Is “American Idol” and its new judging panel
going soft this year?

Yes, says executive producer Nigel Lythgoe. Brutal
honesty was the right tone when the TV talent show and Britain’s Simon “Mr.
Nasty” Cowell brought a breath of fresh air to U.S. television 10 years ago.

Judges Steven Tyler (L), Jennifer Lopez (C) and Randy Jackson take part in a panel discussion for the show “American Idol” at the Fox Broadcasting Company Winter Press Tour 2011 for the Television Critics Association in Pasadena, California January 11, 2011.

But times have changed, economically and socially,
and that’s why newcomers Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and old hand Randy Jackson
sent a record 300 plus wannabe pop stars from nationwide auditions onto a second
round in Hollywood this year.

“I believe these are times when we need to be
warmer, brighter, and we need to think we have a future,” Lythgoe told reporters
on a conference call on Thursday.

“If we can translate that into kids coming on this
show from flipping burgers one day to ending up as the star of a television
series, then we are showing everyone there is a way out of our lives,” Lythgoe
said.

Lythgoe said judges and producers have been less
harsh and more willing to give contestants a second chance in the early stages
of the top-rated show. Some 60 contestants are still in with a chance of making
it to the top 12.

“The judges this year have been particularly finicky
and careful about giving people a second opportunity because they know everyone
screws up with nerves,” he said.

“American Idol” has undergone a major revamp in its
10th season following the exit of Cowell in May, four years of declining ratings
for broadcaster Fox and lackluster record sales for recent winners.

Some 22.8 million viewers tuned in to Wednesday’s
episode, down from 24.1 million a week earlier, but the show is holding onto its
status as the most-watched show on U.S. television.

“We have held up brilliantly considering we are in
the 10th season and we have lost two stars in Paula (Abdul) and Simon. We are in
a very good place,” Lythgoe said.

The addition of Aerosmith frontman Tyler to the
panel, along with Tyler talking of starting work on a much-delayed new album
with the band, has led to fevered speculation that the veteran rockers might
play a role on the TV show.

But the usually chatty Lythgoe was tight-lipped when
asked about a possible Aerosmith tie-in or performance.

“I can say nothing about it. I am terrible sorry. I
can say nothing”, he said.

“I am not doing a show with Aerosmith. I am doing a
show with Steven Tyler… Aerosmith just aren’t in my thoughts when I am dealing
with Steven Tyler,” he added. (Source: China Daily)

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet