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)

Sunday 01 August

By Hitman

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Idol is a discriminatory show anyway and always was as it places limits on age, can not be over 28 yrs. It should have never aired. There are plenty of people with true talent over the age of 28 at the age of 28 one is still wet behind the ears.

By slim

If they put J-Ho on there, I won't even bother to watch it in the beginning like I usually do. Idol has breathe its last breath.

By WildKAT

After the fiasco of Ruben winning over Clay, who is now touring WITH Clay who is the headliner, ah, sweet justice the show began to suck mightily. The ghastly singers (apart from Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice)that followed in each new season were a joke. I stopped watching it until the season finale when, against the odds and all pimping by the judges, David Cook won over that one trick pony Archuleta. The show was no longer on my radar. I especially could not tolerate the brutality and cruelty of Simon and will never watch anything with him on it EVER.

By MAGOOS

AI is pretty well out of sync and has run its course. The proposed judges are no better than the ones they replace; Lopez and Tyler have their own brand of music and will offer the same inane remarks as others before them. Nigel Lythgoe is an able man; he should not waste his talent on this show. The last two seasons produced dross and plenty of the sama old line of cloned wailers. Two exceptions; Magnus and Bowersox. The rest? Show business is full of them as are subways and bars all over America.

By Bob Steel

Ryan Seacrest was the worst problem Idol had last year right behind Ellen. The night he was dancing in the audience with a guy,while a performer was trying to sing was the final straw. He needs to take a xanax and hit the bricks. I enjoy Idol hate to see it go downhill. Steel

By Pat Farrar

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Hey, to give it its due, the show had a very good run. I watched for 5 years myself from Season 4 through Season 8. It was good while it lasted, but I agree. Its over now. Time to let go.

By LOVES

I stopped watching Idol after the third year....same o sameo

By Kelly

Maybe one of the old Idol winners or old top 10 finalist to be a judge.

I can remember a few that was very popular that didn't win.

By neoclassicgirl

This show reached its pinnacle when Simon was still around and Adam should have won. It hasn't been able to top that season. It's on its way out.

By Tam

The only reason Randy remains is he has nowhere to go! Seriously, let's not "start over", let's call it a day already!

Monday 02 August

By Lori

The good thing about AI is the talent...not the judges. The judges of old was...Dawg..it was pitchy...You look beautiful and I love you...I hated it. Unfortunately...they were really good at picking great talent. In the last 2 or 3 years...the talent has gone down hill. At first I wondered about Simon's ability to pick good talent...apparently..he's excellent. That will be missed but not his attitude. I hate to see it go but if the talent isn't there...the show isn't any good.

Tuesday 03 August

Age discrimation is good sometimes.

By susieosbornee

Bring Adam back as a Judge...and bring on Nigel...Joan Rivers could critiqe their costumes/clothes/makeup

Thursday 19 August

By dorahelen

GET RID OF RYAN S. - I CAN'T STAND HIM ANYMORE - ENOUGH....HE TRIES SOOO VERY HARD TO PRONOUNCE EACH SINGLE WORD AND THE MUSIC THAT PLAYS WHILE WAITING FOR THE NAMES TO BE ANNOUNCED....HATE IT!!

Friday 25 March

By msoysta

hahahahaha

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