American Idol 2012 (Season 11) TV Schedule Revealed

American Idol is back. Season 11 of American Idol is due to premiere later this month as another round of exciting competition begins. Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be back on the judging panel with Ryan Seacrest handling the hosting. This season promises to be another bumper crop talent with auditions held across America.

The new American Idol season premieres on January 18 and 19 with a two-part show. What follows are a series of auditions until the Hollywood Round and semifinalists are chosen. Looking for the 2012 American Idol TV schedule this season? The American Idol season 11 schedule is posted below through March. Later dates will be added.

The incredible journey is about to begin as American Idol, America’s No. 1 show, returns for its remarkable 11th season. Featuring host Ryan Seacrest and returning judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler, American Idol is set to return with a two-night event showcasing the nation’s most extraordinary talent Wednesday, Jan. 18 8/7c and Thursday, Jan. 19 8/7c. Auditions will continue with a special, extended primetime broadcast of AMERICAN IDOL Sunday, Jan. 22 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT), following the NFC Championship Game on FOX.

The show’s judges – Jackson, Lopez and Tyler – traveled to Savannah, Aspen, Galveston, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego and St. Louis in search of contestants with the raw talent and potential to become the next American Idol. Auditions continue on Wednesday, Jan. 25 8/7c and Thursday, Jan. 26 8/7c; Wednesday, Feb. 1 8/7c and Thursday, Feb. 2 8/7c; and Wednesday, Feb. 8 8/7c on FOX.

The contestants who impress the judges will head to Hollywood and be put to the ultimate test during the “Hollywood Rounds,” airing Thursday, Feb. 9 8/7c; Wednesday, Feb. 15 8/7c; and Thursday, Feb. 16 8/7c.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22 8/7c, those who make it through Hollywood must then take the “Performance Challenge,” where they face the judges one last time before the top male and top female semifinalists are revealed on Thursday, Feb. 23 8/7c.

The judges have their say after every performance, but it’s the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of the competition and who will go home. In the milestone 400th episode, airing on a special night, Tuesday, Feb. 28 8/7c, the first group of semifinalists will take the stage to sing for America’s votes.

The following night, Wednesday, Feb. 29 8/7c, the remaining semifinalists will perform. The competition takes an intense turn on the two-hour LIVE results show Thursday, March 1 8/7c as America’s vote reveals the first set of finalists, then those that remain will have one last chance to perform for the judges who will round out the 2012 American Idol finalists with their wild card picks.

The following week, the competition heats up when the finalists take the stage on Wednesday, March 7 8/7c. One finalist’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed on Thursday, March 8 8/7c.

RECAP (All times ET/PT)

Wednesday, Jan. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 1
Thursday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2
Sunday, Jan. 22 (10-11PM ET/7-8 PM PT) Auditions Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM) Performance Challenge
Thursday, Feb. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Semifinalists Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM) Semifinalists Perform/400th Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Feb. 29 (8:00-10:00 PM) Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 1 (8:00-10:00 PM) Results Show; Finalists Announced & Judges’ Wild Card Picks Revealed (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-10:00 PM) Finalists Perform
Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show; First Elimination (ET live/PT tape-delayed)

Read more about American Idol:

American Idol - The official site at FOX featuring the latest news, background profiles on judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Karen DioGuardi and host Ryan Seacrest, how-to’s on voting, auditions, show recaps, trivia and downloads, online games, forum and American Idol Club info, ticket availability, FAQ, and behind-the-scenes pictures and video clips.

Latest American Idol Updates – The latest performances and results from the competition, as well as updates on the current season.

Yahoo! Full News Coverage – American Idol – The latest breaking news and pictures from major news organizations around the Web, plus related links and a Yahoo! TV American Idol profile with an extensive contestant photo gallery, show history and info on upcoming episodes.

American Idol – Who will be the next American Idol? – A top blog and unofficial fan site offering the latest news, rumors and gossip, vital stats on contestants and regularly updated popularity checker.

American Idol – Wikipedia – From the online encyclopedia, with how it all works including the audition, the final 12, show spinoffs, a list of guest judges, synopses from seasons past, recent updates and related resources.

Television Without Pity – American Idol – The show viewed from another angle, with merciless and sometimes hilarious updates and reviews, background info on contestants, FAQ.

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