‘American Idol’ fans, get your calendars out

"This….is American Idol!"

How is it possible that we are one week away from Ryan Seacrest's signature pronouncement? Unbelievably, the ninth season of "American Idol" begins on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

For you millions of "Idol" fans, there are some important dates to build your social schedule around, so read on.

Season 9 premieres with the Boston auditions on Jan. 12, 8 to 10 p.m., on Fox, of course. The Atlanta auditions are next on Jan. 13, from 8 to 9:15 p.m. (DVR users beware!)

Three additional weeks of auditions will air this way: Chicago auditions on Jan. 19, 8 to 9 p.m.; Orlando auditions on Jan. 20, 8 to 9 p.m.; Dallas auditions on Jan. 26, 8 to 9 p.m.; Los Angeles auditions on  Jan. 27, 9 to 10 p.m.; and Denver auditions on Feb. 2, 8 to 9 p.m. "The Road to Hollywood" auditions airs on Feb. 3, 9 to 10 p.m.

The “Hollywood Round” episodes will air Feb. 9, 8 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 10, 9  to 10 p.m.; and Feb. 16, 8 to 9 p.m.

The top 24 (12 males, 12 females) will be announced on Feb. 17, 9 to 10 p.m.

And then democracy (or its reality TV sister) takes over:

The top 12 female semifinalists will compete on Feb. 23, 8 to 10 p.m. The following night, Wednesday, from 8 to 10 p.m., the male semifinalists will perform. The first results show will air on Feb. 25, 8 to 9 p.m., when two male and two female contestants will be sent home.

The top 10 females will perform on March 2, 8 to 10 p.m. The top 10 males will compete on March 3, 8 to 10 p.m. On March 4, the results show will air, 8 to 9 p.m., sending two more females and two more males home.

The top 8 females compete on March 9, 8 to 9 p.m. The top 8 males compete on March 10, 9 to 10 p.m. The top 12 are announced on March 11, 8 to 9 p.m.

The top 12 take the stage on March 16, 8 to 10 p.m., on their quest to join the ranks of Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor, Jordin, David and Kris.

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

Photo: Atlanta auditioneers arrive to compete. / Credit: Fox
 

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