November 18, 2010 2:12 PM ET
American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has announced several new significant changes for the show in his ongoing effort to revive its flagging ratings.
Along with previously announced new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, several new elements will be introduced: Finalists will compete to see who can make the best music video, who can best promote themselves, and who does the best job at working with dancers and a band for an awards-show-type performance.
Photos: Ranking the American Idol Mentors
Also, the group of contestants will be smaller, dropping to 12 from 24.
"I didn't think [the top 24] were very good, I was bored with them by the time they got there," Lythgoe said.
Photos: The American Idol Rollercoaster: Checking In On The Show's Biggest Winners And Losers
The changes seem to reflect the show's producers' previously stated desire to create fully fledged artists along the lines of earlier winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, rather than some of the less distinctive winners of recent years.
As for Tyler — who was slammed by Kid Rock for joining the show — and Lopez, Lythgoe said, "They both listen intently, and don't make glib remarks. They give honest critiques."
To read the new issue of Rolling Stone online, plus the entire RS archive: Click Here
-
-
-
-
POLITICS No Price Big Banks Can't Fix
Picks From Around the Web
blog comments powered by Disqus
Daily Newsletter
X
We may use your e-mail address to send you the newsletter and offers that may interest you, on behalf of Rolling Stone and its partners. For more information please read our Privacy Policy.
Most Popular
