American Idol,” which airs locally on Q Channel 11, kicks-off season 9 this Wednesday (Jan. 13, 6 p.m.), with a star-studded line-up.

Emmy-winning host Ellen Degeneres joins the show as one of the resident judges. There are also the guest judges – Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris and Kristin Chenoweth. And that’s just the audition period.

It’s truly the most star-studded “American Idol” season ever with some of the biggest stars sitting in as guest judges during the audition period.

The audition episodes, which feature some of the funniest and most memorable AI tryouts across the US, begin with the Boston auditions on Jan.13. The Jan. 14 episode will feature the Atlanta auditions.

Thousands of hopefuls braved the rains in Boston to audition at the Gillette Stadium. The Atlanta auditions, on the other hand, experienced fairly good weather which was good news for the over 9,000 hopefuls who flocked to the Georgia Dome.

Other audition venues include Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago and Orlando. Like the Boston and Atlanta auditions, the Dallas auditions at the Cowboys Stadium was also packed with Idol aspirants, some of whom even brought colorful “Don’t mess with Texas” banners. Rose Bowl in Los Angeles also had its fair share of colorful banners and aspirants with big personalities.

At the United Center in Chicago and at the Amway Arena in Orlando, thousands lined up for the chance to become the next American Idol.

Pinoy Connection

Comedian and host Ellen Degeneres who replaced Paula Abdul, joins Idol’s resident judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell, and Idol host Ryan Seacrest. The announcement was made last September, following Abdul’s departure from the show.

It’s welcome news for Pinoys, especially for those who love Ellen even more after she has already brought on to her show Ellen not one, not two, but four Filipino musical acts. Ellen was the first to feature Charice Pempengco on American television through her show. She has also featured Arnel Pineda of Journey, Fil-American duo Rin on the Rox, and Rhap Salazar.

On “American Idol,” Ellen’s presence will certainly affect the dynamics among the judges. Will there be bickering? Will anyone stand up to notoriously acerbic judge Simon?

Catch the biggest TV event on the planet – “American Idol” Season 9’s two-part premiere on Jan.13, 6 p.m. (with same day replay at 8 p.m.) and Jan. 14, 6 p.m. (with same day replay at 8 p.m.) only on Q Channel 11.