What’s Wrong with “American Idol?”

American Idol

Kelly Clarkson

Carrie Underwood

Jennifer Hudson

These are the names most famously associated with the once FOX ratings juggernaut “American Idol.” The show which at its peak averaged over 30 million viewers a week just recently dropped to an all-time series low. Thursday night’s result episode garnered a meager 11 million viewers and a 2.7 rating in the key 18-34 demographic.

11 million viewers an episode isn’t bad at all. In fact many shows would be ecstatic to garner such a large audience, especially nowadays where DVR and other playback features alter the true weekly viewership of a television show. However, there is a problem when you go from being “untouchable” in terms of eviscerating the competition to not even winning the night’s ratings.

So what’s wrong with the show?

The show no longer is about the contestants. The additions of Mariah Carrey, Nikki Minaj and Keith Urban have transformed the season into a show dedicated to the backroom drama between the judges (Carrey vs. Minaj) as opposed to showcasing the talent.
Speaking of talent. The biggest reason viewership is dropping is the lack of talent. The female contestants this season far exceed their male counterparts. It’s not even close. The fact this show continues to force an even amount of female and male contestants for the “live shows” simply brings forth a weaker group of contestants. In my opinion, the best singers should be in the “live shows” regardless of gender.
Theme weeks for the most part provide for some really boring performances. The show should allow the singers to sing whatever song they want. Singing songs from “Motown” or Barry Manilow isn’t going to lure millennials into watching them sing. It’s not that these genres are bad; it just confines the contestants into picking from a very narrow songbook.
The result show should only be 30 minutes. I really don’t need to watch 55 minutes of filler to find out the person who I thought would get kicked off indeed left.
X Factor is a show that airs on Fox each fall season. I like that show much better. I like the fact the age restrictions are vastly more lax. I believe 29 years-old is the cutoff for “American Idol.” On the other hand, X Factor allows contestants (both solo and group) from ages 14 upwards. This allows for a greater plethora of potential talent.
With NBC’s “The Voice” surging past “Idol” the show, which is in its 12^th season, must make drastic changes. As great as Mariah Carrey is as a singer, she is too nice as a judge. I am completely surprised to state that Nikki Minaj really is the voice of reason on that show. “American Idol” needs better judges. I’m available.

Now you may be asking yourself why I still watch this show. I have watched “American Idol” from the first season. I am unashamed to admit that Kelly Clarkson is my favorite singer. I am holding out hope that they can correct these mistakes. Plus it gives me something to talk about with my favorite cousin.

I’ll leave you with my all-time favorite song.