Producers: 'American Idol' making changes

PASADENA, California (AP) — The producers of "American Idol" say the show's new season includes changes to freshen it, including expanded song choices for contestants.

Executive producer Per Blankens said Monday that after tending toward a fair amount of golden oldies, the show's song list will add more current tunes that the young contestants can relate to.

Executive producer Trish Kinane says former judge Randy Jackson's new role will include leading a workshop that helps contestants deal with vocal and other challenges.

The talent contest also will introduce a "rush week" that precedes the Hollywood week auditions.

But Kinane told the Television Critics Association the series is still essentially "American Idol."