Jan 6, 2007

Simon Cowell. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and host Ryan Seacrest

(January 4, 2007) - American Idol, last winter’s most-watched program on television, returns for a sixth blockbuster season in a special two-night, four-hour season premiere airing Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV (check local listings). Beginning Jan. 23 and 24, American Idol will air in its regular timeslot on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CTV (check local listings).

The search for America’s next superstar began last summer when American Idol traveled to Los Angeles, San Antonio, Birmingham, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York City and Seattle and audition over 100,000 people. Guest judges Olivia Newton John, Carol Bayer Sager and Jewel joined returning judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson on the road. Find out what these celebrity judges had to say about the talent around the country and who gets the “gold ticket” to Hollywood during the first three weeks of the season.

Episodes featuring audition cities will air on three consecutive Tuesdays: Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30; and on three consecutive Wednesdays: Jan. 17, Jan. 24 and Jan. 31. The lucky few who got past the judges in the audition cities will be highlighted in the “Hollywood” round, airing on Tuesdays (Feb. 6 and 13) and Wednesdays (Feb. 7 and 14).

Last year’s phenomenal season - the most-watched ever - culminated in the crowning of Taylor Hicks as the fifth American Idol. Hicks debuted at Number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in December with his first, self-titled CD. His debut single, “Do I Make You Proud,” debuted in the Number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was subsequently certified gold.

Hicks joins previous winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia and Carrie Underwood as holders of the coveted title. In total, American Idol artists have sold over 10 million singles and 23 million CDs since the show first aired in 2002.