Is it wrong to miss the originalAmerican Idol? After 25 years, twenty-three seasons, and two networks,American Idolis officially so last year…well, so last decade.American Idolwas a cultural phenomenon back in the early 2000s. I mean,David CookversusDavid Archuletawas one of the biggest feuds of the time. Now, however,American Idolis boring, has been running too long, and has not successfully produced any more celebrities.It is time forAmerican Idolto change againor end its run.
American Idolwas ahit reality showimmediately in 2002, and not just because ofRyan Seacrest.ANew York Timesarticle from 2007said thatAmerican Idolhad tens of millions of viewers. Then, viewership waned as the show continued, and the original judges left. Finally, Fox canceled the show entirely. ABC picked up the singing competition in 2016, butnothing could fix how pointlessAmerican Idolhad become. Yet, the show persists despite it being totally irrelevant now.
American Idolmade superstars when it began. The first winner,Kelly Clarkson, is still wildly successful, even getting her own series,The Kelly Clarkson Show.Even runners-up likeAdam LambertandKatherine McPheebecame famous, taking on roles in singing TV shows likeSmashfor McPhee andGleefor Lambert. Lambert even became the frontman for legendary rock bandQueen.Even people who had never made it to the finale, likeChris DaughtryandJennifer Hudson, became household names.All these stars burst onto the scene because ofAmerican Idol,but that all ended.
There are no superstars from modernAmerican Idol, unlessyou countBenson Boone,whonotably quit. Boone gained a following because ofAmerican Idol,but ultimately, Boone’s time onIdolwas unnecessary.The age ofsocial media that allowed Boone to rise to success has also contributed to the decline ofAmerican Idol’s relevance.The world of rising pop stars is so saturated because of social media that anAmerican Idolneeds to go viral to be a big success. In recent years,American Idolhas been unable to produce a star.
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The Show Needs To Focus on Showcasing Talent
Besides being unable to produce a star,the show itself is dull. The songs are overdone, especially during certainthemed weeks.There are only so many renditions of Disney songs that someone can hear and remain sane. The show also focuses too much on the backstories of contestants. Sure, showing an origin story helps audiences get to know the artists, but more often than not, it overshadows the performances.American Idolis supposed to be about the talent of a singer.However, because the show focuses so much on backstory, people begin voting on who they like the most or who they empathize with more than the better singer. Although very wholesome, that is part of the reason no superstars come out ofAmerican Idolanymore.
‘American Idol’ Does Not Make Judges Like They Used To
OldAmerican Idolwas known for three judges, for better or for worse.Simon Cowell,Paula Abdul, andRandy Jacksonmade up an honest and balanced trio of judges. Abdul and Jackson balanced outCowell, known for his borderline cruel honesty. However, Season 23 brought in Season 4 winnerCarrie Underwoodas a judge, replacing wildcard judgeKaty Perry. Underwood is not a bad judge, but it is clear how different the two judges are from each othernow that Perry is gone. Although current judgesLionel RichieandLuke Bryanfound balance with Perry, they have been unable to do the same with Underwood. Now, all three judges are equally calm and collected, and Richie and Bryan give the same tired advice they always have.Cowell might have been mean, but at least he was interesting. Unfortunately, the currentAmerican Idoljudges leave much to be desired.
American Idolused to mean stardom, but now it is overdone and pointless. Between repetitive and boring themes and the fact that the show can no longer produce a real “American Idol,“American Idolhas become entirely irrelevant. It’s time forAmerican Idolto change, or quit while they are ahead.
American Idolis available on Hulu.
American Idol
