Unless you went to Dallas last week to see the premiere episode of season 12 of American Idol, you'll get to see the new panel of judges as they make their debut on the new season tonight on Fox.

Veteran judge Randy Jackson will be joined by newbies Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Nicki Minaj as they listen to thousands of auditions to narrow the field down to 10 (I believe) before turning the voting over to the public.

In a recent interview, host Ryan Seacrest says that "We have seen...quite possibly, the most diverse group of artists in terms of their styles, their looks, their backgrounds, their size. I think this will be the most diverse crew we've ever brought back."

This season we'll also get to see highly discussed, talked about and debated feud develop between judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Without a doubt, Fox will be playing that up in their promos as that show gets closer to its air date. The judges are now downplaying the whole thing, but it'll be interesting to see how it develops.

The two night premiere beginning tonight features auditions from New York and the Chicago auditions on Thursday. Also with the new season, producers are introducing a couple of new tweaks to the show. Including keeping the girls and guys separate during Hollywood Week and the Las Vegas round. It will be a top 10 show and not adding wild cards to make it top 13. Some auditions were sought out in smaller towns through a traveling American Idol tour bus and then the contestant was brought back to the audition venue.

Season 12 kicks off tonight at 7p on Fox.

Below are a couple of the promos that have been airing on Fox promoting the show.

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