Change is coming to American Idol. And we're not just referring to the addition of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez to the judging panel.

Producer Nigel Lythgoe spoke to TV Guide this week and revealed a few unique ideas for season 10. On tap for January and beyond...

• The elimination of the top 24 round. It's unclear how the show will cover the time frame typically dedicated to those episodes, but Lythgoe explained the move with: "I didn't think [the top 24] were very good, I was bored with them by the time they got there."
• Theme weeks will focus on decades, as opposed to individual artists.
• Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, will serve as an in-house mentor.
• Finalists will face new competitions, highlighted by a contest for the best music video.

Are you excited for all the changes in store for season 10 of American Idol?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.