After a successful first year at the judges' table, singers Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler return for their sophomore efforts, alongside longtime judge Randy Jackson, as ``American Idol'' returns for its 11th season. Stability is the keyword for this season as the judges' panel remains the same for the second straight year, the first time the panel has been the same in consecutive seasons since the addition of the (short-lived) fourth judge following season seven. Speaking of stability, the format of the show is the same format that its fans have come to know and love. For the uninitiated, here it is in a nutshell: following regional auditions (some more painful to watch than others), chosen contestants make it through to the Hollywood round, which is the final step before making it to the semifinals and ultimately the finals, during which the contestants perform on stage in front of a live audience. Hosting the competition, as he has for the last decade, is Ryan Seacrest.

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Hollywood Round, Part 1

Vocalists compete for a spot in the semifinals.

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