Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Nigel Lythgoe promised us he was going to freshen up the Idol theme weeks this season.

I haven’t seen any sign of it yet.

This week, we had a very familiar theme — songs from the year contestants were born. Though I did appreciate the genre flexibility it offered.

Up next week: Another tired old theme minus without quite as much flexibility — classic Motown tunes.

And, for the second straight week, the remaining Idols will be robbed of the chance to sing anything current.

At least there’s this: Idol will continue the habit of bringing back star performers from the past.

Jennifer Hudson will perform on Thursday’s results show, which will come just two days after the release of her new album, “I Remember Me.”

Also performing Thursday — Sugarland, a country group with an Idol connection of its own.

You hadn’t heard? Casey James, who’s working on a debut album in Nashville, has been touring with Sugarland this month.

So I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at the Idol results show Thursday as well.