Once again ITV2 will exclusively air American Idol in the UK this year.

The third series begins in the US on January 19 with a premiere spanning three nights. ITV2 picks up the show on Friday, January 23 in its 'regular' 8.30pm slot.

The three episodes cover the audition process, which this year took in in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston and Honolulu. Unlike last year, this time round UK viewers will get to see the audition episodes in their entirety.

Commencing January 30, the show moves to its usual performance/results format.