Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, January 18, 2012

America’s favorite reality competition returns tonight! That’s right: It’s time for another season of AMERICAN IDOL.

Check out what time to tune in and see what else is new tonight below!

American Idol | 8pm on Fox | 2-Hour Season 11 Premiere
“Auditions #1”
Television’s No. 1 series returns for its highly anticipated 11th season with brand new contestants, a superstar judging panel and the best and worst of auditions. Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler traveled across the country to Savannah, Aspen, Galveston, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego and St. Louis, where the good, the bad and the outrageous auditioned for their shot at stardom. This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and as always, it’s up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next AMERICAN IDOL.

The Middle | 8pm on ABC
“Hecking It Up”
With Indiana hosting the Super Bowl, Frankie is devastated when she hopes to land a plum assignment as an official volunteer and ends up with a less-than-stellar position. Meanwhile, the entire Heck household takes advantage of the Donahue’s new car while they are out of town, and a scary, close call with the car causes Sue to profess her true feelings to her new boyfriend, Matt.

One Tree Hill | 8pm on The CW
“In The Room Where You Sleep”
Brooke discusses a new business venture with her father, as Julian stresses about his own investment. Quinn convinces Clay to get help, and Millie struggles to be honest with Mouth. Meanwhile, Chris Keller makes Alex an offer she may not be able to refuse, and Nathan volunteers to scout in Europe, leaving Dan with Haley and Jamie.

Whitney | 8pm on NBC
“Faking It”
Whitney and Lily begin to plan “the perfect” wedding, but Lily’s traditional vision for her big day takes Whitney by surprise and ends up causing a riff between the two friends. Meanwhile, Alex enlists Neal to help with some investor meetings so that he can pitch his next great website idea, but he panics when he thinks he might be a one hit wonder. Elsewhere, Roxanne and Mark decide to do a good deed by donating blood; however, this good deed might not turn out well for one of them.

Are You There, Chelsea? | 8:30pm on NBC
“Sloane’s Ex”
When Sloane’s old high school boyfriend Matt Gunn, shows up at the bar, Chelsea’s adolescent fantasies are awakened, and despite Sloane’s objections, Chelsea can’t resist the temptation to go out with him. Meanwhile, Rick tracks down his old girlfriend Nikki to reconnect and finds out she’s now engaged to someone else.

Suburgatory | 8:30pm on ABC
“The Casino Trip”
When George wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Atlantic City, he enlists Noah, Fred, Tom and Alex, and it turns into a getaway with the guys. During their trip they run into Steven Royce (who is supposed to be in Singapore), and they help Fred cope with his gambling problem. Meanwhile, Tessa tries to get some alone time with Scott Strauss.

So much more. Keep reading…

Criminal Minds | 9pm on CBS
“True Genius”
A series of murders in San Francisco bearing the tell-tale signs of the infamous Zodiac Killer have the BAU wondering if the notorious serial killer has returned. Also, Reid ponders if he should be doing more with his genius abilities.

Harry’s Law | 9pm on NBC
“New Kidney on the Block”
Harry, Cassie and Adam represent a quick-witted 21-year-old dying of kidney failure who illegally purchased a kidney from a willing donor/seller. Meanwhile, Tommy and Oliver defend identical twins who are both arrested when the man they are both married to and live with is murdered. Roseanna Remmick is convinced that one of the twins must be responsible, leaving Tommy and Oliver to walk the line between truth and justice in hopes of keeping the them out of jail.

Modern Family | 9pm on ABC
“Little Bo Bleep”
The family helps Claire prepare for her upcoming televised debate with Duane Bailey for the town council seat, but will they do more harm than good? Lily is going to be a precious flower girl for the first time, but the problem is she’s just discovered her first expletive and Mitch and Cam don’t know how best to deal with this new parenting test. And Jay is very concerned with Stella’s recent strange behavior and puts the blame on Gloria.

Happy Endings | 9:30pm on ABC
“Makin’ Changes!”
Jane convinces Penny to stop changing herself for every guy she dates, and instead to change the guy to suit her needs. Penny’s first experiment is Jeff (guest star Ryan Hansen), a slacker who is 30 going on 20. Meanwhile, when Brad overhears Jane bragging to Penny about how she completely made him over after they met, he rebels, and starts walking, talking and dressing like his college-era self. And Alex and Max stage an “in-T-vention” to stop Dave from his obsession with V-necked T-shirts.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | 10pm on CBS
“Ms. Willows Regrets…”
When Willows works with the FBI again after a professional hit occurs at a law firm she recommended to her friend, the CSI team identifies shocking similarities at the crime scene.

Law & Order: SVU | 10pm on NBC
“Official Story”
The powerful CEO of a private military contractor is confronted by protesters and later found drugged and sexually assaulted in a park. Detectives Benson and Amaro begin their investigation but find the victim unwilling to cooperate. As the SVU squad and the district attorney’s office explore the motives behind the attack, a much larger crime and conspiracy in Iraq is unveiled.

Revenge | 10pm on ABC
“Commitment”
Daniel plans a romantic proposal that may carry dire, long-term ramifications, and Charlotte is devastated when she’s forced to move back home with her mother. Meanwhile, Jack’s life is put in jeopardy when he’s betrayed by someone he adores, and Nolan forces Emily to think twice about her actions.

Royal Pains | 10pm on USA
“A Farewell to Barnes”
Kassabian fights for his life after a prescription error, which Hank blames on Dr. Van Dyke. Elsewhere, the HankMed gang go to a divorce party, so Hank can keep an eye on the ill party planner; and Paige makes an unconventional offer to Evan.

Top Chef | 10pm on Bravo
“Fit for an Evil Queen”
The chefs try not to go off the rails when they use various ingredients delivered to them by a train. Later, they create a gothic dish fit for a queen, yet the plate must embody the very essence of evil. Guest judge: Charlize Theron.

The Soup | 10pm on E!
A weekly recap of various pop culture and television show moments of the week. The show is hosted by Joel McHale (COMMUNITY), who provides sarcastic and biting commentary on the hottest celeb news events and goofiest reality clips.

Face Off | 10pm on Syfy
“Water World”
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is visited ahead of a challenge in which the contestants must make waterproof creature makeup.

Also playing…

• Dog the Bounty Hunter | “Greed is Good, Part 1” | 10pm on A&E
• Hot in Cleveland | “God and Football” | 10pm on TV Land
• True Life | “I’m a Sex Offender” | 10pm on MTV

What will you be watching?