"American Idol" season 14 will undergo a major format revamp, host Ryan Seacrest confirms. According to the long-time host, the upcoming season of the show will only have one episode to air every week instead of the usual two.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest shared, "We are going to do the performance show and the results in the same show. So there won't be a 'wait 'til tomorrow night.' There won't be a 'Coming up, coming up, coming up.' We are going to put it all into one format in one night. So that will be exciting."
This means that the usual results night will not air anymore, but the change will not be seen until the final stretch of the show. The long-time "AI" host explained that "[It will be] one night when we get to the final stage, the top ten, there will be one night of performances and results all in one night."
The decision to change the format of the show reportedly stemmed from the dwindling number of viewers of "American Idol" over time. Speculations about the major change say that Fox network decided to cut down on the episodes because of the significant drop in its viewership ratings.
Fox president Kevin Reilly was the first one to mention the plans to reduce the reality singing competition's episodes in its upcoming season to retain the longevity of the program.
"It will not come back to being the rating champion it once was but... it can be a vital, potent unscripted show in its time period, like CBS' 'Survivor,'" Reilly said. "That's the mode we're in and we believe ['Idol'] will be on the air for many years to come."
Aside from the reduced number of episodes, judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. will also spend more time with the contestants this season.
"American Idol" season 14 will start airing on Jan. 7.
