TV's 800-pound gorilla has staked out its territory: "American Idol" officially returns Tuesday, Jan. 16.
"Idol" will bow with back-to-back, two-hour segs on Jan. 16 and 17. The following week, audition segs will continue in the show's regular Tuesday 8 p.m. and Wednesday 9 p.m. slots.
That means "Idol" won't make a permanent move to Thursday -- at least not yet.
Meanwhile, NBC announced its talent competish "Grease: You're the One That I Want" will bow Sunday, Jan. 7.
Billy Bush is on board to host, while U.K. TV/legit thesp Denise Van Outen will co-host.
Contact Michael Schneider at
mike.schneider@variety.com