I’ve read two stories about it so far.
I’m just hoping they’re true.
If so, American Idol just delivered fans and contestants a Christmas present, two days early.
The reports, including this one at Reality TV World, indicate that Idol has dumped that horrible, horrific, intolerable, inexcusable format the show used in season eight.
You know the one I’m talking about.
The format that left us with 36 semifinalists and about 90 seconds per contestant to determine who was worthy of a spot in the finals and who wasn’t.
The format that robbed us of a chance to get to know a Brooke White, a David Cook or a David Archuleta through repeated semifinal performances.
The format that left us with way too many guys who wanted to sing pop, with a dash of soul, in season eight.
The format that left us with the impression that the show was hand-picking finalists based on the amount of airtime they received heading into the semifinals.
The format that allowed the judges to hand pick at least two contestants — and they wound up picking three — during a wild card round.
This year, according to the reports, we’ll have 24 contestants and a format similar to season seven. To earn a spot in the finals, contestants will have to perform and avoid elimination three times during the semifinals.
There will be a 50/50 split of guys and gals making the finals. (Last year, it was eight guys, five gals). And there won’t be a wild card round.
If it’s true, all very, very welcome news.
And changes that would restore a sense of fairness to the semifinals that was sorely lacking in season eight.
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