STORY: 'Smash's' Katharine McPhee: No 'Idol' In Sight
Idol season 9 alum Didi Benami describes Byrd as an "incredible, talented woman, soul and teacher," adding, "She helped me capture the essence and attitude of songs like 'Play With Fire,' 'Rhiannon,' and 'You're No Good.' I will always refer to Debra simply as 'Byrd' because when I hear her name it reminds me of when she not only helped us fly, but soar."
Although the longtime advisor has been shown during auditions and the Hollywood Week rounds, according to show sources, Byrd will step aside for the rest of the season so that in-house mentor and Interscope Geffen A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine can bring in his own people.
VIDEO: 'American Idol' Class Picture: Behind the Scenes
"Her role has been diminished," says an Idol insider. Associate musical director Michael Orland, who's been with the show since 2002, and vocal coach Peisha McPhee, mother of season 5 runner-up and Smash star Katharine McPhee, will stay on and continue to work with the finalists.
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