Report Idol To Make Changes In 2009

The memo reveals that for its semifinal round, American Idol 8 will have 36 instead of 24 competitors, the hearing episodes will be reduced, while the pre-Hollywood semifinal round of episodes will be increased, the wildcard round will return, giving competitors eliminated the possibility to compete for a spot of the best of 12 finalists, the exhibition focus on bad singers will be kept to a minimum; Idol and returns, the exhibition Telethon charity, not air this year. American Idol will take several changes to its format when it debuts in mid-January, according to an internal Fox memo posted on-line.