14 days. Yes, that’s exactly two weeks. Pardon my excitement, but after sitting through the mess of “The X Factor,” it’s refreshing for “American Idol” to return. I know what to expect, including the fact that the judges love and respect each other. The previews have promised some incredible talent this year, and let’s face it- “The X Factor” doesn’t have Steven Tyler. Part of me has even missed Ryan Seacrest.

Fox released the official schedule for the beginning of the season through the first live show. Which is almost depressing thinking live shows don’t start until March! The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, Jan. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM)           Season Premiere, Part 1
Thursday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM)                 Season Premiere, Part 2
Sunday, Jan. 22  (10-11PM ET/7-8 PM PT)  Auditions Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM)             Auditions Episode
Thursday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM)                 Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM)               Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM)                   Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM)               Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM)                   Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM)           Hollywood Round, Part 2
Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM)                 Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM)           Performance Challenge
Thursday, Feb. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM)                 Semifinalists Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM)                Semifinalists Perform/400th Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Feb. 29 (8:00-10:00 PM)           Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 1 (8:00-10:00 PM)              Results Show; Finalists Announced & Judges’ Wild Card Picks Revealed (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-10:00 PM)          Finalists Perform
Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM)                Results Show; First Elimination (ET live/PT tape-delayed)

This means that fans will be able to vote for their favorites starting Wednesday March 7 via Facebook, AmericanIdol.com and phone. Rumor has it.. Maybe even Twitter?

American Idol returns Jan. 18 at 8p.m./7c on Fox.