AMERICAN IDOL XIII Bows this Week with Two-Hour Premiere

The original music show phenomenon returns this week! Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, American Idol XIII features a new all-star judging panel, including Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., along with in-house mentor Randy Jackson. Seacrest and the judges travel across the country, with stops in Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Omaha, NE, Salt Lake City, UT; and San Francisco, CA, searching for those who have the potential to transform from an everyday singer into a successful recording artist and join the ranks of famous IDOL alumni, such as Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Scotty McCreery and Phillip Phillips.

AUDITIONS

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).

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).