American Idol Season 10 Changes

Nigel Lythgoe revealed major changes for American Idol Season 10 in his interview with TV Guide.

– The producers have also eliminated the round that shrinks the contestants from a group of 24 to 12, instead opting to just go straight to the top 12.

– Theme weeks will focus on decades rather than a particular artist. Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, will act as an in-house mentor. Taken together, the changes seem to reiterate the producers’ desires to create an artist, rather than just another winner.

– Finalists will face new challenges, including contests to make the best music video, to promote themselves, and to work with a band and dancers for an awards show-style performance.