Following the performances the judges will deliberate and -- "for the first time in Idol history" -- announce some of the Top 24 semifinalists, according to Fox.
Although most of their identities appear to have already leaked online, the remaining semifinalists will then be revealed during Wednesday's one-hour broadcast at 9PM ET/PT.
American Idol's ninth-season semifinals will begin on Tuesday, February 23 when the Top 12 female semifinalists perform for the first time. The Top 12 male semifinalists will follow on Wednesday night, with home viewers casting their male and female votes immediately after each broadcast.
Two male and two female semifinalists will then be eliminated on American Idol's first live ninth-season results show on Thursday, February 25 at 8PM ET/PT.
DISCUSS AND COMMENT ON THIS STORY Reality TV World has launched a trial program offering Facebook Comments on our stories to provide an enhanced user experience to our readers. To post a comment, log into Facebook and then 'Add' your comment. To report spam or abuse, click the 'X' in the upper right corner of the comment box.Get more Reality TV World! Follow us on Twitter, friend us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed.