5 Reasons "The Voice" Could Overtake "American Idol"

Fans realize that "American Idol" is slipping in the ratings over the past few seasons. Gone is Simon Cowell who moved on to the "X-Factor." So is that just another reason television fans of such a genre might opt for "The Voice" from this point forward?

Here are five reasons why "The Voice" could seriously challenge "American Idol" in 2012.

1) NBC Seems Devoted To Show
The Super Bowl lead in could catapult "The Voice" into the ratings stratosphere this season. The fact that NBC was willing to air the show following the Super Bowl signals that NBC is committed to making the show work. "The Voice" was a ratings surprise last season. Now the show will have an opportunity to build on that audience and more. On the other hand, FOX always seems anxious to change and tinker with "American Idol" on a yearly basis. The commitment from NBC could be a major boost to the stability of judges sticking around for years to come for "The Voice."

2) Format is different and more exciting
Fans are probably growing weary of the "American Idol" brand. Sure, new judges have altered the mix enough to make it a bit different. Is that enough to allow the show to keep from a massive ratings slip?
The format of "The Voice" is so vastly different that it seems apparent the NBC show offers a clear alternative for those who have grown tired of the "American Idol" format over the years. Let's face it. Shows only can go for so long without losing appeal. "American Idol" falls into that category.

3) Judges are more compelling on "The Voice"
Not taking away anything from Paula, Randy and Steven-the judges on "The Voice" are just more compelling. Maybe it's simply because they are just newer and fresher to audiences who have watched such shows. Maybe it's because the judges on "The Voice" are just vastly different from one another. Cee Lo, Blake Shelton, Adam and Christina are adept at truly poking fun at one another. The chemistry between the three is allowed to develop more than we might see during "American Idol."

4) One on One Competitions Are Fierce
When "The Voice" pits singers against one another, the stakes instantly rise. The one on one competitions are tense and often pit some of the better singers against one another. It could be a downfall for the show but it seemingly made for great television during the first year.

5) "American Idol" rarely awards first place to best individual
Fans have to wonder why so many of the people who finished third or fourth on "American Idol" have become huge pop stars and the people who won the show failed miserably. It might make one think the entire process is flawed if that happens on a consistent basis. Let's face it. The top talent on "American Idol" is usually voted off like a bad high school popularity contest. Fans probably won't see that happening so much on "The Voice" this season and for seasons to come. The majority of the control is in the hands of the judges. Will that be a defining reason why "The Voice" surges ahead? Time will tell.