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'American Idol' Season Seven Preview
An "Idol" Top 12 with 12 great singers? Say it isn't so! That's what executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is suggesting will happen this season when "American Idol" season seven kicks off January 16th on Fox.
Though the top 24 won't be revealed until some time in February, Nigel told reporters this morning on a conference call that this year he believes there will be stand out contestants right from the get go.
"It's not just a question of seeing somebody grow like Jordin last year. This year I think you are gonna go, 'Wow, he is great, she is good... Wow and that kid's great too,' and they are gonna be standouts very very quickly."
The best city for talent this year, he says, was San Diego.
For the first time ever, contestants were allowed to play instruments during their Hollywood round auditions. Nigel says it worked out for some, while others crashed and burned. A decision has actually not been made whether or not the Top 24 or Top 12 will be allowed to use instruments.
"We are talking about it. we are seeing how it will affect the competition. we are trying to figure out, does it make it unfair on people on that can't do that or are you showing America their talent which is what its all about. We are not closing the door on it at the same time we wanna make it fair."
It's already been revealed that Dolly Parton will be one of the guest mentors this season, for I would assume, a country themed week. Nigel promises less mentors this year and that the show will focus more on the lives of the contestants this year through their eyes or the eyes of their family members.
He claims to have two "legends" already signed up (one of which may be Dolly) but would not reveal whom they might be. Like every year, Nigel is still crossing his fingers that he will get permission to do a Beatles theme week but squashes the inevitable rumors that Paul McCartney would come on. He won't.
What could you see? Maybe a duet between judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Jackson is prepping an album that features a duet with the former 80's pop queen. Nigel at first said he was open to having them come on and perform, but then again, maybe not.
"To be frank, performance wise it's not really about Randy and Paula, it's about the talent. It might be fun on a results night or in the finale but I don't want to confuse what this show is about and that is about finding new talent."
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