Fox announced this week that "American Idol" will return with a two-night season premiere Jan. 12 and 13.

An announcement on the show's official site boasts the arrival of a new judge, who we all know is Ellen DeGeneres, and the return of "Idol Gives Back."

"Idol" has also updated its site with photos and video from the Season 9 audition sites - Denver, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Orlando and Dallas.