Hollywood Rounds Kick Off Next Week on AMERICAN IDOL

Whether auditioners received a unanimous "yes" from Mariah, Randy, Nicki and Keith or had the judges battling over their fates, it's a clean slate in Hollywood for the lucky contestants who are one step closer to becoming the next AMERICAN IDOL. For the first time in the "Hollywood Rounds," it's guys vs. guys and Girls vs. girls, as they compete for a spot in the coveted Top 40 Semifinalists.

The "Hollywood Rounds" will be the toughest audition yet, but for some contestants, it will be a life-changing opportunity; for others, the end of the road. First, they will face the judges and sing a cappella, trusting only in their talent to make it another day. Those that survive will then join forces with one another - trusting in friends and, possibly, foes - for the heart-pounding, sleep-deprived group day. Those who stand out will move on to the solo day, giving the remaining contestants one more chance to impress the judges and make the Top 40.

Drama and desperation escalate behind the scenes as the pressure mounts during the intense "Hollywood Rounds" which kick-off with the guys, competing on Wednesday, Feb. 6 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Feb. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The Girls get their chance to win over the judges beginning Wednesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). At the end of the girls' second and final "Hollywood Round," on Thursday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), only the Top 40 semifinalists - 20 guys and 20 Girls - will remain.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of Core Media Group, and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, FremantleMedia, Trish Kinane, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions also serve as executive producers. "Like" American Idol on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #idol. Follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @MariahCarey; @yo_randyjackson; @nickiminaj; and @keithurban.