'American Idol' tour decision made before Casey Abrams' save

Mar 25, 2011

'American Idol' tour decision made before Casey Abrams' save

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The decision to take 11 singers on this summer's American Idols Live tour was made separate from Thursday's save of Casey Abrams, 19 Entertainment president Iain Pirie tells USA TODAY. Also, the decision had nothing to do with a contestant being saved by the show's judges.

"It was actually totally unconnected," Pirie says. "Any of them could have been in the bottom. Whether that person was saved or not saved, we made the decision that we wanted to tour these 11 kids and make an exception this year and really celebrate the strength of this cast."

Pirie says the decision was made very recently, but before the results of this week's audience voting was known. "The decision was really based on our genuine enthusiasm for how this season is evolving and the quality of talent we've been able to find."

Pirie says the diversity and potential of the Season 10 cast led to the decision to include an extra person on the tour.

"They've all, without exception, got something very special about them," Pirie says. "We just believe that we've got a very diverse, unusual collection of artists this year. I think these 11 kids are really worthy of the opportunity to get out and play on this tour."

See photos of: American Idol

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