'Idol' Campaign Gives Star 'Welcome'

American IdolFox's annual marketing push for "American Idol" has started up -- with an emphasis on its big performing stars of the past -- Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, and Carrie Underwood. But no mention of its new judges, which garnered major news attention this past summer.

Although massive changes will take place when the show resumes in January -- with only one of the original judges coming back -- the biggest-rated TV show in the U.S. is placing its initial emphasis on the talent for its 10th season. This strategem was asked for by returning producer Nigel Lythgoe.

A TV promo for the hit show has been airing in the World Series, "Glee" and other big Fox shows, starting off with Clarkson, Cook and Underwood -- as well as Ruben Studdard and last year's winner Lee DeWyze -- introducing themselves and their hometowns.

The theme from these stars is: "American Idol: Welcome Home." It then rolls into on-screen messages: "Every Superstar Begins With a Dream" and "Who's Next?" No judges are seen in the promo.

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This is somewhat familiar to the "Idol" promo campaign of a year ago, which also tried to focus on the talent. Last year, "Idol" went through a major judge changeover with Paula Abdul going and Ellen DeGeneres coming. Fox did work DeGeneres into "Idol"s promo campaign closer to when the show began airing in January.

Next year's "Idol" new judges include Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and returning judge Randy Jackson. Noted judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, and Kara DioGuardi are departing.

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