The seventh season of American Idol is so close we literally crave it — and, now, we know exactly when the first installment of our annual addiction will begin.

Producers announced this week that AI will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and Wed., Jan. 16, from 8 to 10 p.m. EST. That would be from 7 to 9 for those of us in most other places.

Given the ongoing writer’s strike — if it’s still going on come January — this season’s AI debut could be its biggest yet.