American Idol Returns on January 16

Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson
Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Ryan Seacrest, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson on the set of AMERICAN IDOL Sunday, Sept, 16. CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
Fox has revealed the schedule for the upcoming season of American Idol debuting with a two night event on January 16 and 17, 2013. The 12th season of American Idol will feature the new judging panel of Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj, with Ryan Seacrest returning to host.
 
Among the cities the AI gang traveled to in search of talent during the audition process were Charlotte, Chicago, Long Beach, New Orleans, New York, Oklahoma City and San Antonio.
 

American Idol Season 12 Schedule:

AUDITIONS
 
The incredible journey begins with a two-night event showcasing the nation’s best talent from the New York auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and the Chicago auditions Thursday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Auditions continue for two more weeks on Wednesday, Jan. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); and Wednesday, Jan. 30 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 31 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).
 
HOLLYWOOD ROUNDS
 
The contestants who impress the judges will head to “Hollywood” and be put to the ultimate stage test during the “Hollywood Rounds,” airing Wednesday, Feb. 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); and Wednesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). At the end of the final “Hollywood Round,” on Thursday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), only the Top 40 contestants – 20 males and 20 females – will remain.
 
SEMIFINALIST ROUNDS – PHASE ONE: LAS VEGAS
 
In a new twist, the competition then moves to Las Vegas, where the Top 40 semifinalists will be split into males and females. Starting Wednesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and continuing Thursday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), Wednesday, Feb. 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), 10 semifinalists will perform each night – males on Wednesday, females on Thursday – and the judges will be faced with the tough decision of choosing which five will stay each night and which five will be sent home. At the end of the first stage of the semifinals, only 20 contestants will remain.
 
SEMIFINALIST ROUNDS – PHASE TWO: AMERICA VOTES
 
It’s up to viewers to vote for who will advance to the Top 10 and who will go home, during a special three-night American Idol event. In the season’s first live show, airing on a special night, Tuesday, March 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), the remaining male semifinalists will perform LIVE from Las Vegas for America’s vote. On Wednesday, March 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), the remaining female semifinalists will perform LIVE. On Thursday, March 7 at 8:00 PM (ET live/PT tape-delayed), America’s vote and the American Idol Top 10 finalists will be revealed in the first elimination show LIVE from Los Angeles.
 
FINALIST PERFORMANCE ROUNDS
 
The following week, the competition heats up when the finalists perform for the first time LIVE on the IDOL stage Wednesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed). One finalist’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed on Thursday, March 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed).
 
Source: Fox

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