"American Idol" returns for season three with a special two-hour premiere Feb. 16 on ABC. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie joined by host Ryan Seacrest return in search of the next signing sensation. In addition, Bobby Bones returns in his role as in-house mentor.

"In the highly anticipated premiere episode, viewers will embark on a nation-wide journey across Savannah, Georgia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, California; and Sunriver, Oregon, where the show's iconic judge auditions will surprise audiences with never-before-seen twists," says the ABC press release.

The goal remains the same; to earn a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood.

The auditions in season three of "American Idol" begin in the two-hour premiere Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8pm ET on ABC.

Photo credit: ABC/Gavin Bond