Less than a week before "American Idol" returns, fans of the singing competition are in great anticipation of what's in store for this 2015. Season 14 would see numerous changes beginning from the show's format to the judges and mentors of the singers.
According to Popcrush, beginning this season, the formerly twice a week show would be trimmed down to only one night. Singers for the upcoming season would both have their performances and know the results in one episode.
Aside from this change, International Business Times reported that the show would initially begin with a two-night episode for the auditions, which will soon be cut down to one, once the Top 10 has been chosen.
Ex-FOX president Kevin Reilly mentioned the format change as early as May of this year. Speaking to E! Online, Reilly said, "It's quite likely we'll end up being a two-hour show on one night for most of its run." At that time, the former FOX head also hinted of the possibility that all three judges would remain for a next season. "We have good indications from all of them," he said.
While the American Idol Net website mentioned that the three judges from the previous season would remain, the contest would have a new backstage mentor. Joining Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. is Big Machine Records president Scott Borchetta. Meanwhile, one of the show's original judges -- Randy Jackson, who became a mentor of the singers last season, would not return to the show anymore, said IB Times.
To amp up the excitement for the show's upcoming season, a trailer of the Top 24 contestants have been released. The video shows 24 silhouettes as they sing, "Feeling Good." The "almost revelation" is also among the changes the show is introducing this January. Fans could see their silhouettes and backs but not the actual faces even before their audition videos.
Those hoping to get a shot to be the next "American Idol" would have a chance to show their talent as the three judges travel to six destinations to meet those who would audition.
While the contestants could look forward to bagging the top award, their friends and families would also be given a shot to take home their own prize. The show is giving out a "special award" wherein the person who encouraged the grand prize winner to go and audition for the show would take home $50,000.
These are just among the exciting things awaiting viewers of this popular show. "American Idol" returns for Season 14 on Jan. 7, 2015.
