New judges, a revamped format and now an “Idol” house?

“American Idol” producers are shaking things up for Season 10 and the Hollywood Reporter has learned that the Top 12 could be living together in a house and chatting with fans regularly through Twitter.

With a theme of “transparency” on the show this year, there are rumours that behind the scenes footage from the “Idol” house could be shown on the air in the vein of other reality shows, but Fox has yet to comment on the subject.

Having the “Idol” contestants live together in a house is nothing new for “Canadian Idol” fans. The competitors were always shown moving into a mansion together once it got down to the Top 10.  But while segments were filmed at the house, the cameras were not there 24/7.

“American Idol” producers also plan to take the contestants who make it to Hollywood Week to Las Vegas to collaborate with Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles-inspired “Love” show. Word is there will be 325 people going to Hollywood – the largest group ever. From that, 60 will go to Vegas, 40 will go back to L.A. and then the Top 12 will move into the house.

Other new changes on “Idol” this year will include the contestants making music videos and producing an awards show-type performance, complete with a band and backup dancers. With the exit of Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler will be the new faces behind the judging panel.