American Idol is a Huge Disappointment in Its 9th Season

American Idol is nearing the end of its 9^th season and something is amiss. People are losing interest in this program. So what happened?

In the beginning, a show of this nature had never been done before. It was fresh, new and modern. It gave thousands of nobodies the opportunity to shine, show off, embarrass themselves, or to hopefully get the chance to earn a spot on the coveted Idol floor. In the early days of Kelly Clarkson and Justine Guarini viewers lived vicariously through the contestants, provided much needed criticism when due and cast a popular vote for their favorite. But over the years the show has become stale. Although we still watch, we don't watch with the same intensity.

Television programs have a life-span. This life-span is solely dependent on ratings. Some programs never make it past one season, while others enjoy more than a decade of high numbers. Idol has continued to have high ratings, but something has happened along the way and if you ask some viewers, they might say; "I saw it coming." The decline began when Kara Dioguardi was asked to become the 4^th judge. Did Idol need a 4^th judge? Perhaps the ratings were slipping and they thought a fresh face would correct the problem? Whatever the reason, Kara failed. If you ask the viewers they would have told you; "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

The show continued with high ratings and last year when Paula performed her new single, "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow", the crowd went wild. Finally, Paula Abdul fans had an opportunity to see her live once more. For those who didn't know Paula, they were given the opportunity to fall in love with the girl the rest of us knew was special.

But, a dark day was on the horizon. When Paula Abdul announced she was leaving American Idol, the fans drew in a ragged breath. Leaving!? Why on earth would Paula leave a show that had once again made her a household name?

As we soon found out, Paula was on to bigger and better things. She had a new hit single and offers to do other shows. Perhaps she just grew tired or didn't approve of the addition of Kara? Whatever the reason, her absence would change things. Simon, Randy and Paula were the glue, glitter and pixie dust that made the program magical. Take the pixie dust away and you're left with just another program...

The 9^th season has proven that Idol is not the program it once was. The addition of Ellen Degeneres, (Paula's replacement), has been a disappointment. Ellen is wonderful and funny, but unfortunately, not pixie dust. The contestants, aside from Crystal Bowersox; have been average. The rest of the contestants, Lee Dewyze, Casey James, big Mike and the others are just okay and from a personal standpoint, just good karaoke.

This season has, for many viewers become a long goodbye. American Idol once forced people who watch the show religiously, to rearrange their schedules, DVR, or sleep a little less. Idol was the topic of conversation at the water cooler, but now is just another program. It is a stale slice of bread in a once fresh loaf.

If the program makes it through to one more season, we can look forward to yet another new judge. The chosen one will take the place of our smug and sarcastic Simon Cowell. This too will be a dark day and perhaps will be the catalyst to a final goodbye.