Idol Chatter & Voice Views

If Randy Jackson follows through on his pledge, you might find yourself muttering “that song? again?” less often during American Idol Season 13.

For those unaware, Randy is stepping into a mentor’s role this year.

Randy Jackson says fresher song selections and themes should be coming our way in Season 13. (FOX Photo)

And that includes advising contestants on things such as song choice. And arrangements.

During a conference call with the media Thursday afternoon, the Idol vet said he’ll try to steer contestants toward more original song choices, especially if a former contestant has slayed a particular song on the show “because the comparison is inevitable.”

“So, if you want to do ‘Hallelujah,’ can you do something different with it?’ If they can make it really different, then the judges might say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know your well of talent was that deep,'” Randy said.

He also said Idol is freshening up its theme nights during what he likes to call Idol 2.0.

“I don’t think the themes are as narrow as they used to be,” he said. “I think you’ll like where we’re going with the themes this year.”

Among the other topics Randy touched on:

* Now that The X Factor has been canceled, Randy said he’d welcome Simon Cowell back to Idol in a heartbeat … not that that’s been discussed. “I’m sure he’s plotting his U.S. return in a different, creative way,” Randy said. “Never count him out.”

* He doesn’t miss judging and thinks the mentoring role is “the most natural fit for me” because his career is as a record producer and talent manager. “When I walked away from judging, I was really done with it,” Randy said. “I couldn’t figure out another way to say stuff.” Wow, don’t we know.

* He ran a workshop for advancing contestants with the help of Chris Daughtry and Adam Lambert. He thought they’d provide invaluable insight for the Season 13 singers, and not only because they’ve been through the Idol process. The other plus: They didn’t win, yet went on to establish solid careers in music.

* He applauded the new judges on the job they’ve done. “You look for natural chemistry,” he said. “You can’t really force that. They’ve been sensational.”

* He thinks the girls have the edge in Season 13, but doesn’t rule out the possibility that a couple of the guys “could come up and surprise us.”