Remember last summer when American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe promised Season 10 was going to be “American Idol: The Remix”? That AI was about to become so new and improved, it would extend the shelf life of the show for years to come? Well, what happened??
At least from my vantage point, AI still seems like the same old show it always was from a decade ago. Or to put it another way, it’s like walking around today wearing the high shoulder pads from the 80’s. So any promises of a new and improved product — eh — not so much!
For example, AI promised there would be no celebrity mentors this season. But then they strutted out Beyonce, Lady GaGa, and any other celeb who wanted to promote their latest song through an AI appearance. AI also promised no more genre specific themes, meaning an R&B contestant wouldn’t have to sing Country, or a Country contestant wouldn’t have to sing show tunes, but would be able to stick to their strengths. Except AI backpedaled and gave us Carole King night and Elton John week. Hmmm… AI also promised more artist development with the contestants, introducing music executive Jimmy Iovine as somewhat of a mentor into the mix. But with Jimmy telling the contestants to do one thing while the judges often told them to do completely the opposite, the fact that the powers that be couldn’t get on the same page was anything but development.
So, how much more life does AMERICAN IDOL have in it? With a format that is old and stale and hasn’t produced a true “star” in quite a while; with a voting system that is biased and laughable and can’t seem to choose a valid winner to save the universe; and with newer and hipper shows like NBC’s THE VOICE, or Simon Cowell’s X FACTOR on the horizon, exactly how much longer will America consider AI as THE source for the next great talent?
Case in point: Season 2 AI contestant Frenchie Davis was (unfairly) booted off AI for a set of questionable nude photos found on the Internet. But this powerhouse of a singer has re-emerged on THE VOICE, kicking ass and taking names in the process, and about to claim the vocal stardom AI denied her years ago. But in contrast, AI half-heartedly backed its recent “winners” Chris Allen and Lee DeWyze into no man’s land, where most Americans would be hard pressed to name a song, or even a television or live appearance from either of them. Ever!
Like the Oprah show, all good things must come to an end. And like the Oprah show, this may have been the last year of AMERICAN IDOL. Except, sadly, they may be the last to know.
<span>Case in point: Season 2 AI contestant Frenchie Davis was (unfairly) booted off AI for a set of questionable nude photos found on the Internet. But this powerhouse of a singer has re-emerged on THE VOICE, kicking ass and taking names in the process, and about to claim the vocal stardom AI denied her years ago. But in contrast, AI half-heartedly backed its recent "winners" Chris Allen and Lee DeWyze into no man's land, where most Americans would be hard pressed to name a song, or even a television or live appearance from either of them. Ever!</span>