For starters, the month-long period where "Idol" usually features the best and most bizarre auditions from around the country have been shortened to just three weeks, followed by two weeks of the show's famous Hollywood round, according to the memo.

"Promotional thrust will have fewer bad singers and more 'aspirational' singers," the memo read.

But the Hollywood round won't just whittle the contenders down to a slim 24. Instead, 36 contestants will get a shot at the top prize. They will however, be reduced over time to a Top 12.