WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16

**TWO-HOUR SEASON PREMIERE, PART 1** - "AMERICAN IDOL" - (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) CC-HDTV 720p-In Stereo

EVERYONE DREAMS. IDOL DELIVERS. "AMERICAN IDOL" RETURNS FOR AN ALL-NEW SEASON WITH NEW JUDGES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, ON FOX

Part Two of the Two-Night Season Premiere Event Airs Tomorrow

Everyone's favorite singing competition returns for its highly anticipated 12th season with a brand new superstar judging panel, new contestants and the best and worst of auditions. Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban traveled across the country to New York City, Chicago, Charlotte, Baton Rouge, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Long Beach, CA, where the good, the bad and the outrageous auditioned for their shot at stardom. This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and as always, it's up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next AMERICAN IDOL. Don't miss the auditions that everyone will be talking about the next day in the "Auditions #1" episode of AMERICAN IDOL premiering Wednesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (ID-1201/2) (TV-14 D, L)

Host: Ryan Seacrest

Judges: Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban