Season XI of American Idol returns to M-Net in January 2012.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, the award-winning series goes in search of America’s next singing superstar. This year the show’s judges will travel across America in search of the next American Idol.

Then, they will narrow the group down to semi-finalists who will sing their hearts out for television viewers every week.

The American public will then get to decide who stays, and who goes. Eventually the competition is narrowed down to two finalists who compete for the title.

The winner of American Idol receives a major recording contract. Past winners include Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood.

American Idol XI – Starts 22 January