Change, that's the theme of American Idol Season 8 (American Idol 8) this year following the example of Barack Obama. Not only have they added a fourth judge in the person of Kara DioGuardi earlier this year but they've also made some changes to the way Idol will be presented on television.
Speaking of the additional judge, everybody was surprised when the fourth judge was announced earlier this year. Many thought Kara DioGuardi would be a replacement for Paula Abdul after her are-you-with-us-Paula episodes last year. However, the producers vehemently denied this speculation
and added that the fourth judge was all in the plan. In fact, they said American Idol was really conceptualized with four judges. But how will they break a tie with four judges? Hmm. On the other hand, with her background in music, I hope Kara DioGuardi with bring some sense into judging commentary because I've been sick of hearing Paula's shallow comments and Randy's "yo dawg" spiels!
Another big change this year is the return of the 'Wild Card'. The 'Wild Card' that was practiced in the early seasons of the show will effectively apply on March 5. The judges will choose among the eliminated contestants and choose three to bring back to the competition for a second chance. Also, the Hollywood round will accommodate as many as 36 contestants instead of the usual 24 to give more chance for the people to show what they got. And starting February 17, America will help decide who should be in the Top 12. One male, one female and the next top vote getter from the three split groups consisting of 12 people each, will earn the ticket to the final.
The ongoing recession has also forced "Idol Gives Back", a charity program conducted regularly by American Idol, to be canceled this season. The reason is clear, the producers feel that asking people to donate money for a good cause during a recession is simple not advisable. According to producers, they may include that portion in the future but it won't be on a regular basis.
And here's another change that may be good news to some but bad news to others. Fewer audition episodes and more Hollywood-round episodes will be aired in order to give more exposure to the talented and inspirational rather than the weird and shocking. After all, most of these cooks know they've got no talent at all and are just there for TV exposure - and probably a shot at 15 minutes of fame a la William Hung. But don't be sad, they're not gonna scrap the wierdos altogether, just minimize their exposure (probably due to the Paula Goodspeed episode as well).Whatever changes they make, I'm sure American Idol season 8 (American Idol 8) will still be a hit. Who will follow the footsteps of Davis Cook and David Archuleta? The world can't wait!
American Idol season 8 Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 14 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2
Tuesday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Tuesday, Jan. 27 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Jan. 28 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Jan. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 4 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Tuesday, Feb. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 4
Top 36 Semifinalists Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM) 12 Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, Feb. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM)
First LIVE Results Show Finalists Advance
Tuesday, Feb. 24 (8:00-10:00 PM) 12 Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM)
LIVE Results Show Finalists Advance
Tuesday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM) 12 Semifinalists Perform
Wednesday, March 4 (8:00-9:00 PM)
LIVE Results Show Finalists Advance
Thursday, March 5 (8:00-9:00 PM) Wild Card Round
Top 12 Finalists Revealed
Tuesday, March 10 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Finalists Perform
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