| American Idol, one of the most popular reality shows | | | | mega-changes,” Idol’s executive producer |
| on US television, will return for its 8th season with a | | | | Ken Warwick claims. “They are just little things |
| brand spankin’ new format. Unlike the previous | | | | to keep the format fresh and interesting.” Other |
| year’s 24 contestants, 36 emerging singers will | | | | minor modifications include the absence of charity |
| be admitted into February’s semi-finals round, | | | | fundraiser Idol Gives Back, which will only be revived |
| and three wild card slots—an arrangement | | | | for the 9th season, and cutting the audition round |
| previously used in seasons one through three—will | | | | from four to three weeks to make way for the |
| give the judges the right to send their personal picks | | | | second Hollywood week. |
| to the top 12 regardless of viewers’ votes. This | | | | Idol judges Paul Abdul, Randy Jackson, Simon |
| way, genuinely talented singers are better assured of | | | | Cowell—and now, Kara Dio Guardi—will be more |
| spots in the top 12 unlike in recent seasons, when | | | | brutally honest than ever before. “If the judges |
| relatively poorer singers got through thanks to the | | | | are mean, the judges are mean,” Warwick |
| public’s pull. | | | | assures. Performers are also allowed to use |
| The revival of the wild card set-up is a significant one. | | | | instruments just like last year. |
| Highly successful Idol alumni such as Jennifer Hudson | | | | There was a 7% drop in viewers in the previous |
| and Clay Aiken would not have gotten their big | | | | season, but Warwick asserts that the show has |
| breaks were it not for their wild card status. Thus, | | | | fared better than others. "I would be very surprised |
| this year, the top 12 will not be strictly comprised of | | | | if, on this eighth series, the ratings didn't suffer |
| six men and six women unlike in latter seasons. | | | | slightly, especially with this economic backdrop and |
| The inclusion of a fourth judge in singer and record | | | | the way TV audiences are going in general. I will do |
| producer Kara DioGuardi will take effect next season | | | | my best to offset that." |
| as well, and the Hollywood round will also be | | | | For more celebrity news and gossip, visit Celebrity |
| extended to two full weeks. “They’re not | | | | Gossip Hollywood. |
