The Only Way to Save 'American Idol'? Start Over

By Mike Ryan Posted Jul 31st 2010 11:27AM

Pop-Ed: Well, now we're down to one.

One original judge from 'American Idol,' Randy Jackson, remains. With the return of producer Nigel Lythgoe, this isn't really a huge surprise -- considering he's said all along that the only way to save 'Idol,' post Simon Cowell, is to start over with three new judges. And, for the most part, he's right. It is the only way to possibly save 'Idol' -- even though it probably won't save 'Idol.'

Here's the problem 'Idol' faces: You can't just plug in someone like Steven Tyler (as the latest rumors suggest) and think that Cowell can be replaced. 'American Idol' is not the brand anymore -- Simon Cowell is the brand. Cowell is the star of the show and, with him leaving, it's the same situation as if the lead in a scripted show left after nine years. Imagine continuing 'Seinfeld' without Jerry Seinfeld; 'Cheers' without Ted Danson; 'The Sopranos' without James Gandolfini. Only, for 'Idol' the situation is worse (hold that thought).

Look, I can watch a two-hour episode of 'American Idol' in just under 20 minutes on DVR. How? By listening to about a minute of each song, then fast forwarding to Simon Cowell's comments. (Even if he did kind of phone it in this past season. Half the time he had the same look on his face that Ted in accounting had after he gave his two week's notice.)

Seriously, didn't we already kind of know what the other three judges were going to say anyway? And it wasn't just to hear Simon say something mean. I may be in the minority, but I enjoyed it more when Simon said something nice -- because that contestant really had to earn that compliment and, because of that, you could see how much his words mean to each and every one of them. If the contestants didn't care what Randy, Ellen and Kara had to say, why should I care? But that's what all the Simon Cowell clones on similar shows miss: It's not about being mean, it's about being right.

Has 'American Idol' run its course? PopEater asked New Yorkers -- see the video:

Now, we're presented with the decision to completely blow up the remaining cast, or keep them and just plug in a new "Simon." Well, considering Lythgoe made it clear from the beginning that he wanted to return to the three judge format, it was pretty obvious they were not going to go with the team of Randy, Ellen and Kara. And, yes, the thought of just replacing Cowell is almost as creepy as Henry Francis moving into Don Drapers's house on 'Mad Men.' Even though he's left, 'American Idol' is Simon Cowell's house -- and everyone knows it. The ghost of Simon Cowell will always be there. So, you might as well start with all new judges and try to create the illusion that it's an entirely new show. It may even work, for one season.

See, that's the real problem: In 2011, Simon Cowell is returning, to Fox, on a singing competition show -- 'The X Factor.' This would be like Jon Hamm leaving 'Mad Men' to star in another AMC show called 'Draper's Place.' Seriously, who's going to watch 'American Idol' when, on the same network, the reason we all used to watched 'Idol' is doing pretty much the same thing? If the rumors are true: Is a three-judge panel featuring Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler that exciting? Sorry, there's nothing about that group that makes me want to tune in for their opinions on singing. I mean, what's Tyler going to say, "Hey, next time, can you make it sound more like every song on 'Get A Grip'?"

What we witnessed Thursday night and Friday is the death knell of 'American Idol.' If it's any consolation, as desperate as things are, at least they haven't brought back Brian Dunkleman.

Tags: American Idol

Comments

(75)

Saturday 31 July

By Steve

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

How about Joan Rivers and Howard Stern?? I'd watch just to see them.

By KT

They should just dump that show because we already have an American Idol that can`t be topped and his name is JUSTIN BIEBER !! Justin is the true american idol with his hair that smile and talent from another world JUSTIN IS THE TRUE AMERICAN IDOL..GO JUSTIN !!!!

By kaysings

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

You must be either a "tween" or her mom. Bieber is a marginal talent at best who happens to have a lights-out publicity machine behind him. He's a short-lived fad who will be yesterday's news when he grows too old for this "cute" stage.

By Madrionna

Must be a teen or being very sarcastic lol. Beiber is Canadian anyway...so AHEM, no he's not even close to being the American Idol, he wouldn't stand a chance on the show anyway. Maybe he'd get lucky and be second rate like Archuletta. Or maybe Canadian idol will give him a shot.

Sunday 01 August

By Jmkbnj

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Those are 2 EXCELLENT choices, I would watch also.

By BV

Why Steven Tyler? There is no replacement for Cowell and this will probably be the last season anyway. Replace all "3" Judges. Randy should resign also or be let go. With Simon's new program AI is dead anyway. Without Adam it was beyond dead this year. American Idol: R.I.P.

By arioflight

Adam is the retarded spawn of Rosie Odonnell and Madonna at 50. The best attention he gets is when he dies of a drug overdose at 29.

By Frank

Afiofight you are wrong

By RMI

There are only two artists that I can think of that came from that show worth listening to. The show made tons of money for the people "of" the show and found a way to marginalize an already marginalized music business. There is nothing about these shows that actually moves the arts forward from mediocrity.

By William

So you are a reject with no talent that falled to make Idol.

By Bogey

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

show is a joke!

By shmhth

As much as I've enjoyed watching American Idol from Day 1, this past season left a lot to be desired. It certainly lacked excitement!! Personally I'm looking forward to watching the X-Factor and see what Simon's got going on now! I really can't think of any two people as judges on American Idol that would make me change my mind.

By stan

Its Time To Put American Idol To Bed....It Will Never Be The Same With Simon, Ellen, and Kara Out Of The Picture...Maybe Ryan Should Step Up?...He Has Been With The Crew Since The Very Beginning....I Doubt I Will Continue To Watch The Show Ever Again...

By Hepzibah

Why Is Every Word Capitalized?

By cat

I cannot believe that they are going to let Randy stay on the show. I have been sick of him for years now, every show it is always the same, "Aw dog, it just wasn't good,,,,,I played on the original hit and it just wasn't as good." He needs to get gone.

Steven Tyler to replace Simon............Yikes, just what America needs,,,,,,,,,,,a drug addict to give young artists advice.

I even have a problem with J Lo, but not so much as the other two. I might watch it once to see what is going on, but I know that I will not be an every week type of viewer. The show is pretty much dead without Simon.

By Starapple

Yeah, get rid of Randy. Why doesn't Nigel replace Simon?

By Betse

This was a great article and very truthful. I have watched AI from the beginning and have been to 5 of their concerts. I did not go to this year's concert. This year was downhill from the start. And it started with getting rid of Paula. When are these TV "suits" going to learn, if it ain't broke, dont fix it! Nothing exciting this year, nothing to look forward to week after week..... just plain boring and the sad part is the only exciting person to watch this year WAS Simon.
Besides, after last year's season with Adam, it just couldn't be topped.

By HORSUN 4 TJS

American Idol Will Never Go Away, However Turn It Back To The "Gong Show" If They Are Good They Go On, If Not "Gong" Them For 4 Weeks Than Have A Run-Off, Yippee.

By paswilmington

is this what's known as jumping the shark?

By rlnyny

Idol is a dead horse. Why keep beating it.

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