Now entering its ninth season, "Idol" is hoping to boost ratings by bringing in celebrity guests to fill in as part of its audition process. Guest judges for the auditions will also include Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

Popular Emmy-winnning talk show host Ellen Degeneres, whose show continues to be a daytime hit, will (as previously announced) replace ousted "Idol" judge Paula Abdul beginning Feb. 9, 2010. The series, which has seen numerous alumni appear on the New York Stage, will begin airing Jan. 12, 2010.

The schedule for the "Idol" audition episodes is as follows: Boston auditions (Jan. 12, 2010); Chicago auditions (Jan. 19, 2010); Orlando auditions with Wicked star Chenoweth (Jan. 20, 2010); Dallas auditions with Assassins star Harris (Jan. 26, 2010); Los Angeles auditions (Jan. 27, 2010); Denver auditions (Feb. 2, 2010); and a series of audition highlights (Feb. 3, 2010).

The "American Idol" season will continue with Hollywood Round Part One (Feb. 9, 2010); Hollywood Round Part Two (Feb. 10, 2010); Hollywood Round Part Three (Feb. 16, 2010); Top 24 Finalists Named (Feb. 17, 2010); Female Semifinalists Perform (Feb. 23, 2010); Male Semifinalists Perform (Feb. 24, 2010); Results Show (Feb. 25, 2010); Top 10 Female Semifinalists Perform (March 2, 2010); Top 10 Male Semifinalists Perform (March 4, 2010); Results Show (Mach 4, 2010); Top 8 Female Semifinalists Perform (March 9, 2010); Top 8 Male Semifinalists Perform (March 10, 2010); Results Show (March 11, 2010); Finalists Perform (March 16, 2010); Final Results Show (March 17, 2010).