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)

Monday 02 August

By anonymous

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I agree, AI has ran it's course, it needs to bow out gracefully.

Saturday 31 July

By jomarc

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How about about a better screening of the contestants to help insure that the Top 24 are indeed the Top 24. I watch to cheer on my favorite contestants. I don't care diddly-squat about the judges. In fact I find their sideshow to be immature and down-right annoying--almost to the point that I don't want to watch it at times.

By bsti

Get rid of the Dog and Secrest as well. Shut the whole thing down. It's run it's course!

By kaysings

I agree bsti, don't bother "starting over". Idol's been on life support since last season. Kill it.

By Lori walker

How about Sharron Osborne She's one the biggest agents and the most powerful in Hollywood She'd get together a group of four people

By old screen

Really, I do not know why everyone is down on Randy. He IS a knowledgeable guy in the business and knows what he's talking about. Kara needs to go and good ridance to Ellen she knew NOTHING about the business. But, there are people out there. noted people. They need people that were/are both artists and recod producers in the business. Isaac Hayes would be great. Maybe a Carol King. But they only need 3, why they went to 4??? Maybe to be politically correct with Gay Ellen?

Whether I continue to watch or not, dedpends on the new judges. The best is gone when Simon left.

By Shari

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I disagree. It doesn't seem like Randy has had much to offer for years. I actually liked Kara - she wasn't as soft as Paula and not as brutal as Simon, but she seemed like she gave pretty good opinions and has some experience in the music industry. Regardless, I think Randy is tired of the show too, but does he have anything better going on? Simon was tired of doing the show and he could step down because he will continue to be successful at what he does becuase is a smart guy who can see real talent.

Sunday 01 August

By dick

Issac Hayes has been dead for 2 years.

By purpliciousdiva

Uh, Isaac Hayes has been DEAD for several years now...you must not get out much...

By CracklinRosie

The only way to save American Idol is to BRING BACK SIMON PAULA AND RANDY!!!!!!! Doesn't ANYONE get that this is what's wrong with the show now? Who wants to see three new judges? That's not American Idol; that's a pathetic knockoff. Anyone who thinks Idol is going to survive without Simon as it is is seriously deluded.

By jamie

I think Gene Simmons could make the show work ,he is very smart, and he knows the business, but the old idol is basicly over without Simon ... Gene would need a ditzy girl to play off of,, i think jessica simpson could do that ...and maybe leave Randy just to have a third person ......

By gobluespartyon

I agree Jamie I have been saying Gene Simmons for a long time now I think he would be good judge along with Bret Michaels as well.

By mw

I think this will be the last year for Idol, no matter who they get for judges.

By debbe

I loved Idol, but especially Simon, Paula AND Randy.
When Paula was gone it was weird, but now without Simon - more wierd and it probably would not matter WHO they brought in, I am probably done with idol. Steven Tyler, Howard Stern and Jennifer Lopez, IF they really are in the running then I know for a fact I would not be watching. If maybe Adam Lambert was on, or someone interesting as a judge then I would probably watch but Jennifer Lopez? Howard? Steven? WAAAA? I would not watch even one second of it. (Not to be mean, just my opinion)

By Gerald

Why not pick the best of American Idol Pack and make them judges beings that they know what it takes to be the American Idol

By Jethrine

That's what people don't get about this show. The show itself is the idol--The show itself is the money machine that attracts tens of millions of viewers each week. It's not really about finding the next big star--It's about attracting viewers to the show and ad revenue. That's why it needs charismatic judges to anchor a cast that otherwise changes every season.

By joanne douthitt

They need to bring Paula back, and put in Jamie Foxx or Usher or Pierce B. from America's got talent. He is similar to Simon and not just trying to act like him.

By shari

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Steven Tyler? Why?

Let's see someone we can take seriously!!!!

By Shannon

I think they need to use 3 younger successful stars, who are feisty, but experienced and mature enough to really mentor and judge talent. All of the talent shows right now seem to have older judges, and that's ok. I just think using some currently successful younger, but mature talent would get a lot of viewers curious and interested.

By Peggy

why do they think celebrities will make us watch Idol...Simon was unknown to most Americans...Randy and Paula were not big time celebrities...it worked because of Simon and the chemistry with Randy and Paula...and we don't need all the hollywood hype just singing and judging...not all these so called talents they bring on as guests...keep it simple....

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