It’s been a long time coming.
Fans of American Idol have known for a while now that the show is far past its golden years.
And we’d be a little nervous if we were Ryan Seacrest or Jennifer Lopez, because it seems like the people at FOX have started to take notice too.
FOX Chairman Peter Rice has voiced some concern with recent seasons of the once-unbeatable singing competition.
While at the Television Critics Association press tour, Peter said:
“If I have a criticism of the show for us, it’s that we haven’t found for us, in the last two years, [contestants] who have captured the imagination of the public. They’ve been really talented kids, but for whatever reason, there hasn’t been that catalyst behind the show.”
The catalyst that Peter is talking about is the star power that was present during the early days of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
One of the biggest indicators of FOX’s lack of confidence in the series is that for the upcoming 14th season, live episodes might be contained to airing just once a week; combining performance and results shows into one.
With an ever-changing panel of judges, public feuds behind the scenes, and, we’ll say it, lackluster performances, it’s no surprise that what used to be the No. 1 show in America has fallen all the way to the 17th most watched in just three seasons.
Goodbye, American Idol!
We’re sure you’ll churn out another few years before you join The X Factor in singing competition heaven, but just know, we might not be watching.
[Image via Brian To/Chris.K/WENN]