We already heard about the changes to the new American Idol: new judges, an Idol mansion, original songs, and potential music videos. Now that it's almost time for the actual competition to start (tomorrow!) they've got a few more switcheroos up their sleeves.
First up is the set. Now that Simon Cowell is gone, the audience is safe to sit a little closer to the judges. The first row is now just 20 feet behind the judges -- which makes me wonder just how scary it was before that they had to put more than 20 feet between Simon and normal people -- and the seats are set up more like a stadium with some folks even watching from where the band used to sit. This means we'll constantly have the audience visible as we watch, but it also means that some unlucky folks will have to watch these performances on monitors because the new seating arrangement means their views are a bit obscured. But hey, they trying to win television viewers not make it enjoyable for the live crowd they've got, right?
Next is the biggie. This year, our votes will not only be able to be submitted online, but we'll also only be in charge of picking the top 10 instead of the top 12. That's right, votes will determine contestants one through ten while the judges will save their favorite contestants lacking votes with "Wild Card" picks. Apparently the number of "wild cards" allowed is undetermined, which kind of seems to be the M.O. with Idol this year.
Is it just me or are they arbitrarily adding in "new twists" at every turn in a desperate cry to stay relevant? You want to know why Idol was really starting to suck? Honestly, it's because they've had MEDIOCRE talent for the past few years. Can we just think about the fact that LEE DWYZE was last year's winner? That guy wouldn't have made it through Hollywood week this time around and if he did, he would be ushered off in the first round of voting. This year is so strong on the talent end (hello, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Thia Megia, Jacob Lusk and those are just my favorites). All these changes are cute and all, but the problem was the lack of talent on the show and that seems to be changing this year. Let's just hope America doesn't vote WRONGLY, because yes, there are wrong choices when you're voting. Don't forget that. (You won't, because I promise to never stop reminding you all.)
Source: EW