‘American Idol’ season 14 may only air once a week

Is “American Idol” getting ready to take a page from “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance”? It’s looking more and more like it, based on some of the reports that are coming out now.

According to Deadline, Fox is considering cutting down the total hours that they have the show on its schedule next year after declining ratings. Right now, the show airs three hours a week, and it may move down to two on select nights next week. Personally, we feel like the easy way to do this is by eradicating the results show, and then keeping the airings just once a week once you get to that point in the season. It is around this time that the show starts to actually decline in the ratings more than the auditions, so you are keeping the twice-weekly format for what matters.

So what about the judging panel? While the story claims that Ryan Seacrest is for sure back, none of the judges are official yet. They are all likely to return, however, and are in discussions. This surprises us somewhat, mostly because the show needs to save money and getting rid of Jennifer Lopez’s massive salary is a way to do that. We like most of what she has done this season compared to the past two outings, but she has over-emphasized big voices over artists at times and the cameras spends way too much time watching her dance and get into the performances.

We’ll be finding out so much more about this very soon, largely due to the fact that “American Idol” is only a step away from being showcased at the Fox upfronts. Stay tuned, since we will have more on it then.

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Photo: Fox