The search for the new "American Idol" begins.

The long-running music reality competition's 15th and final season officially began Wednesday. Ryan Seacrest is back as the show's host while Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban are back to the judges' table.

During the first hour of the two-part season premiere, the judges and viewers were treated to a surprise audition from hip-hop superstar Kanye West. Just like all the hopefuls, the rapper-producer introduced his name and told the judges where he is from.

When asked why he wanted to try his luck on "American Idol," the rapper said: "I always wanted to rap, and nobody really believed in me."

He then proceeded to perform his original song "Gold Digger," mentioning Lopez's name to flatter the judge.

The surprise mock audition also featured the rapper's famous wife, Kim Kardashian, who was waiting for him outside the audition room just like all the other loved ones of "American Idol" auditionees.

"American Idol" was once the most popular singing reality competition on primetime but its popularity weaned in the past years. It was known as the groundbreaker for the reality contest genre on TV and became the launching ground for some of the most famous singers in the US today, including Kelly Clarkson who was part of season 1, Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard from season 2, Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino from season 3, Carrie Underwood from season 4, Chris Daughtry and Taylor Hicks from season 5, Jordin Sparks from season 6, David Cook from season 7, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen from season 8, and Phillip Phillips from season 11.

There have been speculations that "American Idol" season will feature the original judges of the show: Paula Adbul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell.

Studdard, Aiken, Hicks, Allen, Lee DeWyze and Nick Fradiani are also returning to serve as mentors to the new batch of "Idol" hopefuls.

The second part of the "American Idol" season 15 premiere airs Thursday, Jan. 7 on Fox.