The Fat Lady Is Warming Up
Filed under: TV News > American Idol
Are y'all getting sick of American Idol yet?
Seems so!
Even though about 29.2 million people have been tuning in every week this season, industry insiders are twittering about the show's notable declines in key demographics and average total viewers.
Simon Cowell was quoted as saying that Idol was suffering this year because the contestants lack "personality" and are making "safe" song choices.
But, the industry insiders assert that it could be a fundamental problem — show fatigue.
The conventional wisdom among TV producers and their accountants is that hit shows, no matter how popular, usually start delivering diminished ratings somewhere from Season 5 to Season 7.
Idol is currently in its 7th season.
The report goes on to say that some fans are seeing the program as less essential than it was a year or two ago.
How many times can Americans see Ryan Seacrest insult Simon Cowell, and vice versa, before they say, "Enough already"?
Are you guys over Idol? Is it time to pull the plug? Can anything be done to spice it up in a good way?
[Image via WENN.]
im extremely over ai. its sooo lame now. only watched last year
I havent watched American Idol this year got better things to do like my homework, ect…
Problem is songs from wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy old!!
Lose 60s-80s theme Plz!!!
love american idol!
think its a brilliant show!
There aren't any hot guys left. Who cares. And the show is over produced and has too many marketing tie ins.
THiS iS THE 1ST YEAR I'VE EVER SEEN iDOL, AND YES I EFFiN LOOOOOOOOOOOVE iT & THE 2 DAViD'S [ARCHULETA & COOK] iT'S SO AWSOME! SO JUST CUZ UR SiCK OF iT DOESNT MEAN AMERiCA iS I MEAN C-MON PEOPLE HACVE PARTiES 4 THiS SHOW! & PEOPLE GET EMOTiONAL WiTH THiS SHOW WHEN THEY SEND PPL HOME! PEOPLE LiKE ME!! I CRY! lOl =]
Hello, The Greek Giant here dancing about my palatial Los Angeles estate and listening to classic 80s music from Billy Idol. You impoverished American bums must cease watching American Idol while guzzling your canned Budweiser beer with Big Macs.
This television show will be replaced with a new program called My Greek Cock, which will feature two impoverished American 'actresses' each week singing fresh pop music while eating a sperm sandwich provided by me, The Greek Giant. That is all.
Get rid of Randy and Paula…they are insufferable. LOSE the celebrity mentors..they're only there to promote themselves and their new records and EVERYBODY KNOWS IT. STOP the theme weeks.. let the kids sing what they sing best….Then, maybe people will start tuning in again.
More and more people associated with the show are speaking out, letting the world know that the results are what the producers want them to be. Check out www.votefortheworst.com, they have lots of scoop. I think folks are annoyed that it is so fake.
Hopefully Nigel is reading this. My theory about the low ratings is the many Christian/Jesus songs chosen for the show lately. Not everyone in America is Christian. Many viewers may have felt alienated and turned off. This is supposed to be secular TV, people.
maybe it is the hour- 2 hour shows 3 times a week that is losing our interests. lucky i have tivo and fast forward most of it otherwise i wouldnt watch it either.
Vote for Jason Castro. He is the ONLY real singer who hasn't had a record deal. He's kind of a big deal.
I enjoy the auditions and Simon. Once the field is narrowed down and they start singing their horrible pap with Disneyland style arrangements, I tune out for the season. Randy is a caricature - a total black stereotype from head to toe and Paula is a whack-job who couldn't get a job at McDonalds. Like Jimmy Kimmel says, it's a karaoke contest.
I think it's just a money making marketing scam foisted on the idiot general public to cram more generic pop music down our throats and extract money from our wallets. (but not mine suckers)
Idol starts out with such a bang - then DRRRAAGGGGSSSS…
Why don't they just SHORTEN it and GET IT THE FRIG OVER WITH???
Waaaaaayyyy tooo drawn out. Who can stay "rivited" to the show
for that long - People have LIVES, Simon!!!!
Maybe if David Cook would take his clothes off. He's….HOT!!!!!!!
I don't mind watching people try ot make their dream become reality.. but i am sick of listening to the insults.. there is a fine line between criticism and insults.. and some of the things said are down right RUDE! no where near the "fine line" Honesly what are the judges for .. they should be there to get them on the show and stop after that because after all its us (americans) voting right? unless out votes don't really count.. AND i dont understand why some of the people (Possible american idols) are out living the life of a "movie star" partying up and not taking their spare time to pactice.. this isnt real world or road ruiles… if someone isnt going to work then boot them off and give someone else the chance! so i believe the show should continue cause its a great chance for people that are going to WORK for what they deserve but please make some changes!!!!! Thanks i've said all that i think needs to be said on my end ..
i've been over idol for the past several seasons….who cares about that show anyway. except for the audition process in the beginning, it's boring.
NO WAY PEREZ! It's my favourite show my a mile. It's what gets me through my week! Archuleta FTMFW!!
I know how we can get the show back to life– new host, new judges, same actual competition. The only thing about the competition (except the actual competition, but that is the essence of the show) that stays the same each year are the host and the judges. Time for a change, I say. They don't really make the show anyway, it's the contestants that are interesting. I'm sick of all the same comments from those four.
LOSE RYAN!! Everyone is so SICK of seeing him everywhere, talentless hack! stick to radio where we all dont have to see or hear u PLEASE
Idol is becoming the same old crap year after year. It is the same cardboard cutouts who win season after season. I don't think there is anything they can do to change it except maybe replace Ryan, Randy, and Paula.
who cares anymore?
this season sucked.
not nearly as bad as dancing with the stars or whatever…
but still.
ryan seacrest & simon need to go ahead & admit they're both gayyyy.
I think that this idol gives back shit is just that… SHIT! People may hate me for saying this but im one of the people who dont buy into all the hype this show tries to make us believe, all for ratings and money, sure they did a show that raised millions for charity, well how about just giving away millions to these charities, why didnt idol throw in a million, or what about ryan paula and simon Or any of the celebrities they had on promoting these charities, they need to step up and donate too. They keeping pushing this whole thing too far, ryan says over and over this is the best season yet! they even get reporters to say it, but the fact is … its the worst season ever and its going to continue to get worse because they are doing shady inside dealings.
You can fool some of the people but you cant fool all of the people, im just glad im smart enough to see through AI's bullshit. Its just too bad there are a lot of people out there who are still in the dark about this show and how they work. go to votefortheworst.com its not just about voting for the worst at all, they have the proof of the lies idol and its contestants are feeding us.
It would be more interesting if Danny Noriega was back on the show.
BRING DANNY NORIEGA BACK AND IT'LL GET MORE VIEWS!!!!
I liked when they had ryan and that dunkelman guy or whatever his name was on the first season, it was good to have 2 hosts, although i liked the other guy more than ryan…. Ryan always tries too hard and he is annoying. seriously, like how many cocks did ryan have to suck to get into all the projects he does? Its not because he has talent thats for sure.
It's actually the first year I've watched it since the first season. I think the girls are really lacking in personality, but the guys are amazing. Not to mention, I'm swooning over Jason Castro all day long.
why dont i watch ai anymore? cause im broke as fuck and cant afford my tivo anymore!!!! not worth watching unless you can fast forward…….but i must confess i miss it!!!
I think what makes it boring is the fact that Idol pimps out has been recording artists as "mentors"
Idol is still a huge, huge deal…and Perez is so yesterday
ya i agree, Ryan is boring i dont like him. Also it seems like everyone of this years contestants have been in the music or entertainment business in one form or another before. I read that carly used to work for Randy jackson, and had a record deal with his company.. now it seems to me thats a conflict of interest right there.
I beieve for the most part what a lot of people are saying about idol, but why isnt anyone besides this vote for the worst reporting on it then? I mean it seems like it would be a big deal and is a big deal if its true. then why hasnt perez reported on it or anyone for that matter? I think that everyone is afraid of the idol machine and what it can do to someone who outs a show like that to everyone as fraudulent.
Two years ago was the last time I watched it. It is time to pull the plug.
yeah they need to fucking bring back danny noriega to make it better thats what we all tuned in for
I still love the show.
But most of the singers this year have no talent whatsoever.
I agree with Simon.
IA is dead if these singing idiots dont get thier act together soon.
I don't like that show.
Music should not come pre-fabricated.
What about America's next top model? It's the 10º cycle!
I have been over Idol just like I'm over every other reality/contest show that has sequels… and triquels.
Legit. Are there NO NEW ideas out there?
This is the strongest season yet, with 3 potential international stars in the making: Archuleta, Castro and Cook. Look back to prior seasons and you will see some pathetic Top Six performances. Can you say Nikki McKibbon? All six finalists in Season 7 are quite talented. They also seem like real people for a change, with loads of optimism, spirituality, and kindness. It is refreshing to see network television focus on young adults wanting something beyond an uninspired career with weekends filled with booze, weed, recreational sex and other lameness.
When viewership goes under 20 million then the people at Idol will start to really be concerned. Hopefully by then the network situation comedy will make a comeback and viewers can go back to laughing again.
Seriously. We are not actively watching in our house. Don't even have it set up on TiVO. But last week, we watched the elimination show — It is ridiculously predictable. So, when The Seacrest ws calling out the contestants one by one and sending them to a certain side of the stage. 8 commercial breaks in-between. So that left the Archueletta boy (lord, is he cloying — are you thinking Mindy Doo?). Anyone else just know that The Seacrest was going to tell him to pick his side? And that he would sit in the middle of the stage? Watch the syndicated Idol Rewinds, they are enjoyable. This season, everyone is just so full of themselves.
Re: Leigh – I agree with you!!
The show stinks but they have 29 million viewers they can lose 75% of their audience and still dominate the ratings.
Re: Billy – I agree with Billy…You're an idiot Perez.
Are you seriously asking if they should cancel the most popular show on TV? And replace it with what? A show that is not the most popular show on TV? This is the stupidest post yet.
i think it's the song themes every week for the first few weeks-60's, 70's, 80's…i think contemporary songs are way better-songs from when i was born! and that i KNOW!
new judges and new host. total revamp. everyone knows what to expect from the judges. the routine is old and stale.
Yeah I am SSOOOO OVer it!
Randy is so dated - he's stuck in the late 80's. They need to replace him with a more contemporary person with better taste - somebody who understands what is hot now, and without a huge agenda. I'm sick of his stupid name-dropping too, what a tool he can be, dawg.
Re: perezlover –
I have been over it for years but now that the Aussieis gone this season i have no interest
it would be nice if they raised the age limit for contestants to maybe 35? on britans got talent paul potts was incredible and has created a career at 37 so i dont think it would be a waste of time I have gotten tired of imature contestants with attitudes that is my suggestion oh and replace paula!!!
i think people are tired of a "joke" they need to step it up, quit showing all these sucky people and make it a REAL singing competition…
Re: lola – yep i agree
American Idol continues to be the top rated show every week by a large margin. So what are you trying to imply? Perez, why are you so against this show? How are your hits? Obviously the drop in numbers is due to less people actually tuning in as opposed to getting the videos off YouTube, etc. All the people who posted "It's done" apparently don't know what they are talking about. Everywhere I go, it seems everyone has an opinion on the contestants, saying this is the best talent yet. AI continues to be one of the only shows that a family can actually watch together. But I guess the teenage posters on this site don't understand that yet.
I got into Idol with Season 5, then Season 6 bored me. I wasn't going to watch this year, but there was nothing else on during the writer's strike.
Now I'm hooked on Jason Castro. You've gotta check his fine-ass out! Beautiful voice too… very James Taylorish.
I love American Idol!!!
Hmm… maybe it has something to do with the fact that there's no variety in idol and everyone sounds the same. Simon only praises one style of voice and one body style. What is wrong with having a big woman win idol? why do all singers have to be size 0? btw Perez you rock!
I haven't watched it in 2 years! Idol is just boring to me now as is ANTM which has been on for 10 years now. They should stop producing these reality shows after the 6th to 7th year b/c eventually we, as consumers realize the "winners" never go on to do anything as big as the shows they are on. IMO
I'm getting tired of it, it's getting boring i watch every couple weeks or so just to see who remains…
I have watched every ENTIRE episode until now - I think the most I watched this season was about 1/4 of an episode I have ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST WHATSOEVER!!!!!!
Pull the plug? No. It is the most watched show on television. Although the ratings are declining, it is a powerful force in television that brings in millions of dollars for FOX.
I'm a late bloomer, last year was my first and this year is so much better. those Jason Castro eyes could melt a diamond.
Take the shit off the air……it was good when it first started but now it just sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am over Ryan Seacrest and his stupid comments. The show would be better if he was not the host.
I haven't watched Idol since 2006. I guess I'm over it.
I think they should try to incorporate Big Brother, America's Next Top Model, Biggest Loser, etc. Have all the contestants live together and totally put them through some challenges and totally make them over and revamp them.
Oh, and raise the age limit.
Re: ginaaaaaaaaaaaaa –
Oh, and raise the age limit.
It would be refreshing for the age limit to be lifted. I believe an "IDOL" can be of about any age.
I know that for me I stopped religiously watching the second I felt like Chris Daughtry was robbed. I didn't want to invest in a show that had a totally unfair outcome. Taylor Hicks? Really? Looks like the CD purchases really show who won that contest. If we want to pick an idol, I want one that actually earned it. Not someone who gets pity votes or is voted on by just anyone. We already have that with the president. Maybe instead we should do the electoral college. Just kidding.
Gawd, I hate that show. Pull the plug, PLEASE.
I lost faith in the fairness of the show when Ruben (supposedly) beat Clay. Nigel Lithgow, the Executive Producer, came out about a month ago and said that the results didn't make any sense that year because "EVERY WEEK Clay got 80% of the vote, and then when it got to the finale he lost 49-51%!" From the very beginning, Clay has had a much bigger career than Ruben. Clay is starring on Broadway, with great reviews. Where IS Ruben?
Music preference is or at least should be a matter of personal taste rather than being voted on by other people whose musical taste you could not care less about. The show is a mindless piece of worthless shit.
Not so many commercials. Not so long of a season…start with the top 10 already and narrow it down from there instead of starting with 20-30…get to the nitty gritty of the competition!!!!!! Have better instructors on the show with hair and makeup, wardrobe…and judges…you say the SAME THING OVER AND OVER…we all know what randy is going to say…pitchy, but overall good or it wasn't for me. Paula will say…you look great..and she will say it choppy. And Simon will give the real deal as always. GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL GRAPHICS and animation opener. Show more celebs…have celeb judges. Why did Idol change so much this year? It's dry. The judges even look annoyed, bored and over it. Switch up the format a little. Email me if you want more ideas…
stopped watching it when it was and is sko obvious that this show is precasted and who stays and goes is all controlled by the producers, the script for this show is just like any other weekly show, written before the season starts. Just think all of the past winners who have made, never thank the american people for all their success, they thank american idol. most fake show on tv. please get real
it is SO over. PULL THE DAMN PLUG.
DNR!
i'm sick of it myself…really, people should consider other alternatives to get into the limelight. i found this site that find jobs for movie extras. i'll post the link if anyone wants it.
Hollywood-opportunities.com
I love America idol!!!!!!!!!!!! Who can tell me the name of the lady in the picture. Once I saw her sexy photos on a dating community called m e e t i n g w e a l t h y. It is said she is dating friends there.
LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!! LET AMERICAN IDOL DIE!!!!!!!!!!
i still love the show, and its still number 1, i doubt they'll pull the plug anytime soon. its one of the few primetime shows families can watch together and enjoy.
Simple fix: Enough with the theme nights - let the kids sing what they want.
Oh, and for God's sake *please* replace Randy & Paula.
I'm sick to death of his smugness (not to mention the word "dog") and her garbage.
I only watched this show for 1 whole season, back in the day of Daughtry (only continued watching it cuz I thought he was rather yummy looking lol) .. and I have watched it once this season, for one of the days of the tryouts. I think that Idol has run it's course. Mybae give it a few years, and bring it back, but i think everyone needs a break from it.
Well the fat lady can take a lax and sit her ass down !
I record every eps and watch it back when I get home from work or on the weekend.
Someone might snap and beat the crap out of Simon for telling the truth.
America is going against the judges this year, but not thinking of the singing talent and the amount of longevity each performer has. David (little teeney bopper david) is obviously the front runner cause the saesons singers sucked and even when they did get good they got bumbed.I thought kristy did good last week despite her dullness other and brook or jason should have gone on technical demarits and lack of stamina throughout for shure. the thing is thT ITS UPTO AMERICA TO VOTE BUT IF U VOTE THEN CHOOSE NOT TO BUY THE CD THEN U ARE THE ONES WHO FAILED US ALL IN CLUDING CANADA WHERE IM FROM. GET REAL VOTE FOR THE VOICE TECHNICAL DIFICULTY AND ETC.. NOT THE PRETTY VOICE AND PERSONA THAT AMERICAN IDOL BUILS UP… AKA CERIE THE ONLY AMERICAN IDOL TO WITHSTAND LONGEVITY!!!~!!!
this and like americans next top model we want to see winners finally not cat fights
ugh. it's so over. i stopped watching after taylor hicks won. damn him.
Change it to "The X-Factor: USA"
Re: Mellzie – you are so fucked up u know that? so you care more for entertainment than helping children who are starving to death in Africa? Fuck you.
Not surprised - this is the most overhyped, overdiscusssed, overpublicized show in the history of the world. It's just a glorified talent show. I only watch it at the beginning of each season to see all the morons embarass themselves. After the regular competition starts, I don't give a shit. A juggling chimpanzee could win the thing and I wouldn't care.
Idol sucks now. It sucks that they have professionals too. That really ruined it. I think they should have Paula even more fucked up and drugged out her mind though. That might be entertaining. For a week or two anyway.
Anyhow….Idol is so over, they need to stop beating that dead horse.
I hit mute every time Paula opens her mouth. She has no original comments and fills the verble blah with alot of rambleing mumbleing inane crap!
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there's just so much HYPE that the American consumer will put up with…after a while there becomes a huge DISCONNECT. When over 2 million homes go into foreclosure, IDOL seems a little less than what the good doctor ordered. Eventually the friends of tweens' families will at least know someone who's family has moved out into a tiny apartment without cable, etc. This makes the youngest of us ask if IDOL really matters. Certainly the show can continue…it's still getting respectible ratings, but after a while…people want to watch something that will take their minds off their problems (rising gasoline prices, THE WAR IN IRAQ AND AFGANISTAN…the lies that got us there, the impossible job market…to name only a few). IDOL has become somewhat predictable and it's becoming clear that Paula Abdul has peaked as a "sensation" on the judges panel. Changing her with someone a little more current might give the show a boost, but not for long. In fact, I don't know why La Abdul was chosen when there are so many more current talents available. Don't get me wrong…I love the lady and she's a great talent, but not very NOW. I bet IDOL sticks around for another three years…making it an even ten. SUGGESTION: Perhaps if the producers donated $1,000,000. to a charity in this country EVERY WEEK (fans would send in their requests from all over the USA
The problem is…ITS TOO COMMERCIAL!!! It used to somewhat be about talent…now everything is sponsored!!! I mean..the ford commercials…the coke cups….and now the weekly themes are based on WHOEVER has an album coming out that week!!!! ITs ridiculous…not a ONE of those people would sing the songs they've been forced to choose from…but every part of that show is a commercial now..i mean…im a year…bathroom breaks are gunna be sponsored by charmin…geez
I watched the the first 3 to 4 seasons pretty regular then I just waited until the top 6 and watched, I stopped completely after SanJAYA (Picture Joel McHale saying it) That for me really ruined the show. I didn't bother to start watching third season because there were several professionals. I'm sorry to me this show is about undiscovered talent, who is going to have their life change directly, not people who's feet were already headed down the record path.
i never get sick of thsi show i love it!
I stopped watching it 2 years ago. It became repetitive and none of the past winners are my cup of tea. Some I don't even recall their names
Those stupid phone-in caller questions on elimination day? UGH! How dull, boring and stupid! Whose idea was that?? As a former Idol, never miss viewer, I now find the whole process, right from the beginning with all the weirdos who try out, to be over-done and I rarely watch anymore. Only if there is nothing else on….
ryan and simon should just admit that they want to do dirty things to each other. seriously, there is def some sexual tension there, i can feel it.
I DVR the show, so that I don't have to listen to the inane chit chat. Ryan Seacrest is just too full of himself and does not realize that Simon is usually spot on in his comments about the performances.
They drag is out for so many days. It takes up almost the whole week.
First off… I watch this show because my wifey watches it otherwise I could take it or leave it. AI needs to shut it down… At least for a long while. It's the same ol' boring thing every week/year. Very anti-climatic. And the new thing with the phone calls to fill up time… I want to shoot myself everytime they do that. Cut the show to half hour on Wed.
It is SOOO Manufactured and full of itself. They never release the vote tally- they just do trends and pick a "loser" each week to get America interested-hence the whole Michael John controversy.