We always know what the judges think, but next season on American Idol the contestants may also be allowed to speak out during the competition for the first time.
Among the changes being considered for season 10 is a lift on the social-networking ban that has silenced competitors once they leave the stage.
"Contestants may be allowed to Tweet throughout the show," a source has stated. "But there are still logistics to be worked out."
Another change: Unlike last season, the top 12 contestants will be living together in a house in Hollywood. The move is a fresh idea for the next batch of hopefuls, although Idol has done it sporadically in previous years.
What's uncertain, the source says, "is whether they'll film any of it."
The Hollywood Reporter was first to report the changes, and claims they're being made as part of a new "transparency" production theme – the idea being to give fans a peek behind the scenes.
FOX declined to comment on the reports, as did a rep for executive producer Nigel Lythgoe.
Sneaking in some Facebooking time at the office? Checking the tweets on Twitter in-between meetings? Don’t worry, it’s good for your work! Really.
A new study from the University of Melbourne revealed people who use the ‘workplace Internet for leisure browsing’ or WILB are 9 percent more productive than employees who do not.
Researchers believe the recreational WILB-ing actually refreshes employees and rejuvenates their concentration.
"Firms spend millions on software to block their employees from watching videos, using social networking sites or shopping online under the pretence that it costs millions in lost productivity," said a University Researcher. "That's not always the case."
But, before you friend your boss and let him see the dozens of updates to your feed as you comment your work day away, note there is a limit on productive WILB time.
The study found the improved productivity was greatest for people who spend less than 20 percent of their total time in the office engaging in WILB.
So, surf in moderation. Researchers cautioned, "those who behave with Internet addiction tendencies will have a lower productivity than those without.”
We always know what the judges think, but next season on American Idol the contestants may also be allowed to speak out during the competition for the first time.
