Ashley Anderson is a singer and songwriter who was featured on the the premiere of the 8th season of American Idol.

For her American Idol audition, Ashley Anderson chose the song "Footprints in the Sand," co-written by Simon Cowell. She began singing and mucked up the words. Simon interrupted and corrected her, smiling the whole time. Despite her mistakes, the judges voted to give her a chance in the second phase of audition in Hollywood week.EW.com: Show Me The Talent (January 15, 2009)

1. Network: FOX
2. Season premiere: January 13, 2009
3. Previous season: 7
4. New episodes: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET
5. Judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardiUSA Today: Songwriter Kara DioGuardi joins American Idol panel (August 26, 2008)
6. Host: Ryan Seacrest
7. Created by: Simon Fuller
8. Directed by: Bruce Gowers
9. Running time: Varies
10. Season 8 auditions began on July 17, 2008Official Site: Who Will Be The Next Singing Superstar (July 1, 2008)
11. Nigel Lythgoe is no longer with the showEW.com: Lythgoe Leaving 'American Idol' (August 4, 2008)

• Official MySpace Page: Ashley Anderson

• Poptower: Ashley Anderson

• EW.com: American Idol Recap: 'Show Me' the Talent (January 15, 2009)

• NewsDay: Chelsea Marquardt and Ashley Anderson kick off Idol in Kansas City (January 14, 2009)

• PhotoBucket Video: Ashley Anderson American Idol Audition (Time: 1:55)

• MySpace Video: Ashley Anderson (Time: 4:25)