media.herald-dispatch.com/blog/When TV critics did their best and worst of 2008 lists, "American Idol" found itself in the worst column on several of them. And even diehard fans like me have to admit that last season was a bit of a disappointment.

But as disappointed as I was about last season, that's how excited I am by this season because the show has made some great changes that will keep this year from being as blah as the last.

The first change you'll notice is the addition of a fourth judge -- singer/songwriter/producer Kara DioGuardi. You may not know her name, but you certainly know her music. Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away," Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" and Pink's new single "Sober" are all songs written or co-written by DioGuardi. And as a VP of A&R at Warner Brothers Records, she's obviously qualified to be a judge. The question is what she will bring to the table. Early reports are that she and Paula Abdul are ganging up on Simon Cowell, which you know will not go over well with Cowell.

The next change is that there will be one less week of audition episodes. That means we'll get one more week of the Hollywood Round, which has always been my favorite part of the show. And this year, Group Day -- where we always get lots of backstage drama as contestants try to perform together in small groups -- makes its return. The Hollywood Round begins Feb. 3.

After that, the changes kick into overdrive. The top 24 will now be a top 36, which will be revealed Feb. 11.

Then, on three consecutive Tuesdays, 12 contestants will perform and the audience will vote. The top male vote-getter, the top female vote-getter and the top vote-getter from the remaining 10 each week (who will be revealed on Wednesday's live results show) will advance to the top 12.

Longtime viewers will recognize this as a little closer to the way the show worked during the first three seasons.

Then on March 5 will be a special "Wild Card" episode in which the judges will bring back their favorites from those who didn't advance to perform one more time. At the end of the episode, the judges will select the final three contestants for the top 12.

Diehard fans may remember that the "Wild Card" round is how Clay Aiken advanced, although America got to choose then.

The top 12 will perform for the first time on March 10.

The final change from last season is that "Idol Gives Back" will not air this year.

Now I know this can all get a little confusing, but don't worry. I'll be here every step of the way with recaps, news and more at "Idol Chit-Chat." And I welcome you to join me for the ride.

It all begins at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, on FOX.

Angela Henderson is a diehard "American Idol" fan who chronicles the show, contestants, judges and much more in her "Idol Chit-Chat" blog on www.herald-dispatch.com.

The Associated Press

In this Aug. 26, 2008, file photo, “American Idol” judges, from left, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson arrive at a promotional event for the show in New York.