And they're off!

American Idol's eleventh season kicked off with a two-hour premiere Wednesday, as the panel of Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson scoured Savannah, Georgia for the next Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson or Carrie Underwood.

“I’m so happy to be back with Randy and Steven -- they’re like my family now," said J.Lo, who ended last season with a spicy number with now estranged husband Marc Anthony that turned out to be the couple's public swan song.

Said Randy Jackson: “A new beginning, season one-one, a new beginning!”