American Idol is returning with a refreshed judging panel and some major changes this Wednesday.
According to FOX, it all starts with a two night premiere and new rounds, including the "Hollywood or Home" round.
'The two-night premiere event begins by showcasing the nation’s best talent from the Boston and Austin auditions on Wednesday, Jan. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Thursday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) brings more amazing auditions from Austin and San Francisco. Auditions continue in Detroit, Wednesday, Jan. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT); Atlanta, Thursday, Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Jan. 29 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT); and Omaha, Thursday, Jan. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT)," reports FOX.
Additional season details:
NEW HOLLYWOOD OR HOME ROUND
Those who prove they have what it takes to move forward in the competition think they are headed to the “Hollywood” round. But, even before they unpack their bags, the contestants will learn they must compete in a surprise “Hollywood or Home” round, airing on Wednesday, Feb. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). In this intense new round, the judges will decide if these hopefuls really are committed and talented enough to become the next singing superstar. Some of the singers will be asked to perform one more time for the judges – and for some, this will be their last performance. It’s a tough decision for the judges, but even tougher for the contestants, because those who don’t make the cut must head straight home.
HOLLYWOOD ROUNDS Continue
The “Hollywood” rounds continue Thursday, Feb. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), as the hopefuls take the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for group and solo performances. On Thursday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the Hollywood rounds end with a new twist as the Top semi-finalists are revealed.
RUSH WEEK
During a special three-night IDOL event, the hopefuls will have their last chance to impress the judges and America. On the season’s first LIVE show, airing on a special night, Tuesday, Feb. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed), the 15 remaining female contestants will face their IDOL fates; the 15 male contestants will do the same on the following night Wednesday, Feb. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed). On both Tuesday and Wednesday night, the voting lines will open immediately after each LIVE show. On Thursday, Feb. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 13 finalists will be revealed in the first results show LIVE from Los Angeles.
FINALIST PERFORMANCE ROUNDS
The following week, the competition gets fiercer when the Top 13 finalists perform LIVE Wednesday, Feb. 26 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed). One finalist’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed Thursday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed).
