Viewers tuning in to the 13th season premiere of American Idol on Wednesday (Jan. 15) can expect a revamped version of the singing competition. Fox is giving the show that was once its most valued vehicle a makeover to combat a ratings free-fall.
The judging panel will be made up of Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez. Ryan Seacrest will continue as host.
In the new season, the focus will be on the contestants instead of the judges. Last year’s cat-fighting between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj stole the show—and not in a good way.
Among other changes: cringe-inducing moments will be nixed, particularly the terrible auditions. Contestants will be allowed to audition with instruments. Before meeting the judges, hopefuls will go in a confessional type room dubbed “The Chamber.” The mid-season whittling down of contestants will be drastically condensed to about two hours of programming called “Rush Week.” There is a different set and different theme music.
The show also has new leadership. David Hill, a longtime executive with a string of success at Fox sports, will helm the show for the network, replacing Mike Darnell. Also recently on board is Director Louis J. Horvitz and four new principal executive producers.
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Sarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.View Author Profile
