FOX sets full 'American Idol' 2012 schedule

When will the finals and semifinals begin for 'Idol'?

Sunday, Jan 8, 2012 1:25 PM

Daniel Fienberg

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"American Idol"

Credit: FOX

Over its 10 seasons, "American Idol" fans have learned which part of the process they enjoy most, whether it's the freakshow auditions, the early rounds of live shows or climactic talent showcases at the Top 4 or Top 5.

With that in mind, FOX has announced the full schedule for the 2012 "American Idol" season so that you can plan your spring accordingly.

As was previously revealed, the "American Idol" season will kick off with audition episodes on Wednesday, January 18 and Thursday, January 19. The season will also get a boost from a special Sunday, January 22 episode airing after the NFC Championship Game.

Audition episodes will continue on Jan. 24, Jan. 26, Feb. 1, Feb. 2 and Feb. 8.

Whew. That's a lot of auditions.

Viewers will then be treated to three Hollywood Rounds episodes on Feb. 9, 15 and 16.

In a new twist, the Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 episodes are described as Performance Challenge episodes, with the semifinal announcement coming during the Feb. 23 show.

The semifinals will be reduced to a lone week. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the show's 400th episode, the first group of semifinalists will perform. A second group will perform the following night. And on March 1, America's vote and judges' wild cards will yield your "American Idol" finalists.

And yes, that means that March 7 and March 8 will be the "Idol" season's first regular Wednesday and Thursday performance episodes.

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Lisa Can't wait for American idol to start:) soooo excited
January 10, 2012 at 4:38PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie ME TOO BUDDAY!!
  January 18, 2012 at 7:41PM EST
likeiwouldtellyou yeaaaah! :D I personally love American Idol a LOT :) Can't wait for the next season!
January 10, 2012 at 6:43PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie ME TOO!! WOOOH!!
  January 18, 2012 at 7:41PM EST
guest11 lets go ahead and start this season already, cant wait for funny auditions!
January 17, 2012 at 9:13PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie that's so fucking rude you bitch!
  January 18, 2012 at 7:36PM EST
guest11 lets get this season started already, lol, cant wait for funny auditions. Will we have the next William Hung?
January 17, 2012 at 9:14PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie bitch.
  January 18, 2012 at 7:36PM EST
Liketheywouldtellya lets get this season started already, cant wait for funny auditions, who will be this years William Hung?
January 17, 2012 at 9:15PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie mother fucker.
  January 18, 2012 at 7:37PM EST
Liketheywouldtellya Write a comment...lets get this season started already, cant wait for funny auditions, who will be this years William Hung?
January 17, 2012 at 9:16PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie shut the fuck up you stupid bitchy whores!!! LIKE HOLY FUCKING JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!! SMH!!
  January 18, 2012 at 7:38PM EST
Brownsugar0049 Write a comment...Cool Picture !!
January 18, 2012 at 4:19AM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie sexy picture.
  January 18, 2012 at 7:41PM EST
Toria(: Soooo exciteddd (:
January 18, 2012 at 3:01PM EST Reply to Comment
- Nessie me too!!
  January 18, 2012 at 7:37PM EST
- d you dont need to comment on everything nessie no one cares
  January 23, 2012 at 11:17PM EST
Nessie thank you bitch's

January 18, 2012 at 7:35PM EST Reply to Comment
- Tanya Ur a bitch, nessie
  January 20, 2012 at 1:03AM EST
Bob What is wrong with you, Nessie?
January 18, 2012 at 8:25PM EST Reply to Comment
- Lindsay exactly lol
  January 20, 2012 at 12:32AM EST
shay 1st 3 mins... Tyler??? and J-lo is a no-no!!!! Ryan can't do the show by him self! Randy don't have Simmon to back him up... this is sooooo sad!
January 18, 2012 at 9:22PM EST Reply to Comment
Andre TV guide says Jan 25, not Jan 24.
January 19, 2012 at 1:55AM EST Reply to Comment
Kelsey_denise So does anyone know when and where the Texas auditions are in 2012?.
January 19, 2012 at 8:28PM EST Reply to Comment
Marie Bozard I love the judges of the American idol. My #1 is
J- L
January 31, 2012 at 5:49PM EST Reply to Comment
Marie Bozard Love American idol and the judges. My #1 is J-L
January 31, 2012 at 5:52PM EST Reply to Comment
unknown What time does it start
February 2, 2012 at 8:07AM EST Reply to Comment
jack'sgirl4 Clean up their language or don't be allowed to comment.
February 2, 2012 at 6:15PM EST Reply to Comment
tiaa26@yahoo.com I can't wait til they come to Columbus ,Ohio so we can show them what the rest of Ohio got to offer.
February 3, 2012 at 10:14AM EST Reply to Comment
Ansley I love American idol
February 7, 2012 at 8:14PM EST Reply to Comment
kimmieb i saw a lot of really good talent during the auditioning process and i am glad i wasnt behind the table deciding who goes and who doesnt... i am looking forward to seeing what Wolf can do.
February 7, 2012 at 9:08PM EST Reply to Comment