Why American Idol Season Nine Has Failed Us in 2010

As American Idol season nine is drawing to it's season finale, American Idol has been somewhat of a disappointment, with no real excitement in this crop of contestants, failing to score high in the ratings war as it has over previous years. American Idol has even scored lower television ratings than, "Dancing With the Stars," some weeks, per the, "Daily News," a New York newspaper. I believe American Idol has lost some of its appeal this year because of several reasons.

The first major reason I believe American Idol season nine has failed us is the crop of American Idol contestants this season. Overall the talent and star quality hasn't topped previous years. From the start of the season rather quickly viewer's realized who'd probably take the ride to the top three. After Adam Lambert's antics last season, this season nine certainly was difficult to beat in excitement. Casey Jones, Lee DeWyze, and Crystal Bowersox are the three top remaining American Idol contestants.

Casey Jones, a blue starry eyed, chest baring, tall contestant has struck the hearts of female fans due to his looks, but he hasn't really been consistent in hitting over the top in his weekly songs. Lee DeWyze, a shy raspy singing contestant appears too humble or shy in his stage presence, especially after he stops singing. Kara DioGuardi, one of the judges on the American Idol panel states, "You have to own that song." Often the contestants have difficulty owning their songs. Crystal Bowersox is the female front runner with her, "Janis Joplin," powerful toned voice. Crystal has been the front runner basically from the early weeks of American Idol. Michael Lynche, known as, "Big Mike," with his, "Luther Vandross," tones, held the stage with his big personality, singing and not singing, but he was sent home after being saved by the judge's save after five more weeks. He had the most interesting background, trying out while his wife gave birth to his first child. Overall the contestant's of season nine exhibited no outstanding drama on or off stage to further interest the viewers, as previous American Idol contestants may have done.

Paula Abdul leaving her judging post on American idol has left a big hole in the judge's panel. The viewers enjoyed watching Paula's antics, waiting with baited breath to hear what excited mumble jumbo she'd spout about the American Idol contestants. Her gaffes, goof-ups, and banter/sparring with Simon Cowell induced many spirited conversations. She instilled some life in the judging panel and fired up the contestant's with her vivid display of emotions.

The American Idol judges seem to be off this season nine year. Ellen DeGeneres has introduced a sense of humor but seems uncomfortable judging seriously, and Kara DioGuardi still hasn't seemed to have found her comfort niche. Kara's even resorted to bantering around with Simon Cowell but it doesn't suit her well. Randy Jackson's steadfast, though his standard commentary hasn't changed over the seasons, though he does seem to have dropped some of his, "dog pound," commentary.

Simon Cowell leaving American Idol after this season's finale has initiated a shockwave. Simon Cowell is the judge viewer's love to hate or love to love, but viewers definitely look forward to his judging commentary. Simon's comments have a large effect on the viewer's voting decision, and can sink or make a contestant swim through the next week. Simon Cowell's leaving has placed a heavy darkness on this season, with viewer's wondering if American Idol can survive without his uniqueness. The remaining judge's aren't strong enough to hold up his empty seat. Who will be in the running for the upcoming season to fill Simon Cowell's seat?

Will contestants be interested in trying out with Simon Cowell not seated on the judging panel? Will the American Idol name and the idea of fame still draw in contestants without a strong judging panel? The answer could lie in the candidate who will replace Simon Cowell.

Harry Connick Jr. is the favorite American Idol mentor this season. Harry produced more excitement and life in the show than most of the contestant's have. Harry Connick Jr. also stirred the contestant's into doing their best, assisting writing arrangements and accompanying them with his piano and band. This season's contestants couldn't hold energy and excitement up on their own, even group songs didn't hit any high notes. May 6^th contestant's duets were stronger than many of the individual's songs so far this season.

Ryan Seacrest has continued in a great job as host but American Idol has failed us this year. With unforeseen circumstances in voting this American Idol season nine we can predict who will win. Hopefully with the next season of American Idol, there will be a stronger knit of personalities on the judge's panel and stronger contestants to pull up ratings and viewer's interest.

Check out www.americanidol.com for further American Idol season nine info, commentary, and to offer your input. American Idol's website even offered a questionnaire asking viewers what they thought of this season on a variety of topics.

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