Image Credit: Fox

The changes to Fox’s singing competition shows have only just begun.

After weeks of dramatic headlines about American Idol‘s slipping ratings and The X Factor‘s talent departures, Fox’s president of alternative entertainment Mike Darnell spoke to EW about the challenges faced by Idol and Factor — and his strategy for remaining on top. Given their large number of hours and consistent ability to win time periods, one could argue that Idol and Factor are the No. 1 network’s most important shows. So what does it mean when the bulk of the Factor cast abruptly gets pink-slipped and Idol has CBS’ Big Bang Theory nipping at its heels on Thursday nights?

With Factor, the sudden exodus of host Steve Jones, judge Nicole ‪Scherzinger‬ and executive producer Simon Cowell’s longtime TV-spouse Paula Abdul may have stunned observers (L.A. Reid will return). Yet the move was somewhat less surprising to followers of the U.K. version, which sheds judges every few seasons. In a genre where tough-love auditions are the heart of the format, Darnell described being a star on Factor‘s debut as not entirely dissimilar to being a contestant.

“Season 1 was basically an audition act,” said Darnell late last week. “Simon got one big new star out of it — L.A. Reid, and that was great casting. There’s going to be a natural reassessment.” READ FULL STORY »