(Reuters) – “American Idol” returns to television next week not only with two new celebrity judges, but a whole new attitude — less of the cutting put-downs and more support and coaching for aspiring new pop stars, producers said on Tuesday.
The exit of caustic British judge Simon Cowell, and the addition of singer Jennifer Lopez and rock star Steven Tyler has shaken up the dynamics of the top-rated TV singing contest, and placed the emphasis squarely on encouraging original talent, they said.
Gone are the old “nasty and nice” roles once seen from judges, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told TV journalists.
“It’s about giving the right information to (the contestants) so they continue on their journey as an artist. It is a lot more about searching for that eventual winner, than stopping people getting there.
Full story: Less nasty, more nice in revamped American Idol | Reuters