Is it just me or does it seem like FOREVER since American Idol started promoting Keith Urban as one of its judges?

Season 12 of the fabled show will feature new judges Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, in addition to familiar faces Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest.  I've been reading of spats between the two female judges but it's watching Keith critique and mentor that I am really looking forward to.

Interestingly (or not) the aging series is trying something new this year. 

The premiere is Jan. 16 and 17 (8-10 p.m., Fox-TV).

But on Jan. 9, fans in 11 cities across the country will have the exclusive opportunity to see the Season 12 premiere episode for free.  It's being shown on cinema screens at 7pm in several cities, including New York, Chicago and Dallas.

Are we among those cities?  OF course not.  BUT if you are a diehard fan, you might want to mark your calendar for that date because immediately following the premiere, Seacrest and the judges will participate in a nationwide, interactive Q&A, which will be live streamed on www.americanidol.com and www.livestream.com.

Fans may submit questions via the "American Idol" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/americanidol) and via Twitter (@AmericanIdol).

Are you an Idol fan?  Or do you think the concept is "done?"