American Idol Returns Jan 12

According to Fox, “American Idol” will return next month with a two-night, four-hour premiere featuring auditions in Boston and Atlanta.

The big change for this year is that Paula Abdul is no longer a judge. Instead, Ellen DeGeneres will join Simon and Randy.

This year’s guest judges at the auditions will include Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.