THEY COME FROM ACROSS AMERICA

in search of one dream. American Idol is back for its 11th season with Emmy®-nominated host Ryan Seacrest, global icon Jennifer Lopez, rock legend Steven Tyler, and Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson. The judges heard from talented singers in seven cities across the nation, sending the best to Hollywood. Stay tuned to FOX on Wednesdays & Thursdays to witness the incredible journey.

• 10

  Scotty
  McCreery
• 9

  Lee
  Dewyze
• 8

  Kris
  Allen
• 7

  David
  Cook
• 6

  Jordin
  Sparks
• 5

  Taylor
  Hicks
• 4

  Carrie
  Underwood
• 3

  Fantasia
  Barrino
• 2

  Ruben
  Studdard
• 1

  Kelly
  Clarkson

American Idol recently received an incredible 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."

Who will join household names Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, and Scotty McCreery?

Emmy Award-winning American Idol is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America Inc. Created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, XIX Entertainment and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, President, Big Red 2 Entertainment. AMERICAN IDOL has been No. 1 among Adults 18-49 for the past eight consecutive seasons and currently ranks as the No. 1 television show of the 2010-11 season.