After season 12, "American Idol" appears to be struggling to garner as many hopeful talents during auditions, making season 13's recovery from the judges drama, viewership, and creative overhaul that much more difficult.

"I'm surprised there's not more people here," mused "American Idol" audition hopeful Stephanie Syphus at the Salt Lake City auditions, who also auditioned five seasons earlier in Phoenix.

"My dad and I got to the one in Phoenix at 4 am, and we didn't get home until 11 pm. It took us forever to get through the line."

While some see this as signs of the ever-present in popularity of the FOX talent show, production staff insists it is due to streamline changes.

"We wanted to make it easier for people" said supervising producer Patrick Lynn according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

"There's a big rush in the morning and then there's a steady stream all day long."

But despite judges and executive producers being let go after last season, hundreds and thousands will show up for a chance in season 13. Will it be enough to save the show from its decline?

"I am truly saddened to be leaving a great team of friends and colleagues," former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe said in a statement following his firing.

"However, at the end of the day, the most important thing is to maintain this incredible platform for America's young talent. This will only happen with the success of the program. If the executives that are now in charge of 'American Idol' believe that the ratings will improve with my departure, I have no complaints. It has been a great ride and I've loved every moment of it."

Which puts a lot of pressure on "American Idol" for season 13.