Season 10 of American Idol is coming to a close. As I look back on all this season's episodes, I got to thinking, what happened to all the changes we were promised back in January? Here is a rundown of some of the changes that were in store for season 10
What was promised: Elimination rounds will move faster than previous seasons, with the Top 24 being trimmed down to either a Top 12 or Top 15. Producers have still not decided on a final number, although viewer voting will still play a major part in the semi-finals.
What actually happened: The semi finals carried on as normal with contestants being cut from 40 to 24 and then to 13.
What was promised: The online voting process is also undergoing some changes. A one-click voting structure is in the works and there is a possibility that voters could access bonus content from the show after their votes are cast.
What actually happened: Online voting at AmericanIdol.com via facebook and captcha. Not quite one click, but this was a big change for the season.
What was promised: A new Idol Mansion will be used for contestant living arrangements.
What actually happened: The contestants moved into a mansion for a few weeks, however the "mansion" was in disrepair and they soon moved out an into a hotel.
What was promised: Music videos might be integrated into the show this season, for the contestants to display their acting abilities along with their voices.
What actually happened: This just plain didn't happen. The ford music videos are still in place as they always have been, with no new music videos or "acting".
What was promised: Music releases from the contestants will also come much quicker this season, with the artists releasing new tracks as the season carries on.
What actually happened: Other than the normal iTunes releases from week to week, the only song to have been recorded and released by an eliminated contestant is Chris Medina's 'What Are Words'.
What was promised: Theme Weeks are going through an overhaul as well, with songs selected that will more properly suit a contestant's voice. "We’re not going to ask a country singer to sing an R&B song, or an R&B singer to do Led Zeppelin,” says Interscope/Geffen/A&M music exec Jimmy Iovine, who will help mentor the hopefuls. “If the theme is ’80s or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, every song will be customized to that contestant.”
What actually happened: Very specific themes such as "Elton John", "Carole King" and "Leiber and Stoller" are still popping up and forcing the contestants so sing songs not suited to their voices.
What was promised: No more guest mentors and a bigger focus on the contestants.
What actually happened: In a year of "no more mentors" we have had Will.i.am, Miley Cyus, Lady Gaga, and Sheryl Crow among others. Results are still held, for the most part, in the last 5-10 minutes of the results show.
What was promised: Contestants will be able to sing original songs on stage.
What actually happened: This was only an option in the top 40 airplane hanger round which was not entirely shown on TV.
What was promised: 30 minute results shows.
What actually happened: 60 minute results shows.
Is there anything I missed? Do you wish these changes actually happened? What should Idol changed for Season 11? Let me know @Idol360 on twitter.
