'Idol' rule change divides fans

Fans of American Idol have criticised a new twist on this year's show called the 'Judges' Save'.

The panel of four judges - Kara Dioguardi, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson - now have the ability to save an act from public elimination. The foursome can only use the 'Save' if they all agree and it can only be used once in the series.

TV critics and viewers have voiced concerns about the move, branding the change in format "un-American".

Time magazine's James Poniewozik wrote: "To the extent that Idol sells itself as an exercise in democracy, in which you choose your next popstar, it needs to be pure."

The judges chose not to use the new power on this week's show, which featured a Michael Jackson theme.

Producers apparently introduced the rule change to ensure that they don't repeat an situation similar to the third series, where Jennifer Hudson exited in the early rounds. Afterwards, Hudson went on to achieve considerable chart success and win an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls.