Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown Performing No Air-American Idol Mania Top 7

Jordin Sparks back on the American Idol stage to perform her hit duet No Air.

How Do the Idols Stack Up?

SEASON 1
Champion: Kelly Clarkson
Runner-Up: Justin Guarini
3RD: Nikki McKibbin
4TH: Tamyra Gray

SEASON 2
Champion: Ruben Studdard
Runner-Up: Clay Aiken
3RD: Kimberley Locke
4TH: Joshua Gracin

SEASON 3
Champion: Fantasia Barrino
Runner-Up: Diana DeGarmo

3RD: Jasmine Trias

4TH: LaToya London

SEASON 4

Champion: Carrie Underwood

Runner-Up: Bo Bice

3RD: Vonzell Solomon

4TH: Anthony Fedorov

SEASON 5

Champion: Taylor Hicks

Runner-Up: Catherine McPhee

3RD: Elliot Yamin

4TH: Chris Daughtry

SEASON 6

Champion: Jordin Sparks

Runner-Up: Blake Lewis

3RD: Melinda Doolittle

4TH: LaKisha Jones

SEASON 7

To be determined by America!

American Idol Auditions

Last year more that 103,000 Idol hopefuls auditioned. This years try-outs took place in San Diego, Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami, and Philadelphia. When asked by USA TODAY for audition advice here is what some of last season's Idol contestants had to say:

Blake Lewis, 26, added his own unique spin on Seal's Crazy for his Seattle audition last year. Blake suggested, "be yourself and be confident. I didn't view it as television so it was easy. . . Just be true to yourself. There will always be other auditions."

Winner, Jordin Sparks, 17, (amazingly) did not make it through in Los Angeles. She then auditioned in Seattle singing Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion. And, you know, the rest is history. Jordin had this advice, "Know that (the judges) are watching to see if you'll crack under pressure. Sing something nobody else is doing, because by the 10th time they've heard it, they're going to cut you off early. Smile."

Melinda Doolittle, another stand-out performer from Season 6 emphasizes the importance of connecting with the judges. "Even if you're nervous, look them in the eye. Sing a song you believe in, one that you can really sell. Capture their attention. They're looking for more than singing."

Finally, few of us will forget Phil Stacey's dramatic audition, coming at the same time as his newborn baby daughter's birth. Stacey, 29, had this to add, "You've got to be real. The truth is, I would have left a better impression if I had done the music I wanted to do from the start rather than wait until I was comfortable. Blake went a long way because he was crystal clear about who he was."

I can't wait to view this years auditions! January can't come soon enough.