News

American Idol makes changes to show format

12:21 p.m. · December 15, 2008 · by Andrew Winistorfer

Perhaps in response to public outcry over a contestant killing herself, or due to declining ratings, American Idol producers have announced they are going to be altering the show's format this year by having fewer audition episodes (typically the episodes where bad singers get teased for our amusement) and more episodes focused on the Hollywood auditions. The semi-finalist round will also be expanded from 24 to 36 contestants to highlight the better singers on the show.

Coupled with the adding of a new judge (Kara DioGuardi), the show's producers are pulling out all the stops in an effort to keep the show on top. [Billboard]