‘American Idol’ season 13: New bosses promise happy judges, new songs, less Hollywood Week

Are there going to be more changes for “American Idol” season 13? It sure sounds like it. As a matter of fact, we almost feel right now as though someone actually told Per Blankens and Trish Kinane, who are overseeing the production of the show this year following the exit of Ken Warwick and Nigel Lythgoe, that there were problems with the show as presently constructed.

With all of this in mind, we are hearing good news all about one subject: Effort. These people are actually trying to make this show better, and while it’s still to be seen if their quest turns out to be a success, we at least for the time being appreciate that some attention is being given to the dinosaur elements of this long-running show.

Take a look at some of the highlights from this chat below, which are coming to us courtesy of TV Guide:

1. There are more contestants who will be seen during the audition rounds, which is great given that the two most-recent runner-ups in Kree Harrison and Jessica Sanchez were basically ignored until Hollywood Week.

2. The plan is for there to be a much larger modern sampling of songs to choose from, that way the contestants are no longer at the mercy of things that have been done a dozen or so times before.

3. The results shows are going to at least feel shorter, that way the focus can be instead on other important things.

4. More of a look behind the scenes at what goes into the performances, and how hard the contestants have to work at it. This is not a situation where they just wake up one morning, get a song together, and perform.

All of this in theory seems like a smart move, and now we just have to hope that the producers can find that balance of making this the most credible singing show out there, and giving it a balance of humor and serious moments so that it does not struggle to find its unique place on the pedestal between “The Voice” and “The X Factor.”

So far, are you liking what you are seeing? Be sure to share your thoughts below! Meanwhile, click here if you are curious to see what Harry Connick Jr. is stressing in particular on the panel this year.

Photo: Fox