• New York Post, Friday, December 12, 2008 9:15 AM

Times are tight, and "American Idol" is becoming less charitable. The show's annual "Idol Gives Back" episode has been canceled, according to an internal memo. In the past, the "Idol Gives Back" charity was a stand alone episode that featured major recording stars and raised money for poor families around the world.

The memo notes other changes in the works. In the Hollywood round, the number of contestants will increase from 24 to 36. A couple two-hour shows are also planned for this season and the upcoming promotions for the show will focus on "fewer bad singers and more aspirational singers."

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