For its eighth season, " American Idol [ tickets ]" is changing its tune.

The popular talent show is cutting back on audition episodes, instead focusing on an extended two-week Hollywood round (beginning Feb. 3) and implementing a wild-card system that will allow judges bring back their favorites.

And, in lieu of the traditional unveiling of the final 20 contestants, the final 36 will be revealed on Feb. 11. Audience voting is set to begin on Feb. 17.

"We've changed it slightly back to the way we used to have it, in that there will be now be a Top 36 that go forward from Hollywood, that will be three shows of 12 [contestants]; a different 12 each week," Executive Producer Ken Warwick said during a recent teleconference.

"And then the viewers at home will put the Top 3 through from those three weeks, which gives us nine [contestants], and we need a Top 12. So then we're having a wild card show, where three of the kids will be the fourth highest [vote-getters from the first three groups]. So from each [pre-wild card] week, you'll get the top boy, the top girl and the next-highest vote through.

"When we get to the wild card show, the fourth [place finisher] from those three shows will go through and then the judges can add to it--anybody they like that they thought maybe they knew was better and was just off form. Maybe they picked the wrong song. Whatever reason they choose, they can make that fourth show up to probably about nine or 10 people; I haven't quite decided yet. And then, they will decide who the final three will be."

This season, a fourth judge has been added. Singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi joins veterans Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

"[DioGuardi is] fitting in very well because the fact of the matter [is] she wasn't just sort of cold off the streets," Warwick said. "I think she is one of the record producers and composers that invariably ... ends up in the studio with [the winner]. So she was very well qualified to come in at the beginning and say, 'Right. This is the kind of person we're looking for.'

"It's quite interesting to see how she gangs up against Simon with Paula and gives us a slight different dynamic there."

Warwick added that DioGuardi has been helping to push through auditioners who were OK the first time around, but "fabulous" when they returned.

The final change falls within "Idol Gives Back," a charity event that will not return this season. Warwick explained it was partially the decision of "American Idol" creator Simon Fuller, as well as a charity committee that oversees the entire process.

"When we're making three, sometimes four hours a week of broadcast TV, to add the actual weight of making a huge charity show on top of that it is really very, very difficult to keep the standard of the main show up as well as make this one something special," Warwick said.

"And then, two or three weeks later, [we] have to start on making the finale something special. It's a heavy responsibility and a workload on everybody."

Warwick explained the decision to cancel "Idol Gives Back" is also related to the poor economy. It is slated to return in Season Nine.

This fall was tragic for Abdul as an obsessed fan, Paula Goodspeed, committed suicide near her California home. It has been reported that Abdul chastised producers for allowing Goodspeed to audition for "American Idol" even though they knew she was a threat to Abdul. Warwick explained that is not true.

"Well, I was in the room, mate, and I can absolutely put my hand on my heart and say I didn't know. And that's the truth," Warwick said. "If I thought anyone was dangerous, for any reason, I would not let them in. And that's one thing.

"Now, she may have mentioned it to her security man. She may have mentioned it to another junior producer, I'm not sure. … So the fact is, she may have mentioned it to somebody. She certainly didn't mention it to me. She certainly didn't mention it to someone who had the clout to say, 'OK, we don't let that person in.'"

Warwick also denied that Abdul may not return for a ninth season. He said there has never been any talk of "getting rid" of Abdul.

"America loves Paula," Warwick said. "She's an integral part of this program. And, as far as I'm concerned, I hope she's there until the day it comes off the air. End of story."

"American Idol" will start airing Jan. 13 with three weeks of audition episodes from East Rutherford, NJ; Jacksonville, FL.; Kansas City, MO.; Louisville, KY.; Glendale, AZ; Salt Lake City; San Francisco; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.