Apparently, the producers of "American Idol" are very good about editing their show.
As Reality Blurred reports, the newest addition to the "Idol" results shows, those witty, blatantly choreographed viewer call-ins that Ryan answers each week, are taped ahead of time. Usually this part of the show is partnered with a guest performance, like that of former contestant Katharine McPhee, which means it's pre-taped as well.
Surprisingly, this means audience members have to show up two hours early to watch this portion, and then everyone has to pretend it's happening live. Many viewers were tipped off to the editing, when they saw contestants from the Bottom Three suddenly sitting back on the couches.
This news was revealed by Billboard in a story about ten secrets behind an "American Idol" taping. Also revealed: the new set really is gigantic; audience members jump on stage during commercials and compete for iTunes gift cards by performing stupid stunts; the musicians in the orchestra only wear dressy clothes in the camera's sightline (meaning their shirts are snazzy, but their pants are jeans); and the judges have big bodyguards who hover near their table.
Makes you wonder what else we're missing! –Chris Sardelli