The ninth season of American Idol will premiere on January 12, 2010 on Fox.Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi will all return as judges, and Ellen DeGeneres will permanently replace Paula Abdul as the fourth judge.Idol Gives Back will also return this season and will be held on April 21, 2010 during the top 7 results show.The top 24 semi-finals format used in seasons 4-7 will also return this season.