"American Idol" will have several changes to its format when it debuts in mid-January, according to an internal Fox memo posted online.

The memo reveals that for its semifinal round, "American Idol 8" will have 36 instead of 24 contestants; the audition episodes will be reduced while the pre-semifinal Hollywood round episodes will be increased; the wild card round will return, giving eliminated contestants the chance to compete for one of the top 12 finalist spots; the show's focus on "bad singers" will be minimized; and “Idol Gives Back,” the show's charity telethon, will not air this year.

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