The ratings juggernaut that is "American Idol" is set to make its much-anticipated return on January 19th, with an almost all-new judging panel and alterations to the show's structure.

Perhaps the most welcome change will be no gender parity in the Top 10 or Top 12 (the number isn't set yet) that will compete for the title.

In past years, the artificial limiting of X men and Y women led to some great contestants being let go at the expense of lesser talent of the opposite gender. This time, however, the producers promise the best singers, not the best women and the best men.

The early rounds will remain the same - auditions in cities around the country, with 325 receiving the golden ticket to Hollywood Week. After that, things will change.

Instead of the Top 24 of Hollywood Week, 60 contestants will be sent to Las Vegas, where they will sing Beatle songs on the stage on which Cirque du Soleil performs "LOVE" at the Mirage. That will reduce the number of competitors to 40.

Those 40 will then go back to Hollywood for another round, which limits the group to 20. Then, America gets into the voting, picking the finalists.

Voting will still be by phone this year, not online, and singers will be limited to cover songs.

Entertainment Weekly reports that contestants will not be given a chance to hide behind guitars or microphones for every performance.

In addition, Interscope Geffen A&M Records chairman Jimmy Iovine will serve as in-house mentor and help the finalists with songs and arrangements, including bringing in top producers.

Of course, the most noticeable change will be the judges. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez join Randy Jackson. Ryan Seacrest will still host, although he doesn't have Simon Cowell as a foil this year.

With its usual assortment of delusional singers, snarky judging and the occasional diamond in the rough, Fox is betting that viewers will still tune in to see who will follow in the footsteps of past winners Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen.