Some say the new changes to the Idol formula probably won't diminish its appeal.
"I seriously doubt the changes will be as drastic as the producers have promised," says Sandra Deane, who covers Idol for the Web site AOL Television. "American Idol is nearly indestructible, and there's no way the promised changes in format will hurt the show. The show's success, season to season, ultimately depends on the talent and personality of the contestants. And when that fails, you can always count on a minor scandal around a contestant or judge - or bizarre bickering at the judges' table - to keep it interesting."
Deane says the changes, however minor, are long-overdue.
"You can practically write a script with the judges' banter and reactions: 'You did your thing, dawg,' 'Good for you,' 'I'm being honest ... absolutely dreadful,' " Deane says. "While it's easy to say if it isn't broken, don't fix it, [American Idol] needs to do something to grow viewership, and this is a good start."
Idol producer Warwick says the erosion was inevitable.
"When you get to the eighth season of any series, especially in America, you know you've got to expect logically ... for ratings to diminish slightly," he says. "The truth of the matter is we didn't do that badly."
Warwick says the show's changes weren't born out of desperation.
"There were no panic changes," he says. "This wouldn't have been on TV for eight years if it wasn't doing it right. ... So we are tweaking around, trying to make it a bit more interesting. Some things will work; some things won't. ... I've got eight years of success behind me, so I'm not worried about it."
past tinkering
The addition of Kara DioGuardi isn't the first staff change for American Idol. The hit show has seen several on-screen personalities come and go.
Two hosts : When Idol premiered in 2002, Ryan Seacrest shared the spotlight with comedian Brian Dunkleman. But Dunkleman's sarcastic banter didn't mesh well with the earnest tone of the show, and Seacrest has been solo ever since.
A "special" correspondent : Producers hired former contestant Kristin Holt in Season 2 (2003) to serve as a roving reporter. But her "reports" were far from enlightening.
Celebrity judges: In Season 3 (2004), Idol added celebrity guest judges like Elton John, but it turned out the seasoned pop stars were as bland in their critiques as the cheery Paula Abdul.
American Idol returns at 8 p.m. Tuesday on WBFF, Channel 45.
