If you're an American Idol fan, tonight's the night!   Joining long time judge Randy Jackson are two pop/rap divas Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj and country superstar Keith Urban!  Keith appeared on Ellen Monday afternoon, in a show taped before his Golden Globes loss for best song.  He dishes all about Season 12.  

USA Today reports the four judges were talking about the new season a few days ago at a press conference.

So, besides new judges, what else is different?   Singers will be divided by gender earlier in the Hollywood round.   Expanding the Las Vegas Round to two weeks and making it the first half of the semifinals.   The judges will cut the field from 40 to 20, before viewers pick the final 10 in the second part of the semis.   Starting the finals with 10 singers, rather than the 12 or 13 who have made the last cut in previous years.   No more judges' wild-card picks.   Reaching farther into the hinterlands for talent. An Idol bus visited small towns looking for singers, while friends and family members were able to nominate contestants who were then surprised with audition opportunities.  Read all about it here.     Season 12 of American Idol begins tonight on Fox 45 at 8pm.  Will you be watching?