Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Big changes as "Idol" turns 20 years old

New broadcast day, partially new jury – and no audition programs on weekdays. Much is new in "Idol" which this year celebrates 20 years on TV4. This is a big change, but the content is the same, says the host Pär Lernström.

» Updated: 06 October 2024, 14:38

» Published: 26 August 2024

Big changes as "Idol" turns 20 years old
Photo: Nathalie Ulinder Cuti/TV4

This weekend, "Idol" is back on TV4 - from this year, moved from Fridays to Saturdays. And no longer with the usual introduction with audition programs scattered throughout the weekdays, with the qualifying final as the climax.

But the auditions are not scrapped. They are just repackaged - and become part of the Saturday programs.

In recent years, we have seen that the large number of episodes we have had early in the season has made it a bit harder to get into "Idol". Now we believe that by making a big weekend entertainment, the whole audience will have the opportunity to get in properly from the start, says TV4's channel and content director Fredrik Arefalk.

New jury

The jury is also partially new. Kishti Tomita and Alexander Kronlund have left and been replaced by Peg Parnevik and Avicii's manager Ash Pournouri, alongside Anders Bagge and Katia Mosally. "Idol" is also moving physically - this year's program will be broadcast live from Filadelfiakyrkan in central Stockholm.

The audition phase has always been important, but host Pär Lernström hopes that the new program format will provide the opportunity to tell more about the participants rather than showing hopeful artists who do not make the cut.

This thing about keeping on and scolding people on prime time because they can't sing... it feels like that time is over. So we think more, can we find real singers and songstresses?

Nostalgia

This year, it's 20 years since "Idol" was first broadcast and became a huge success immediately. A certain Darin came second in the final after winner Daniel Lindström. Behind them, Loreen came fourth.

Pär Lernström says that the anniversary will be marked in "Idol", but it must not take over. The new idols are the most important.

There is a legacy with artists who now belong to the elite in Sweden. It's a very fine part of the whole thing. And it's fun with the nostalgia, but then you want to focus on what's happening here and now.

"Idol" premiered in 2004, as TV4's response to "Fame factory" on TV3 and "Popstars" on Kanal 5. The first year featured artists like Darin, Loreen, and ultimate winner Daniel Lindström. Others who got their career boost from the program are Agnes, Måns Zelmerlöw, Danny Saucedo, Linnea Henriksson, and Hanna Ferm.

In 2012, TV4 scrapped "Idol" and instead broadcast "X factor" and "The voice", which did not attract nearly as many viewers. The year after, "Idol" was back again.

The program has been a reliable talent factory for Swedish music life. In the Melodifestivalen this year, half of the finalists, 6 out of 12, had a background from "Idol".

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Liam Payne flies home to England
1 MIN READ

Liam Payne flies home to England

They will be hosting Melodifestivalen
2 MIN READ

They will be hosting Melodifestivalen

Emotional when Hans dies in "Wahlgren's World"
2 MIN READ

Emotional when Hans dies in "Wahlgren's World"

The TV series about The Pirate Bay doesn't take sides
3 MIN READ

The TV series about The Pirate Bay doesn't take sides

Kimmel after Trump's victory: "Good evening for Putin"
1 MIN READ

Kimmel after Trump's victory: "Good evening for Putin"

The Turnaround: SR Takes Over Threatened Library
1 MIN READ

The Turnaround: SR Takes Over Threatened Library

Up to 400 may be laid off from Finnish Yle
1 MIN READ

Up to 400 may be laid off from Finnish Yle

The Swedish songs that count towards the EU's songbook
1 MIN READ

The Swedish songs that count towards the EU's songbook

Oasis Expands World Tour
1 MIN READ

Oasis Expands World Tour

Kristofer Hivju is Santa's unknown brother
3 MIN READ

Kristofer Hivju is Santa's unknown brother

Celebrities react to the election result
2 MIN READ

Celebrities react to the election result

The State Wins Against Secretly Filmed Vaccine Opponent
2 MIN READ

The State Wins Against Secretly Filmed Vaccine Opponent

St. Goran Hospital becomes a reality TV show
1 MIN READ

St. Goran Hospital becomes a reality TV show

"Michael" to Premiere in Fall 2025
1 MIN READ

"Michael" to Premiere in Fall 2025

Million Support to Malmö Art Hall
1 MIN READ

Million Support to Malmö Art Hall

Jens Lapidus makes TV about famous violent crimes
2 MIN READ

Jens Lapidus makes TV about famous violent crimes

Million Grant to Malmö Art Hall
1 MIN READ

Million Grant to Malmö Art Hall

This week's film and series
2 MIN READ

This week's film and series

Dr. Phil: I'm not supporting Trump
1 MIN READ

Dr. Phil: I'm not supporting Trump

"The Wizard from Oz" Shoes for Sale at Auction
1 MIN READ

"The Wizard from Oz" Shoes for Sale at Auction