Nigel Lythgoe Restricts Instruments On American Idol 2011

If you’ve grown tired of American Idol becoming less of a singing competition and more of a “look at me, I’m playing a guitar!” competition then you’ll be glad to know that things are about to change. Nigel Lythgoe, returning executive producer for American Idol 2011, is putting in place yet another big change for the upcoming season.

Lythgoe took to Twitter to announce that he’ll be restricting instruments:

AI contestants will still be able to play instruments just not every week. “Playing” a guitar is totally different from “hiding” behind it.

I think this will be a great balance. We’ll still get some instrumental performances, but they won’t be able to do it week after week. The purists can have their turn while the guitar/piano/flute (flute?!) lovers can have their cake too.

Which side of the fence do you fall into?