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 joan

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How about letting this show die and rest in peace. Once, very good, now very boring.

By Raggedy

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Gene Simmons (Kiss) would make the best judge on Am.Idol!!

By Areeland

I have watched American Idol for several seasons now, and i love the concept of the show. I would have loved to have something like this when I was younger, I would have tried out too. I do feel they are limiting themselves on marketable talent by only letting the young generations in. There are a lot of older singers out there with more talent than some of these kids. I do understand from a business point of view that they need a marketable person and longevity to make their money, but, people live longer now, and allowing people at least up to 38 could possibly help the show. It isn't all tweens watching Idol. Myself, I am way too old, I sing well, but not marketable anymore. I watch them get their chance at their dreams, and that makes me happy. I agree with who ever said that the judges get in the way, I want to hear the singers and since it is America who decides, why do we need judges? I do feel Simon was the most honest, and loved that he was not afraid to be critical.
There have been only 2 singers that I feel, and that is just my opinion, everyone has their own, are truely American Idols, that being Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Their talent was evident from the first auditions they did. If Adam would keep his tongue in his mouth, I might agree with those who like him, he does have talent, but I feel he limits himself to a type of music that will not get him the fame his voice deserves. He could be so much more. Oh yes, and no kids under 18. They just do not have the maturity to handle the stress involved, and it robs them of their childhood. I will be slammed for that, but as a motther it is a personal opinion, sorry.

By dameky

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I think the key to American Idol's survival is three judges who really know something about music, who can intelligently critique the talent and offer constructive suggestions. Also, don't spend so much time on the auditions; they're degrading and boring. What if the judges actually worked with the contestants?

By Jules

The show sucked this season. Alot of people didn't like Paula but without her as a judge the chemistry just wasn't there. It should have been the way it was before. Randy, Paula and Simon, thats it! Why mess with a good thing? It was funny and fun to watch and the three of them were so different in choosing someone to be part of the top 24 that it made it interesting. I just dont know anymore. Changing the judges may not make a difference, getting rid of Ryan would suck. He is the one that makes the auditions waiting process funny. WTF happened?

By J

Howard Stern would have been the only choice to really reinvigorate the show, both creatively and ratings-wise. They tried to get him, but they can't afford him. He's too big for it. Too bad.

I do not want Steven Tyler's opinions on singing. He may be successful, but all Aerosmith songs sound the same to me. Seriously, telling the difference between "Cryin'," "Amazing," and "Crazy" requires more attention than I am willing to put into the matter.

By ddrdek

Its about time for this crappy program to go away, far away,it sucks big time

By BOOMER

Why not have a special guest every week. When the singers get tips by a singer/celebrity, let that celebrity be the special guest.

If they really want a twist to the show, bring on a neutral audience guest as a panel member.

Idol could always hold an audition to fill the last see too, based on their knowledge in the music industry!

Sunday 01 August

By Kevin

" Idol" is just like the original " SNL". It will never be what it was without the originals and don't spend time trying to make it so. SNL never achieved the success as it had in the mid seventies and the same will be with " Idol". Let it go and RIP.

By gobluespartyon

I think Bret Michaels or Gene Simmons would be great as judges and I think could save Idol it's Simons show and ratings will be down next year for Idol. I'm excited for X-Factor I think Paula is going to be judge on X-Factor I think the reason she left Idol just my opinion.

By Kay

Isn't this show about the contestants? I know I watch it for the excitement of someone getting to do what they love, which is sing. I really could care less about who is judging them because in the long run it's the viewers that vote. I support the show to support these people who are living out their dream! This may be there only chance of "making" it in the industry. Keep watching and support the contestants, because that's what it should be all about! Right?

By golfuncle

even popular shows have a shelf life of lasting only so long.

By dma32

AI needs to bring Paula back. Simply put, the show hasn't been the same since her departure. No need to get rid of Randy. he's an important fixture to the show also.

By non-fan

Um, KT, Justin Bieber is Canadian, NOT American, so he CAN'T be an American Idol. But, more to the point, he sings like he's the cute performer in your kid's sixth-grade spring concert (which for Bieber was probably like last year).... actually, his singing is more like a bleating, sick goat who doesn't know when to shut up.

By Brenda

People were not happy with the winners of American Idol. Last several years it was a popularity contest. Now the judges are leaving and I don't think the show is going to last. Has been declining for some time now. I for one have no interest in watching American Idol anymore.

By ed hill

Well the show was and is getting long in the tooth, you have to call and vote, costing you money. Unlike DWS you can vote on line. I haven't voted in five years and miss some shows last season, this season I will miss a lot more !!!

It doesn't cost money to vote on Idol as it isn't 1900 number.

By doug

please just kill this abomination...this show was easily the worst thing to happen to music since mtv stopped playing videos

By Scott

AI is going the way of the summer series, Rock Star:Supernova. Watch it crash and burn.

And I can think of one person that might replace Cowell, but don't like the idea of him on AI: Gene Simmons.

By ggar0605

I really think that Gene Simmons would make a great judge!

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