Ellen’s Idol Debut Set!

photo: fox

The excitement has been building, and the moment America has been waiting for is almost here! Ellen DeGeneres joins judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest to help winnow down the AMERICAN IDOL contestants during the Hollywood Round beginning Tuesday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

During the Hollywood Round beginning next week, hopefuls from around the nation will endure an intense rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot among the Top 24.

Contestants will be put to the test during solo performances and group numbers Tuesday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Tuesday, Feb. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) as the judges decide who will make it through and who will go home. Finally, on Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), this season’s Top 24 semifinalists will be revealed.

The following week, it will be solely up to America to decide who will garner a spot in the Top 12. On Tuesday, Feb. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 12 female semifinalists take the AMERICAN IDOL stage for the first time to perform LIVE for the judges and for the nation. On this season’s first night of voting, the contestants will sing their hearts out in hopes of winning America ’s vote and surviving another week in the competition. Tune in to see who impresses the judges and who buckles under the pressure.