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ELLEN DEGENERES MAKES HER "AMERICAN IDOL" DEBUT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, ON FOX

Newest IDOL Judge Joins Panel for Start of Hollywood Round

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.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 12 male semifinalists will sing their hearts out LIVE for America and the AMERICAN IDOL judges. After the performances, America will vote, and on the first LIVE results show airing Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) four semifinalists � two girls and two boys � will be eliminated from the competition and sent home.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists, as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.