"News"

The Final 8

click at the finalist name to view more :

Adam Lambert Age: 26 Hometown: Los Angeles Allison Iraheta Age: 16 Hometown: Los Angeles Anoop Desai Age: 21 Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

Daniel “Danny” Gokey Age: 28 Hometown: Milwaukee Kris Allen Age 23 Hometown: Conway, AR

Lil Rounds Age: 23 Hometown: Memphis Matt Giraud Age: 23 Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

American Idol 8 format changes

Season 8 auditions were in full swing this summer as the show geared up for the January 13, 2009 premiere.

This season, watch for changes to the format in Season 8 with fewer auditions and more Hollywood rounds, along with the return of the "wild card" giving eliminated contestants a second chance to come back into the final.

And, don't look for a feel-good "Idol Gives Back" episode this year as even American Idol proves it's not immune to hard times.

Meanwhile, through grueling auditions in New York, San Juan, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Louisville, and Phoenix - a handful of lucky contestants will again be headed to Hollywood where they will compete to make the Top 100, then the Top 36, followed by the Top 24 and 12, Top 8... and on to the big finale.