"American Idol" Returns: Can Changes Keep Viewers Happy?
The departure of Simon Cowell and a return to a three-judge format with veteran Randy Jackson and newcomers Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez has both sour and bright notes. Cowell was a huge draw because of his caustic remarks to many of the contestants while Jackson had become a bit of a caricature with his oft-repeated "Aw dawg - you killed it!" and "You can sing a phone book" lines. However, both Lopez and Tyler have had strong music careers, both being a sort of "American Idol" in their time.
Perhaps it isn't fair to classify the Aerosmith front man as a type of "American Idol". The Bad Boys from Boston generated hit after hit in the 70s and 80s while "AI" has only produced a handful of hit-makers in its nine seasons. The breakout success of winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood plus finalist Chris Daughtry is overshadowed by mediocre sales from winners such as Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino and Jordin Sparks.
"American Idol" needs to produce a mega-hit artist. Perhaps by returning the focus to the contestants rather than a side-show of judges' table drama that hit album can come this season. Producers have vowed to concentrate on grooming the contestants and Jimmy Iovine has the power to make that happen.
Something that remains to be seen is if the weeks of audition shows will be more of the same formula "American Idol" viewers have seen in the past few years. Thousands of hopefuls show up for each mass audition yet only a small percentage ever get the chance to sing for the production crew and an even smaller number actually find their way to the judges for an audition. So much air-time is spent on comic-relief, highlighting the truly bad singers that might have had a unique schtick that captured the attention of the production team.
How many truly good singers - and "American Idol" is supposed to be a singing competition - never got a chance to sing because they weren't wearing a bikini or cussing like a sailor?
After months of build-up, viewers will finally get a chance to see if the changes are for the better or for the worse.
"American Idol" returns tonight and airs Wednesday and Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Sources: The Return of American Idol ; MTV News
Related by Debbie Henthorn: Four "American Idol" changes viewers will appreciate
Published by Debbie Henthorn - Featured Contributor in Business & Finance and Lifestyle
Debbie has been blessed with an incurable wanderlust. Former jobs included extensive travel throughout the United States, making it possible for this self-proclaimed "food/beer/wine geek" to taste the countr... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentDebbie, I have to admit that I've never watched even 5 minutes of American Idol. I read your article because I like your style of writing and I always pick-up a way to try and improve my writing. You did pique my interest in what all the draw is to AI and I just may tune in and try to watch an episode. You just may have broadened my horizon.
I'm watching. I like Simon's honesty but didn't like how arrogant he was. I hope AI succeeds without him.
I guess we'll find out!