American Idol fans are anxiously awaiting the return of the singing contest, and Idol boss Nigel Lythgoe is promising some big changes designed to revitalize the contest – as if Steven Tyler wasn’t change enough. For those who aren’t keeping track of the American Idol gossip, which should be NONE of you, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez are joining the judging panel along with veteran Randy Jackson – but don’t expect Jackson to resume his role as the most affable, and pitch sensitive, of the judges; Lythgoe is promising, amongst other things, that Jackson will be doing a little more intensive judging this season.
Known for repetitive terms of endearment – “Dog” for instance – and punch pulling critiques, Jackson is beefing up his judging monologues this season with more meaningful, sinuous commentary. "Randy is pulling his weight," Lythgoe told MTV. "He really has stepped up. He's essentially come out of himself. He's enjoying being in that position."
One much needed change to the overall formula is the top 24 round. Usually, auditions boil down to 24 American Idol hopefuls who are then cut in half to arrive at the season’s final 12 contestants. Usually nearly all 12 are quickly forgotten, and never heard from again. This season there will be no top 24, the auditions will go straight to the 12 finalists who will jump right into competition for the top spot of American Idol.
Other changes this season include dropping the minimum age for American Idol contestants to 15 – meaning, yes, the next Bieber could be discovered on Idol - and the addition of season long mentor Jimmy Iovine, of Interscope Geffen A&M.
The new season of American Idol kicks off January 12th on FOX.
Why don't the assholes at Idol raise the maximum age? Are they afraid they might find some REAL talent there? Personally I won't ever watch this program as long as that age limit is in place. It's sickening that they think the American Idol can't be over 28. That's not America. China maybe. Russia maybe. But not America.