Season 9 Of American Idol Premieres January 12th

As January is quickly approaching, Fox announced the premiere date and schedule for the ninth season of American Idol. Fans of the audition process can tune in on January 12th to see the beginning of the talent search, which took place in Boston.

For those of you who prefer to wait until the season gets going, the finalists are revealed on March 11th. Below is Fox’s Idol schedule.

Season 9 premieres: Boston auditions -Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Atlanta auditions - Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM ET/PT)

The Hollywood episodes: Tuesday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT); Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT); and Tuesday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

The Top 24 contestants are chosen: Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Voting Begins: Tuesday, February 23

Finalists Revealed: Thursday, March 11

Finalists Perform for First Time: Tuesday, March 16

Guest judges for the audition portion of the season include Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Kristin Chenoweth and Victoria Beckham. (Photos in the gallery below). Ellen DeGeneres will be joining the judges’ table in Hollywood.