In the first major change to the judging panel, a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, was introduced. This was also the first season without executive producer Nigel Lythgoe who left to focus on the international versions of his show So You Think You Can Dance. The Hollywood round was moved to the Kodak Theatre for 2009 and was also extended to two weeks. Idol Gives Back was canceled for this season due to the global recession at the time. COUNT 10
QSN1 Who was brought in as a new judge during American Idols eighth season? ANS1 Kara DioGuardi QSN2 How long did the Hollywood round air for in season eight of American Idol? ANS2 two weeks QSN3 What show did Nigel Lythgoe leave American Idol to produce? ANS3 So You Think You Can Dance QSN4 What venue hosted the Hollywood round on American Idol for the first time in 2009? ANS4 the Kodak Theatre QSN5 Why did American Idol choose not to have its Idol Gives Back special in 2009? ANS5 the global recession QSN6 How many judges were on the panel for this season? ANS6 four QSN7 Which judge joined the panel? ANS7 Kara DioGuardi QSN8 Nigel Lythgoe quit the show to focus on what other show? ANS8 So You Think You Can Dance QSN9 Where was the Hollywood round moved to? ANS9 Kodak Theatre QSN10 What was canceled for this year of Idol? ANS10 Idol Gives Back