From the San Diego Union Tribune


Expect some changes as the fourth season of "American Idol" debuts Jan. 18. USA Today reports that the changes include:





http://www.signonsandiego.com/images/utbullets/utbullet.gif Expanding the "Going to Hollywood" episodes (starting Feb. 8) from two to four to showcase more behind-the-scenes drama involving the 200 or so singers who survived regional auditions for a chance to compete in Los Angeles.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/images/utbullets/utbullet.gif Probably eliminating guest judges on the final-12 countdown shows.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/images/utbullets/utbullet.gif Adding stars for the audition round. Musicians such as Gene Simmons, LL Cool J, Brandy and Kenny Loggins will join judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

The biggest change will be in the semifinals. The round will be shortened from five weeks to three, with judges picking 24 singers (12 men and 12 women) – rather than the 32 of last season. In the semifinals' first week, which starts Feb. 21, the women and men will be split into groups, one performing Monday, followed by the other Tuesday. Viewers will vote to eliminate the bottom two from each group on Wednesday. That process will be repeated for two weeks, resulting in six male and six female singers in the final 12.

I had hoped that was a rumour. Damn.

Is it true that voting costs money this year?

I've done a search on the Internet and I haven't found anything that said that voting costs money now. If you vote via a text message it costs money. The voting system will remain the same.

The biggest change will be in the semifinals. The round will be shortened from five weeks to three, with judges picking 24 singers (12 men and 12 women) – rather than the 32 of last season. In the semifinals' first week, which starts Feb. 21, the women and men will be split into groups, one performing Monday, followed by the other Tuesday. Viewers will vote to eliminate the bottom two from each group on Wednesday. That process will be repeated for two weeks, resulting in six male and six female singers in the final 12.

I actually like this idea, it seems very interesting. But, I don't like the guest judges in the auditions. And voting does not cost money this year :D

I actually like this idea, it seems very interesting. But, I don't like the guest judges in the auditions. And voting does not cost money this year :D


I also don't like the idea of guest judges in the audition. There's nothing worse than hearing your favorite singer telling you that you sing terribly. It wouldn't be bad if it came from Simon but if it came from someone you idolized possibly for years, then that would be heartbreaking.

The other changes I like. One thing I'd like to see is at the beginning, when the voting starts, that Ryan Seacrest or someone address the voting and say that this is not a popularity contest and it is a singing competition.

I also don't like the idea of guest judges in the audition. There's nothing worse than hearing your favorite singer telling you that you sing terribly. It wouldn't be bad if it came from Simon but if it came from someone you idolized possibly for years, then that would be heartbreaking.

The other changes I like. One thing I'd like to see is at the beginning, when the voting starts, that Ryan Seacrest or someone address the voting and say that this is not a popularity contest and it is a singing competition.

Yeah, imagine a big fan of Brandy being told "you're not that good".. from Brandy.

And also, that would be nice of Ryan to say at the end.

AND!! I wouldn't mind more phone lines for each contestant near the end of the show (like they did on the finale). Then, people won't complain about busy phone lines and stuff.

Wow, I agree with what everyone said

Espacially that last part on tjhe audition guest judges thing

I like the change. I think it will be faster paced with them having 24 instead of 32.
I can't imagine any of the guest stars being rude to any of the contestants. It would'nt be helpful to their own carrer if they slammed someone like Simmon does. If some one like Brandy did that it would make her seem like a **** and I'm sure she would'nt want that. LL Cool J seems way too cool to do any thing like that and Gene Simmons is like a cool rocker . I think guest stars will be chill and offer good advice because they've been in the business for years and know what it takes first hand.

Uggggh I hate it. I dont like change and this totally throws things off. I dont like guest judges for the auditions, thats Simon, Randy, and Paulas job. I liked them better for the top 12, especially when they sung their songs. And Im a little upset about it only being 24 contestants, for 3 weeks. 6 boys and 6 girls seems fair, but you should also be able to bring into the top 12 who you REALLY want in there. Afterall, we are the ones making or breaking them.