As American Idol prepares to launch its sixth season this week, the creators of U.S. television's No. 1 series are set to add a songwriting competition to the mix.

Details of the contest are still being worked out, but creators of the show have revealed it will be decided by viewers.

American idol judges, from left, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson - shown here at auditions for the show's fifth season - are readying for season six beginning Tuesday.
(Ray Mickshaw/Associated Press)

"At the end of it, the [audience] will not only have the singer they want, they'll have the song they want," said executive producer Ken Warwick, adding that the competition will not be introduced until later in the season because attention is now focused on completing the first few episodes.

Warwick conceded that some of the songs written for recent finalists have fallen short.

"Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This [in season one] knocked us out, but since then it's been a bit blank," Warwick said.

Judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson will not weigh in on the merits of the song that will serve as the winner's first single.

Instead, plans are to allow viewers to vote for their favourites through the show's website, americanidol.com.

"I just want the poor contestant who wins to be happy to sing a song that radio is going to play," Abdul said.

American Idol's sixth season premieres Jan. 16.

With files from the Associated Press