American Idols Live Show: Season 9

Welcome to the American Idol Season 9 internet buzz site.  We seek out the most commonly asked questions and consolidate the responses and comments specifically for the American Idol show.

On January 12, 2010, American Idol returns for yet another fantastic season.  Ryan Seacrest continues to host the show that has dominated the television for 8 consecutive years.  The show is not just about a singing contest.  It is one where the final contestants are judged by viewers by the whole of America and the winner, or idol, is ultimately decided by them.  This brand new season is in its ninth running and it will live up to its expectation to deliver yet another fine group of singing sensations and exciting moments along their idol journey.

Every season, hundred of thousands of idol potentials from across the northern America audition to pursue the idol dream.  This season, we have a new combination of judges – Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell – to endure the hardship of travel across the states of Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Orlando to siphon out the best American Idol hopefuls to vie for the ultimate prize.  They narrow down the competitions to a special elite group who battles out each week before television viewers and studio audience.  The judges are joined by celebrity guests including Shania Twain, Joe Jonas, Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Kristin Chenoweth to help search for worthy contestants to perform at Hollywood.

Different from last season is the replacement of judge Paula Abdul with Emmy Award talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.  Ellen, as we know, is known for her quarky remarks that strikes a knife in the heart and a resonating chord among viewers.  Enjoy a whole new perspective from an unusual judge.

Even though the judges do make comments after every performances, the viewers are the ones that determines who stays or leave the next round of competition.  Voting is done via text messaging and telephone immediately after every performance show.  Results are subsequently announced during the following night’s broadcast.

This is reiterated until 2 finalists remain who then compete for the title of American Idol and a recording contract with a major recording company.  He or she joins the ranks of past American Idols Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook and Kris Allen.

Emmy Award-winning American Idol is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment Ltd. The series is executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America. Bruce Gowers serves as director.

American Idol Season 9 Results
Top 2 – Finals
Top 3
Top 4
Top 5
Top 6
Top 7
Top 8+1
Top 9
Top 10
Top 11
Top 12
Top 16
Top 20
Top 24

Suggested Reading:

Below is the full slate of Idol dates leading up to the first week of finals, as announced by Fox. (All times are ET/PT.)
Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM) Boston Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:15 PM) Atlanta Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Chicago Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM) Orlando Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM) Dallas Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 27 (9:00-10:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM) Denver Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 3 (9:00-10:00 PM) “The Road to Hollywood” Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 10 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Tuesday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 17 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 4 (Top 24 Semifinalists Announced)
Tuesday, Feb. 23 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM) First Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Tuesday, March 2 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 10 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 10 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Tuesday, March 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Female Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 10 (9:00-10:00 PM) Top 8 Male Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 11 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed) (Top 12 revealed)
Tuesday, March 16 (8:00-10:00 PM) Finalists Perform (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 17 (9:00-10:00 PM) Results Show (ET live/PT tape-delayed)

Commercials