Fan Fare

  FOX TV has started an early ad campaign for the upcoming season of “American Idol” a full two months before the nation’s most watched TV show of the past four years takes to the air again.

The network has been running promos featuring clips of audition howlers, bemused judges and tart quips from Simon “I don’t mean to be rude, but..” Cowell even though the Season 7 of the show does not start until Jan. 15.

Could it be that Fox fears the series is running out of steam after overall ratings declined last season for the first time since its 2002 inception? The 2007 finale last May drew 30.7 million viewers, nearly 6 million less than in 2006.

Judging by “Idol” message boards, hardcore fans can’t wait for the new season to begin, although some are hoping it’s better viewing than the last.

Meanwhile, Season 6 favorite Sanjaya Malakar — whose hairdos caused as many headlines as his  singing — is making a special  guest appearance in a production of  the gospel show “Black Nativity” at the Intiman Theatre  in his Seattle hometown on Dec. 2