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Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. during the `American Idol XIII` panel at the 2014 FOX Winter TCA on Monday, Jan. 13, at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, Calif. (FOX photo by Frank Micelotta)
Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. during the "American Idol XIII" panel at the 2014 FOX Winter TCA on Monday, Jan. 13, at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, Calif. (FOX photo by Frank Micelotta)

'American Idol XIII' debuts with a two-night premiere on FOX

by jmaloni

Submitted

Mon, Jan 13th 2014 09:35 pm

New surprise round sends contestants to "Hollywood or Home"; top 13 perform live Wednesday, Feb. 26

The original music show phenomenon returns this week. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, "American Idol XIII" features a new all-star judging panel, featuring 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; Austin, Texas; Boston; Detroit; Omaha, Neb., Salt Lake City; and San Francisco, 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 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 p.m.). Thursday, Jan. 16 (8 p.m.), brings more auditions from Austin and San Francisco. Auditions continue in Detroit, Wednesday, Jan. 22 (8 p.m.); Atlanta, Thursday, Jan. 23 (8 p.m.); Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Jan. 29 (8 p.m.); and Omaha, Thursday, Jan. 30 (8 p.m.).

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 Wednesday, Feb. 5 (8 p.m.). 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 p.m.), and Wednesday, Feb. 12 (8 p.m.), as the hopefuls take the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for group and solo performances. On Thursday, Feb. 13 (8 p.m.), 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 p.m.), 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 p.m.). On both Tuesday and Wednesday night, the voting lines will open immediately after each live show. On Thursday, Feb. 20 (8 p.m.), 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 p.m.). One finalist's journey will end as America's vote is revealed Thursday, Feb. 27 (8 p.m.).

Fans can "Like" "American Idol" on Facebook at facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion using #idol. See photos and videos on Instagram by following@AmericanIdol.

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