American Idol Returns

The rumors were true:  ABC is bringing "American Idol" back, just 13 months after it ended its 15 year run on Fox.  There aren't many details yet, but here's what we found out:

In a statement, an ABC exec said:

"America, get ready for the return of a bigger, bolder, and better-than-ever 'Idol'."   "a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon."

But their goal is to make the show cheaper to produce.  The main reason Fox canceled it was because it got way too expensive, especially considering its declining ratings.

Rumor has it they're going to save some money by having all the auditions at Disney World in Orlando.  Disney owns ABC, so that will be both cheaper than traveling around the country, and it'll be some nice cross-promotion.

There's talk that they could also open up auditions on the West Coast at Disneyland in Anaheim.   There's no word on the judges, but they might make some announcements next week at the 'upfronts,' where the networks all reveal their new shows for next season.