Changes Coming To ‘American Idol’s’ Season 8
1/3
-
Getty Images
Simon, Kara, Paula and Randy hit the red carpet, August 2008
- Getty Premium
-
Access Hollywood
Paula Abdul
hottest galleries
-
The Latest Star Sightings
Access the day’s hottest photos!
-
Isn’t It Bromantic? Hollywood’s Top 10 Bromances!
Find out which Hollywood bros will be friends ‘til the end…
-
Brad! Demi! Robert! Paris! Hot Shots Of The Stars In Shades
Check out the stars as they step out across the world in their favorite pair of sunglasses!
FIRST PUBLISHED: December 13, 2008 12:11 PM EST
LAST UPDATED: December 13, 2008 2:01 PM EST
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
“American Idol” is coming back in January for its eighth season, but the show is bringing some changes with it.
In a memo from FOX Network Program Executive Council, leaked on the Internet and published on mjsbigblog.com, “Idol” is expanding.
For starters, the month-long period where “Idol” usually features the best and most bizarre auditions from around the country have been shortened to just three weeks, followed by two weeks of the show’s famous Hollywood round, according to the memo.
“Promotional thrust will have fewer bad singers and more ‘aspirational’ singers,” the memo read.
But the Hollywood round won’t just whittle the contenders down to a slim 24. Instead, 36 contestants will get a shot at the top prize. They will however, be reduced over time to a Top 12.
One of the most sought-after rounds in “Idol” history is coming back as part of the changes — the wild card round, according to the memo.
Fox’s memo announced that there would be more 2-hour episodes, but ratings juggernaut “Idol Gives Back,” will not happen in 2009.
While Fox declined to comment on the leak, a press conference call about “Idol’s” new season will happen on Monday.
Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter now!
-
Adam Lambert kisses his keyboardist during his 2009 American Music Awards performance on November 22, 2009
-
Taylor Swift attends the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on September 13, 2009 in New York City
-
Whitney Houston dazzles at the 2009 American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in LA on November 22, 2009
-
Jermaine and Janet Jackson at the 2009 American Music Awards
-
Dr. Conrad Murray
-
On The Download: Kris Allen
-
Adam Lambert arrives at the premiere of ‘2012’ at the Regal Cinemas LA Live on November 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California
-
Jordin Sparks attends 2009 ‘VH1 Divas’ at Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 17, 2009
-
Adam Lambert kisses his keyboardist during his 2009 American Music Awards performance on November 22, 2009
-
The Dish with Katee Sackoff
related videos
-
Simon Cowell’s Kiss-And-Tell
Meet Simon Cowell’s one-time neighbor and his first kiss, Tara McDonald-Smith. She is now married and living in Petaluma, California with her three kids. But Tara still remembers Simon as being smooth even back then.
-
Paula Abdul Running Late At 2009 American Music Awards
Former “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul is running late and she is the first presenter of the night. But Paula still made time for Access’ Shaun Robinson to chat about her gorgeous black dress.
-
Paula Abdul: ‘I’m Having The Time Of My Life Right Now’
AccessHollywood.com’s Dish of Salt Laura Saltman talks with Paula about Michael Jackson receiving 5 AMA nominations, missing Simon Cowell’s 50th birthday and if she has spoken to Ellen since she was announced as the fourth “Idol” judge.
-
Dish Of Salt: TV Roundup (November 21, 2009)
Former “American Idol” contestants get together for a holiday tour. Plus, Heather Locklear made her return to “Melrose Place” this week, but did it help ratings? And, Katee Sackhoff gears up for her “Big Bang Theory” cameo.
-
Dish Of Salt: Former ‘American Idols’ Prepare For 2009 Holiday Tour
AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman talks with former “Idol” contestants Gina Glocksen, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver and Mikalah Gordon as they rehearse for their 2009 holiday tour. So how did they decide to put together the tour?
-
Dish Of Salt: Adam Lambert On AMAs, Debut Album & More
Adam Lambert chats with AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman about the excitement of announcing the 2009 American Music Award nominees, performing his debut single at the AMAs and the release of his debut album.
-
David Foster On Ellen DeGeneres & Whitney Houston
Music producer David Foster chimes in on Ellen DeGeneres joining “American Idol” and Paula Abdul’s departure. Plus, David chats about Whitney Houston’s comeback.
-
Dish Of Salt: Adam Lambert Reacts To His Sexy Details Magazine Photos
“American Idol” runner-up Adam Lambert talks with AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman about his racy Details magazine photo shoot. But as an openly gay man, did he have any issues kissing a woman for the pictures?
-
The Osbournes’ ‘Dancing’ Queen (November 17, 2009)
Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are beaming with pride as their daughter, Kelly, makes it to finale week on “Dancing With the Stars.”
-
Joanna Krupa’s Shocking ‘Dancing’ Elimination (November 17, 2009)
Joanna Krupa and her “Dancing” partner, Derek Hough, chat with Access guest correspondent La Toya Jackson about their shocking elimination and for whom they’re rooting in the finals.
related galleries
Former ‘American Idols’
Kelly, Carrie, Jennifer, the Davids… and more: from unknowns to superstars, just look at them now!
‘Straight Up’ Photos Of Paula Abdul!
From ‘Idol,’ the red carpet and beyond!
Anything But Dreadful! Hot Shots Of Simon Cowell!
Check out these photos of the ‘Idol’ judge!
