Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Here’s betting Season 13 marks the return of guys with guitars on American Idol.

A clear sign comes in the form of a Tuesday post on American Idol’s website.

Phillip Phillips’ success on Idol Season 11 was fueled partly by his skill with a guitar. (FOX Photo)

It welcomes singers trying out for Idol this year to show up with their guitars.

The initial audition will still have to be a cappella, the press release indicates.

But at the discretion of producers, those trying out might also get to audition with their guitars.

This news comes, of course, comes on the heels of Season 12 when …

• A female won Idol for the first time since Season 6.
• A streak of five straight white guys with guitars winning Idol ended.
• Not a single guy playing guitar made the finals.
• The male talent was so dismal, not a single guy finished among the top 5.
• Ratings plummeted.

So guitars are back, but only for the live auditions.

Anyone auditioning online will be restricted to a cappella performances only.

This news comes as Idol prepares to hold its first Season 13 auditions in Salt Lake City tomorrow.

The other auditions are set for July 16 in San Francisco, July 21 in Detroit, July 26 in Atlanta, Aug. 2 in Bost, Aug. 7 in Austin and Aug. 11 in Omaha.

If you can make those dates and are still interested — minus guitar — head here for information on the online auditions.