American Idol has been an institution in America ever since a British mega-mogul decided to port the X-Factor in a more appropriate and palatable format.
We’ve stuck with them for nearly a decade as they’ve voted off every talented person they’ve had and given runner-up to their most notable personalities. We’ve watched as Paula Abdul slurred her words, Karla DiWhatshername flirt and show off her bikini body, Simon Cowell be compensated incredibly for being mean and Ryan Seacrest build an empire casually, all from an overglorified karaoke contest. And it’s been a fun run, but now it’s time to pay the piper. A new judging panel has been brought in, and it’s literally the most boring thing on television – more boring than that show Bryan Gumbel had where he interviewed people. Steven Tyler seems nice and crazy, Jennifer Lopez is really inoffensive, and Randy Jackson is Randy Jackson. There’s no bite.
And the people have responded by tuning out in droves. American Idol lost 13% of its viewer base, predominantly in the age range that used to consider viewing American Idol hip – the teenagers. Teenagers no longer see American Idol as the place to get discovered – more like a place where you can annoy the American public temporarily then retreat into obscurity.
Viewership is down, album sales are down – yet the competition crushed everything else that was on Wednesday night. Hooray.
Comments
Tom
February 7th, 2011 - 12:08:38 PM
TV is a VISUAL medium - that's why mostly very attractive people star on it. The addition of runner up for the world's ugliest human, Steven Tyler, is a massive error in judgement . . . something the show producers have a patent on. Tyler is so terrifyingly ugly that I can no longer watch the show. (Where are you Paula and Simon now that we need you?)
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