'American Idol' Results Show to Be Canceled; Taylor Swift's Producer to Join as Mentor
During the most recent seasons of "American Idol," many viewers have complained that the results show are just a lot of filler to sit through while they wait to see who is safe and who goes home for the week. But when the new season kicks in by January, viewers won't have to sit through the results show anymore, for at least half of the season.
In May, former Fox president Kevin Reilly hinted at major changes for the show in its upcoming 14th season.
"The format of Idol will change," Reilly told reporters. "Next year, the format will be quite different. It's quite likely … we'll end up being a two-hour show on one night for most of its run."
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Recently, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest confirmed this and said that the show is downsizing from two nights to just one.
"One of the things I'm actually looking forward to this year which is totally different: We're going to do the performance show and the results in the same show," said Seacrest to reporters on Friday night in New York City. "So there won't be a 'Wait 'til tomorrow night.' There won't be a 'Coming up, coming up, coming up.' We're going to have to put it into one formatted night. So that'll be exciting."
Seacrest also said that the combined shows won't happen until later in the competition.
"When we get to the final stage, you know, the top 10, there'll be one night of performance and results all in one," he explained.
Returning for the new season are judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., while former judge and season 13's in-house mentor Randy Jackson will not be back. He will be replaced by Scott Borcheta, Taylor Swift's music producer.
Seacrest spoke enthusiastically of Borcheta joining the show, saying, "Clearly, when you look at Scott's track record, look at all the people he's worked with, including one Taylor Swift, and I think he'll be the perfect fit for our show."
"American Idol" will premiere on Jan. 7 on Fox.
