via @leanneaguilera
via sir_phoenix
American Idol producers, Per Blankens, Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager, new director, Louis J. Horvitz, set designer Baz Halpin, FremantleMedia exec, Trish Kinane and FOX’s David Hill, held a press event on the brand new live stage today. Check out sneak peek photos of the new look!
“What we hope with the live shows next week and going forward is that we can reconnect with the fans and get them to come back home,” Blankens said. “A lot of people love Idol but I think they didn’t approve of the way some things went last year.”
One of the major format tweaks is that viewers will be able to vote at the beginning of the show as opposed to after the show ends as in past season. The new format was outlined in a recent announcement of google and facebook voting, which will be tracked and displayed on screen during the show’s live east coast feed.
Via Deadline
Video via The Wrap
Here’s what to expect from the new set:
1) 360-degree camera access
As many as 18 cameras can capture the stage from virtually all angles, giving it some flexibility.2) New judges’ desk located in the center of the room that turns 360 degrees
Depending on which stage the show is using. One reporter compared it to a “lazy susan.”3) Two stages
There will be a main stage and a B stage, which will make its debut during next week’s rush week. It will provide “intimacy” for eliminations and options for using both stages during performances.4) Audience goes up three levels
About 600 people will surround the stage, including the obligatory standing-only mosh pit and three levels of seats. ”We have a lot of fans all the way to the ceiling,” described Ignjatovic.5.) Band split into sections left and right of the stage
