American Idol is considered by many to be America’s favorite reality program, and the ratings seem to support that claim. No less than 30 million tuned in to watch Jordin Sparks take last year’s crown, but this year the formula may be a bit different than audiences remember.

Season 7 will feature a new twist: guitars. Contestants on the upcoming season will be allowed to accompany themselves, and fewer big-name mentors will be booked. Show execs report that 160 will make it to Hollywood week during the first few airings of the show, though the standard format of 12 girls and 12 boys will still be invoked for the big-stage performances that follow.

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