New American Idol executive producer, Per Blankens, who previously headed Swedish Idol, and fellow exec, Trish Kinane, share some of the changes we can look forward to in season 13 with TV Guide.
“Last season, we knew what could happen when the chemistry was bad,” said Blankens, “So we decided to get three people who really could enjoy each other’s company.”
Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr are getting along so well, claimed Blankens, that they’re even taking lunch breaks together (currently, the team is auditioning hopefuls in audition cities). “Nobody’s above the other,” adds exec producer Trish Kinane. “There’s none of that rivalry going on.” That congenial atmosphere is in sharp contrast to last year, when Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj were at each other’s throats.
Blankens hopes to infuse a “fresh energy” into the show. “There was no need to really come up with one big new gimmick,” Blankens said. “It’s rather about looking at all the little details.”
Here’s what Idol fans can expect in Season 13:
- More contestants will be shown during the auditions
- There will be a new section at the start of Hollywood Week. Kinane teases “a bit of a shock element to it,”
- The time between Hollywood Week and the live shows will be shortened so viewers can cast their votes sooner.
- The music selection and themes will also be overhauled, allowing contestants to pick more contemporary tracks.
- “That doesn’t mean we’re going to do Billboard Top 10 every week,” Blankens said. “But if someone wants to sing a current song, they’re going to at least have the choice.”
- “We’re going to reduce some of the results shows in length because those were too long and padded, so we’re going to redistribute that time and use it in different ways,” said Kinane.
- She hints we’ll see more behind the scenes stuff: “These kids have a really extraordinary schedule — they’re working 13 or more hours a day — so we’re going to show some of that.”
“I truly believe that everybody in America has a special relationship with this show,” Blankens said. “We can’t ignore the fact that it was the first and it’s the only show that actually produces superstars. It’s a big part of the American pop culture.”
The new producers seem to have a grasp on the problems…but will they follow through successfully? If they do, will it even make a difference to the ratings of the aged competition show? How hopeful are you feeling about the upcoming season of American Idol?
Via TV Guide
