Hollywood Week will give us our first glimpse of Ellen DeGeneres as a judge

The new "American Idol" hopefuls will meet judge Ellen DeGeneres for the first time during Hollywood Week.

Normally filmed in November, the challenging auditions week in which 200 contestants vie for 24 or 36 semifinalist slots (producers haven't yet revealed the number), will take place next month and will include DeGeneres on the panel with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi.

Read more on our sister Showtracker blog.

– Maria Elena Fernandez (follow me on Twitter @writerchica)

Photo: Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will be a judge on "American Idol." Credit: Associated Press

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