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, January 18 and Thursday, January 19. Auditions will continue with a special, extended primetime broadcast of "American Idol" Sunday, January 22 (10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT), following the "NFC Championship Game" (6:00 PM-CC ET live/3:00 PM-CC PT live) 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, January 25 and Thursday, January 26; Wednesday, February 1 and Thursday, February 2; and Wednesday, February 8 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, February 9; Wednesday, February 15; and Thursday, February 16.

On Wednesday, February 22, 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, February 23.

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, February 28, the first group of semifinalists will take the stage to sing for America's votes.

The following night, Wednesday, February 29, the remaining semifinalists will perform. The competition takes an intense turn on the live results show Thursday, March 1 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 "American Idol 2012" finalists with their wild card picks.

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

All "American Idol" episodes begin at 8/7c unless otherwise noted.

"American Idol 2012" Schedule

Wednesday, January 18 - Season Premiere, Part 1

Thursday, January 19 - Season Premiere, Part 2

Sunday, January 22 - Auditions Episode (Special Broadcast) (10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT)

Wednesday, January 25 - Auditions Episode

Thursday, January 26 - Auditions Episode

Wednesday, February 1 - Auditions Episode

Thursday, February 2 - Auditions Episode

Wednesday, February 8 - Auditions Episode

Thursday, February 9 - Hollywood Round, Part 1

Wednesday, February 15 - Hollywood Round, Part 2

Thursday, February 16 - Hollywood Round, Part 3

Wednesday, February 22 - Performance Challenge

Thursday, February 23 - Semifinalists Announced

Tuesday, February 28 - Semifinalists Perform/ 400th Episode (Special Broadcast)

Wednesday, February 29 - Semifinalists Perform

Thursday, March 1 - Results Show; Finalists Announced and Judges' Wild Card Picks Revealed

Wednesday, March 7 - Finalists Perform

Thursday, March 8 - Results Show; First Elimination


"American Idol" is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions. "American Idol" has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons.