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Paula Abdul is out. Ellen DeGeneres is in. Simon Cowell may soon be gone.

Leading into tomorrow night’s ninth season premiere of American Idol, the focus has been on this show’s judging panel and its related controversies. Randy Jackson would like to see that change.

“People get sidetracked with [all the changes to the panel],” Jackson told reporters on a recent conference call. “Listen. There are contestants…. this is a singing competition…. Let’s focus on what we’re judging and what the actual meat of the show really is. It’s about finding that next superstar talent.”

Because Hollywood week kicks off later than usual this year, Jackson couldn’t tease fans with the names of prospective finalists. But he did hype the auditions so far, which have been judged by a slew of celebrities.

“This season, we’ve got some really good, bonafide, stand-in-your-shoes singers,” Jackson said, adding his main three criteria for success on the show: “Undeniable talent, something that makes you unique, and some star persona.”

Overall, our favorite dawg promises “an interesting, wild, crazy season.” He says that that one thing remains the same:

“This show is definitely a rocket ship to the top.”

Unless your name is Taylor Hicks, that is.