by Catherine Lawson, posted Nov 18th 2010 8:10AM
Nigel Lythgoe's "new broom" effect continues at 'American Idol.' The upcoming 10th season will not only see the debut of new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, but will also have some new tweaks to the format, and some brand-new challenges for the contestants
In an interview with TVGuide.com "Nasty Nigel" provided some details about the changes he's made since returning as executive producer. When the show returns Jan. 12, Lythgoe said that that the finalists will face a range of challenges new to the show, including making music videos, learning to promote themselves, and working with a band and dancers for an awards show-style performance.
Lythgoe also revealed that he's axed the semifinals round that shrinks the contestants from a group of 24 to 12, instead opting to go straight to the top 12.
Referring to previous seasons, he said "I didn't think [the top 24] were very good, I was bored with them by the time they got there." But he remained tight-lipped about what -- if anything -- will replace the episodes that usually cover the early voting rounds, though he did tell the New York Post that "the judges will still be bringing [the number] down."
"You don't know who's talented -- you only know the ones who've had a bit of their stories shown in the auditions," he told the Post. "It's much easier to say, 'Here are the Final 12, now here are their stories, and start figuring out who you like.'"
With the signing of music producer Jimmy Iovine to act as the contestants' in-house mentor, it sounds as though this season the show's aiming to create a viable artist, rather than just a show-winner. Iovine has worked with artists including Bruce Springsteen, U2, Dr. Dre and Eminem over his lengthy career, and his deal with the show came after 'American Idol' switched record labels from Sony Music to Universal Music Group. Iovine is chairman of UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M label, and under his tutelage, theme weeks will now focus on decades of music, rather than particular styles or artists.
"You don't really see Lady Gaga singing country music, so it should be people coming out and doing what they do," Lythgoe told the Post. "If we want to find the next 'American Idol,' I think the public should know what sort of record they're going to release -- it's crazy to sing country and then put out a rock record."
Producers have used a variety of methods to open up the talent pool for this season. In addition to lowering the eligible age to 15, they partnered with MySpace to accept online auditions for the first time.
And as the speculation over who'd be judging the 10th season reached fever pitch, and auditions starting taping without the new judges, new dates and cities were added.
All this, according to Lygthgoe, means that the auditions stage of the contest has produced an even wider range of talent than ever, including many country, indie and jazz singers. He also added that because of the high volume of contestants, more contenders are being sent through to Hollywood.
But what about those really highly paid new judges? Have they been working hard for those massive pay checks? Lythgoe says that Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are taking their new jobs seriously.
"They both listen intently, and don't make glib remarks. ... They give honest critiques." And the new format seems to have revitalized the much-criticized Randy Jackson: "He really has stepped up. He's essentially come out of himself. He's enjoying being in that position."
As far as the absence of Simon Cowell, Lythgoe brushed off critics who predict 'Idol' will suffer without him. ""I don't think the pressure is there for 'Idol' -- I feel upset for Simon a little bit," Lythgoe told The Post. "There's so much pressure for him to get it right, and everyone's talking about it."
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