Pop Culture Reality TV American Idol 11

American Idol Season 11

The new season of the American Idol - the nation's most popular reality - show kicks off on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 with a two-hour audition episode on FOX at 8PM ET.

The following night, a 1-hour follow up show is scheduled for Thursday along with a bonus episode at 10PM on Sunday, January 22.

This season, the complete list of contestants for Hollywood Week was leaked online in December. (SPOILER ALERT UP AHEAD)

With casting calls in Houston, Denver, North Charleston, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Portland, and St. Louis - a handful of lucky contestants will again be headed for fame and glory or elimination as part of the Top 100,the Top 24 and Top 10 ... and so on, to the big finale on May 23, 2012.

SPOILER ALERT !!: American Idol 11 Top Contestants

Adrian Michael Joseph
Alex Wong
Ashley Robles
Brandy Neelly
Chelsea Sorrell
Cortez Shaw
Cosette Fife
Courtney Flege
Danny Pate
DeAndre Brackensick
Elijah Liu
Erika Van Pelt
Jessica Sanchez
Johnny Keyser
Lauren Gray
Lindsay Romney
Nick Jacob
Todd MacIntyre

Throughout Season 11, watch for the return of the infamous "crying girl", Ashley Ferl, along with a former contestant from So You Think You Can Dance, Alex Wong (see above) -- plus more dramatic twists of fate as contestants vie for a chance to become the nation's next American Idol.

More about American Idol around the Web:

As Season 11 rolls along, keep it right here for more of the latest on contestants including photos, video clips, and a survey of buzz, gossip and rumors surrounding one of reality TV's greatest hits ...

American Idol - The official site at FOX featuring the latest news, background profiles on judges and host Ryan Seacrest, how-to's on voting, auditions, show recaps, trivia and downloads, online games,ticket availability, FAQ, and behind-the-scenes pictures and video clips.

Yahoo! Full News Coverage - American Idol - The latest breaking news and pictures from major news organizations around the Web, plus related links and a Yahoo! TV American Idol profile with an extensive contestant photo gallery, show history, and info on upcoming episodes.

American Idol - Who will be the next American Idol? - A top blog and unofficial fan site offering the latest news, rumors and gossip, vital stats on contestants and regularly updated popularity checker.

American Idol - Wikipedia - From the online encyclopedia, with how it all works including the audition, the final 12, show spinoffs, a list of guest judges, synopses from seasons past, recent updates and related resources.

Television Without Pity - American Idol - The show viewed from another angle, with merciless and sometimes hilarious updates and reviews, background info on contestants, FAQ.

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