It’s that time again, country fans! The 2012 season of ‘American Idol’ will kick off this January. It’ll be the show’s 11th season and let’s hope that this season follows the same trajectory as the last, when the final two contestants were country artists! Will Scotty McCreery‘s heir apparent make it to the top? Will we find our next Lauren Alaina? It’s certainly an exciting prospect, since country music dominated the show last season. That trend could very well continue into 2012.

FOX has released a new 40-second spot promoting the new season to ramp up excitement without revealing too much info, such as the exact debut date that the shows will begin to air. The network is putting the bug in our ear, so to speak.

In the promo, contestants are shown in search of a life-changing experience and a dream, with shots of the next crop of hopefuls performing for the judges. In one instance, judge Randy Jackson is seen telling a contestant that this is a tough, tough business. In another, the always quippy Steven Tyler tells someone that they made him cry. There are more tears. There are smiles. There are expressions of horror. This is ‘Idol’ and all that emotion is to be expected.

The incredible journey – aka Season 11 of ‘American Idol’ — begins January 2012 on FOX. Be there.


Watch the ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Promo

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