Big ‘American Idol’ Changes Leaked!

As the debut of this years’ ‘American Idol‘ approaches (January 19th for those of you living under a rock), massive changes to the original format have been revealed! These changes are actually good news, though!

Per The Hollywood Reporter:

UPDATED SET: The set is undergoing substantial modification.

FASTER ELIMINATION: The elimination process is speeding up considerably. Instead of a three-week top 24 round in which America votes, the judges will narrow down the field to 10 or 12 finalists.

ONLINE VOTING: Despite persistent rumors that would lead us to believe otherwise, there will be no online voting.

NEW LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Finalists will all live in an Idol mansion. The show will have a “Big Brother” aspect to it.

ORIGINAL SONGS: Producer-songwriters will help them with song selection, then arrange and produce the musical accompaniment — for the first time ever, contestants won’t be limited solely to cover songs.

THEME WEEK MAKEOVERS: Theme weeks will also get a makeover. “We’re not going to ask a country singer to sing an R&B song, or an R&B singer to do Led Zeppelin,” Jimmy Iovine explains. “If the theme is ’80s or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, every song will be customized to that contestant.” What’s most important, he adds, is that the song suit the finalist’s voice.

Also, the Idol contestants will not be making music videos (except for maybe those awful Ford ones,) and there will be no appearance by “American Idol all-stars.” Ray Chew, formerly of the “Saturday Night Live” band, will also become the new music director. Also new: there will also be no gender parity.

Explains exec producer Ken Warwick: “If I’ve got six fantastic boys and four average girls, I’m certainly not going to throw out a fantastic boy to put in another average girl, or vice versa.”

And there’s great news for the show’s fans: No more months-long wait for music from their favorite singers – songs will be released as the season progresses. While many ideas were tossed up against the wall, one that was considered and abandoned was having past winners face off against former finalists who may have deserved another chance, such as Fantasia taking on Jennifer Hudson or David Cook taking on Adam Lambert. The idea didn’t get very far since few past winners and finalists were keen on it.

Will you be tuning in?

Click here to see which ‘American Idol’ favorite was married on New Years Day!

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Images Via: WENN.com

New Music Friday – Mindless Behavior

Mindless Behavior is a dynamic group of young men armed with limitless talent, drive, energy and a fearless passion for music and performing. Barely into their teens, has the quartet’s energetic fusion of pop, hip hop, and R&B quite simply had the potential to transform the entire musical landscape as we know it. Comprised of four spirited 13 year old boys – Prodigy, Roc Royal, Ray Ray and Princeton – Mindless Behavior employs an insane sleek and futuristic fashion style, epic dance moves, and global-ready pop songs. Their sound resonates with lush harmonies and messages that speak to listeners of all ages.

Prodigy was named after his ability to quickly master all new things related to dancing and playing music. Ray Ray came up under the ranks of famed Los Angeles battle dancer Tommy The Clown. Roc Royal, who began rapping at eight years old, also honed his skills in dance crews. And Princeton got his start at the age of four, appearing in television commercials for Skechers, McDonalds and Nike, as well as music videos.

The showstoppers deliver high levels of energy during their sets, singing, rapping and dancing with stage presence comparable to the greats. Teen girls, in particular, went wild when the guys hit the stage for their tour of Los Angeles high schools and opening sets with the Backstreet Boys (This Is Us 2010) and Justin Bieber (Pop-con 2010).

Their movement is redefining the word mindless and sending a powerful, much needed message to youth. Mindless Behavior is a new, effortless way of thinking that promotes individuality. “If you’re confident and not afraid to stand out, you’re mindless. If you get good grades in school, you’re mindless. If you express yourself, you’re mindless.” commented the group.


Mindless Behavior – My Girl
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The music supports their message and the mindless lifestyle. Mindless Behavior’s forthcoming album, #1 Girl, takes on teenage love in explosive party records, fun mid-tempos, and introspective ballads. The album’s first single “My Girl” is a bubbling, infectious track produced by Walter Millsap (Beyoncé, Timbaland). “The song is about how much our girl loves us – she texts us all the time, sending us a 1-4-3,” said Princeton. The driving energy of “Ms. Right” heats up the dance floors with another offering from Millsap, who also produced standout “1st Crush.” On the piano-driven ballad “Future,” the young romantics envision all that they’ll be able to do take care of their girls once they’re old enough. They team up with superstar producer Polow Da Don for “I Love You.”

The Conjunction Productions team and Streamline Records head Vincent Herbert came up with the concept of the group in 2008, and Mindless Behavior was formed at a Los Angeles based audition hosted by Conjunction, a teaming of Walter Millsap, Keisha Gamble, songwriter Candice Nelson and choreographer David Scott. (Gamble and Scott helped discover B2K.) Prodigy, Princeton, Roc, and Ray Ray were immediately picked after displaying their talents. After two years of artist development, Herbert, who also discovered Lady Gaga and has executive-produced all of her music, introduced Mindless Behavior to IGA Chairman Jimmy Iovine, who immediately confirmed the deal.

Even though the members of Mindless Behavior are only 13, their sound is universal and appeals to the masses. “I think everyone can relate to our songs,” Princeton said. “It’s either a ten year old boy looking for ‘Ms. Right’ or a 60 year old man looking for ‘Mrs. Right.’”

Prepare for Mindless Behavior to join the ranks of the legendary young male groups that preceded them—The Jackson 5, New Edition, N’Sync, and B2K.

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Click here to see JoJo’s new video for the song “In The Dark.”