American Idols Live

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.

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.