The fifth season of American Iol began on January 17, 2006 and concluded on May 24, 2006. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell returned to judge, and Ryan Seacrest returned to host. It is the most successful season to date ratings-wise and also with 13 contestants (including all of the top 9) getting record deals - seven of them with major labels. It was also the first season of the series to be aired in high definition.