American Idol Fodder

Changes Coming to "Idol"

When "American Idol" debuts its eighth season in January, get ready for a host of changes.

According to Zap2it, the hit Fox show plans to alter the format to keep viewers tuned in. The biggest difference, of course, will be the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, which was announced earlier this year. DioGuardi is a famous songwriter whose songs have been performed by artists as varied as Kelly Clarkson, Natasha Bedingfield and Puddle of Mudd.

Other changes will be more subtle, but are still designed to spice things up for viewers. Instead of the usual month-long audition portion, producers have decided to cut the first auditions down to three weeks. This apparently will let the show air two weeks of the Hollywood rounds. Also, 36 contestants will head into the semifinals this year, versus the usual 24 singers. There's even word that the wild-card round may make a reappearance, something faithful viewers haven't seen for several seasons.

And after two years of raising money, the show has decided not to air its annual "Idol Gives Back" episode this time around. Apparently even Simon Cowell and Co. may need a bail out in this economy, and the charity show was the first to go. --Chris Sardelli

When \"American Idol\" debuts its eighth season in January, get ready for a host of changes.\n\nAccording to Zap2it, the hit Fox show plans to alter the format to keep viewers tuned in. The biggest difference, of course, will be the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, which was announced earlier this year. DioGuardi is a famous songwriter whose songs have been performed by artists as varied as Kelly Clarkson, Natasha Bedingfield and Puddle of Mudd. \n\nOther changes will be more subtle, but are still designed to spice things up for viewers. Instead of the usual month-long audition portion, producers have decided to cut the first auditions down to three weeks. This apparently will let the show air two weeks of the Hollywood rounds. Also, 36 contestants will head into the semifinals this year, versus the usual 24 singers. There's even word that the wild-card round may make a reappearance, something faithful viewers haven't seen for several seasons. \n\nAnd after two years of raising money, the show has decided not to air its annual \"Idol Gives Back\" episode this time around. Apparently even Simon Cowell and Co. may need a bail out in this economy, and the charity show was the first to go. --Chris Sardelli