Airing tonight on Fox-TV, FINAL JUDGEMENT PT. 1 continues the brutal elimination of hopeful contestants on the latest season of AMERICAN IDOL. Featuring judges RANDY JACKSON, STEVEN TYLER and JENNIFER LOPEZ along with host RYAN SEACREST, the series seemed to be struggling through its first few “audition” episodes but, now that eliminations are underway, it appears to be back on track. The first of this generation’s televised talent contests, AMERICAN IDOL has spawned countless imitators, but has always managed to stay ahead of the pack. During our recent phone interview with JACKSON, he talked about this season’s group of hopefuls. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

AMERICAN IDOL airs tonight and tomorrow on FOX-TV