American Idol’s ratings drop
American Idol’s whopping tenth season plummeted as its ratings matched those of its premiere. Viewership went down 13%, but the show still did well comparatively seeing as 26.2 million Americans tuned in for the audition round, hoping for the likes of William Hung’s excruciatingly painful yet incredibly entertaining rendition of She Bang.
While Idol severely decreased in comparison to last season, it still did well enough to beat out other popular prime time programs. Does this abrupt decline in Idol fever have to do with the deprivation of the painfully critical yet entertaining Simon Cowell? Are A list stars like Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez not enough to account for Cowell’s absence? Is there even still a place for music competitions on television?
Idol set the standard for reality show music competitions. Just take a look at followers like The Sing-Off, America’s Got Talent, Don’t Forget the Lyrics! and so forth. Idol created a phenomenon and it will always have a place in the heart of loyal American audience members. Cowell was the core of American Idol given that everyone tuned in to see him exclaim those brutal, sadistic criticisms.
Tyler and Lopez, however, do have a lot to offer as charismatic judges who are actually spot on with their advice; they don’t simply cover up their critiques with unrelated flattery like the spacey Paula Abdul. After the success of megastars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, the show is sure to strive for future similar successes. In addition, viewers will likely stay faithful provided that the show weeds out the likes of the untalented Justin Guarini, Sanjaya Malakar and of course the infamous Clay Aiken. Idol will predictably return to its original status and regenerate high viewership so long as talented musicians continue to audition.
Fingers crossed for the next flamboyant Adam Lambert or the fabulous, Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson.