As one of the most successful shows in television history narrows down to its final weeks, I must admit that I have some mixed emotions about the season thus far.

I fully understand the need to retool a show that has been around for close to a decade, throw a few curve balls our way, shake things up a little, and even add a new face to the panel. However, I must ask the producers why they felt the need make so many abrupt changes to a format that has already proven more then successful, both on an entertainment level as well as financial. The multi billion dollar show may have showed a slight slip in ratings last season, down from an average of about 28 million viewers to approximately 26 million, still easily blowing any competition from other networks right out of the water.

So does this slight drop in ratings justify the changes, or were the powers that be simply trying to keep the show fresh, and perhaps try to generate new viewers. After so many seasons, I think the show basically has its foundation of loyal die hard fans followed by a group that catches it when they can. Then their would be those that are just opposed to everything the show stands for, this demographic is never going to come around no matter what changes are made. That being said, are the producers desperate to ensure their loyal fans do not stray from them and cheat by tuning into Dancing With The Stars on a religious basis instead of American Idol. Or are they trying to assimilate the group of in betweens to full all out American Idol Fans?

The most notable change would have to be the new addition of a fourth judge, producer and song writer Kara DioGuardi. I personally am not a fan of hers. I find her snobbish, stand offish, and in desperate need of acceptance from her peers. With her being added to the show rumors spread like wild fire that she was being groomed to replace Paula, I hope these are just that, rumors. Other changes were in the shows format. As Idol hopefuls tried to make the cut into the top 26 the judges actually pinned some of them up against each other in a “sing off,” where they would basically be singing for their lives. I found this to be cruel. Another big surprise was making the show into a top 13 contest instead of the usual top 12. A move obviously put fourth by the shows producers, not judges, to inspire shock value and conversation amongst its viewers…I suppose it worked as I’m writing about it now.

Finally, theirs the save. The only change that I agree with. The judges have the right to save one contestant form elimination if they feel America got it wrong while voting. As I’ve seen many talented singers leave the show prematurely I have to agree with this new rule. It is suppose to be a singing competition, not just a popularity contest based on voting for the one you find the sexiest.

Despite its changes, the show is still as strong as ever and shows no signs of slowing down. I’m certain it will continue to entertain and change lives for many more seasons, unless of course Simon Cowell decides to disburse from the show. I think he helped build it into what it is, if he leaves the show it will be like putting it on life support, it will cling to survival until eventually someone pulls the plug and puts it out of its misery.