Few changes for next 'Idol' season

Tuesday, July 15 2008, 12:00 BST
By Daniel Kilkelly, Entertainment Reporter

American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed that there will be little change to the show's format next year.

Lythgoe confirmed that he is not planning any changes to the judging panel as he remains "delighted" with the performance of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he continued: "We are going to keep the idea of being able to play instruments. We really liked that."

Nigel also admitted that he was not shocked when David Cook triumphed over David Archuleta in the most recent season.

"I couldn't be surprised because I knew the results leading up to that position," he explained. "I think Archuleta performed better than Cook did [in the finale], but I think the nation looked at [the whole season] and balanced out who they liked."

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Instruments are back Yay!!!!!!!!! I loved that!!!!!! I thought they were gonna rehaul it all, so this is good. Maybe they're keeping it because the tour is doing well and getting great reviews.