The most-anticipated show in television returns for its ninth season with all-new contestants, a new judge and the best and worst of auditions. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, television's No. 1 series promises to deliver the most unforgettable season yet as Ellen DeGeneres joins the judging panel to sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. This season, AMERICAN IDOL travels across the country to Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Orlando, where the good, the bad and the outrageous audition for their shot at stardom.

The judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar in the "Windy City."