'American Idol' time slot change adds to upheaval

[November 20, 2010]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- More change is afoot for "American Idol," which will air on a different night for its upcoming 10th season.

The Fox TV network said its hit singing contest will move from its longtime Tuesday and Wednesday night broadcasts to Wednesday and Thursday when it returns. Its season debut is Jan. 19.

The switch means more big change for "American Idol," which is bringing in new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez after the departures of Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi. Randy Jackson will be back on the panel.

Fox's decision to move the series, announced Friday, comes as "American Idol" must fight to keep its No. 1 spot. The show's ratings have been declining, with this year's finale between winner Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox drawing about 24 million viewers, down 5 million from 2009.

[Associated Press]

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