula Abdul antics are guaranteed.

At long last, the tears of Idol Nation through a long, cold off-season can stop.