MUMBAI: In addition to changing the judges of the reality show American Idol from Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj to Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. joining Steven Tyler, the producers of the long running reality competition series have decided to tweak the show a bit in its new season.

At the Television Critics’ Association Press Tour 2014, executive producer Trish Kinane said that there will be a new element called “The Chamber” that will look at the contestants just after Ryan sends them off to perform in front of the judges during the auditions.

The contestants will collect themselves in a small room — "some people pray, some people sing, some people look under their arms to see if they're perspiring. They're intimate moments that tell you a lot about the kids,” Kinane said.

The middle rounds will be condensed into one week too. Titled the Rush Week, former “Idol” Randy Jackson reemerge and conduct a two-day workshop ahead of the live shows where contestants examine their musical style and decide what look they want. It will be followed by tips from the experts. “He’s been through it for 12 years,” Kinane said. "He's seen these kids come and go. He has a lot to offer."

Along with the changes made by the producers, the producers are taking a new approach to the music theme this year. And for those tired of the same old songs, the producers have indicated that they have expanded the song lists. “There are many more contemporary songs in the lists,” Kinane said.

In India, the latest season of American Idol will air on Zee Café from 19 March onwards.