The ratings powerhouse that is American Idols Live is readily approaching as its season premiere is now set for January, 2009. America Idols Live is fueled by none other than Judges Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and of course Simon Cowell. Add to these three the hosting talents of Ryan Seacrest and you have all of the ingredients needed for success. The man that truly is behind the award winning mega show is the executive producer of American Idols Live Simon Fuller. Though he may not be in the spotlight as much as the visible talents on the show he certainly deserves the credit and recognition for building American Idols Live into the phenomenon it has become.
As we anxiously wait for season 8 of American Idols Live we wonder what, or who the show may bring into the spotlight this year. Past successes include season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who has become a multiple Grammy winner. In the country music department we have the incredible singing voice of Carrie Underwood. Rock favorite Chris Daughtery has become a multi platinum recording artist without even being crowned winner of American Idols Live. The show has even unleashed an academy award winning singer and actress, Jenifer Hudson, who our hearts go out to at this difficult time for her. We also await the album release of last year’s winner David Cook who certainly has a bright future ahead of him. With such success stories, I’m sure Simon, Paula, and Randy, with the help of the American viewing audience will no doubt find another sensational artist to emerge as winner.

In the search for this sensation American Idols Live visited Louisville, Kentucky; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Arizona; San Francisco, California; Jacksonville, Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Kansas City, Missouri, and East Rutherford, New Jersey. Thousands of contestant hopefuls auditioned, but only a handful will ever be seen on international television. In order to be featured on American Idols Live it seems you have to be extremely talented, comically horrible, or very original. Perhaps the show will take a more sensitive approach to its cutting floor in light of the tragic suicide from a Paula crazed fan that brought so much unwanted negative publicity to the show.

On a more positive note, American Idols Live has in recent seasons become a great cause for charity as it features its Idols Gives Back show every year. Last year they raised over 70 million dollars in one night of entertainment filled with great performances and celebrity endorsements. The money is used to fight hunger and poverty in Africa and in the United States. Last year they won the respect of the Television Academy as they were honored with the very covenant Governor’s Award.
With ratings soaring each year, and as more and more celebrities jump on the Idols bandwagon to showcase their own careers, American Idols Live shows no signs of slowing down. Short of losing Cowell or Seacrest, I see no reason the show won’t continue to strive for many more seasons. I look forward to what the future of American Idols Live has to sweep us off our feet and into the spotlight.