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'American Idol' back in action January 22, audition information

By April MacIntyre Aug 17, 2011, 16:47 GMT

06/07/2011 - Jennifer Lopez - Samsung Hope For Children 2011 - Arrivals - Cipriani Wall Street - New York City, NY, USA © Charles Norfleet / PR Photos

The news is official, "American Idol" Season 11 debuts Sunday, January 22, on FOX.
 
Pop singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, rocker Steven Tyler and Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson will return to the judges’ panel for the 11th season of Idol.

They will be joined by Emmy-nominated host and media mogul Ryan Seacrest, and will begin their search for America’s next singing superstar when the talent show debuts Sunday, Jan. 22 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT), immediately following the NFC Championship Game on FOX.
 
"Idol" racked up 10 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, more than any other reality program on television and the most nominations in the show’s history.

Highlights include Emmy® nominations for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program as well as an Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Ryan Seacrest.
 
“Having both Jennifer and Steven return to IDOL in 2012 alongside Randy is such a positive reflection on what was a wonderful and hugely successful season last year, and everyone is delighted,” said Simon Fuller, Creator and Executive Producer, AMERICAN IDOL.
 
“I am very pleased to have our panel of judges back for the 11th season of AMERICAN IDOL,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “Their chemistry and ability to select amazing talent made last season one of our most successful yet, and we look forward to going on another exciting ride.”
 
“From the very first day of auditions, we knew we had something special in our new judges panel, and we’re so happy that America felt that way too,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “Together with Ryan – who is fantastic day in and day out – they built an incredible connection with both the contestants and our viewers, and I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome them all back to IDOL for another season.”
 
AUDITIONS

Scheduled auditions in Houston, TX, are on Friday, Aug. 26. For more audition information, visit www.americanidol.com.