I just took a short survey at ratethemusic.com (thanks for the heads up star and Lisa). The survey focuses on Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell.
Would the producers consider a personnel change to the cast of Season 8 Idols to improve the ratings? Maybe they would!
For my money, losing Randy Jackson, whose pointless cliche-filled critiques add nothing to the show, would be an improvement.
It’s all very interesting in the aftermath of Paula-gate, isn’t it?
ETA: There were a several problems last year that were fixed this year–having fewer mentors and more backstory on the Idols, adding guest appearances and features on former Idols. Making those tweaks improved the show. The big problem now, is the lame-ass themes. Next year, they need to go back to unrestricted themes in the semi-finals, and broader themes in the finals. Give the contestants the breathing room to find that perfect song. Also, if they want the contestants to appear current, they should be allowed the to sing current music! A mixture of old and new music would strike a sorely needed balance and keep the kids, who are apparently drifting away, interested.
TV viewership in general is down, as a few of you have pointed out–partly due to the long writers strike. Nevertheless, they still have killer ratings. It’s too early to predict the imminent demise of Idol.
Read the Survey, after the Jump…
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I just thought of a perfect person to bring to Idol.
He’s hot, intelligent, talented, has been performing since he was young, and is a great humanitarian. I would definitely want to hear what he has to say.
Ricky Martin
Speaking of the show changing and what to change, guess what I just did?!
Be prepared to be JEALOUS!
I just watched Season 5’s Rod Stewart night on tape - no commercials - with the Top 7.
I laughed. I cried.
Everyone got positive feedback.
Ace could have used Carly’s t-shirt that night!
Simon loves me (this week).
That’s the night everyone did really well, though when Katharine went last, Simon said she made everyone else look like “just good amateurs”.
Of course, others might not have liked that night as much as I did. I LOVE the crooners from the old days, and the old “standards” as Elliott called them. It might be my favorite style of music.
That was the night Kellie went off pitch and lost the timing also. I think she went home the next night. There was a LOT of talent in that season.
Oops. I forgot to add the “change” thing.
I think perhaps allowing instruments this year wasn’t a good idea after all. While they got people who had more sense of who they were as an artist, Brooke and Jason got much further than they would ever have gotten had this been the old AI.
People seem to be complaining of late how Jason and Brooke don’t/didn’t deserve to be there, and now there’s a backlash against Jason because he’s not a great enough vocalist.
(Just for the record, I am feeling so sorry for Jason at this point because of the invasion into this very shy guy’s life, as soon as he makes it into the top 3, I’m giving my 1,000 votes to Archie. AI deserves Archie’s father.) ;-)
I think AI should go back to no instruments. It’s not fair to the contestants who get bashed.
Also, mj, is it you who prefers the old stage? I’m with you on that one!
I think a lot of the problem lies with Nigel. I think what he says goes and he wants all these old themes and old mentors. He needs to get current in his thinking and bring in some younger mentors….heck, I’m close to 40 and even I can’t stand ALW, Dolly or Neil anymore. Help!
I’ve given some thought about why this season, although full of truly talented singers, has been somewhat bland.
IMO either they haven’t devoted as much time to the contestant’s personalities, or the contestants themselves don’t really have much of a personality. Not sure which it is. The ones who have really shown their personalities to me are DC, JC and BW. The rest - not so much.
I have to really rack my brains to even remember who was voted off weeks ago. BUT, I can remember every single person from Season 5.
I like Ryan as the Host, but do realize he is scripted. I do love when he gets a bit crazy, especially when he sings. No changes needed here.
longsong, with each passing year this is becoming more obvious. This whole fiasco could make for a better show next year. I am hoping for the best. 4got, the pimping is an assumption that the viewers are stupid and must be told what to like or dislike. Quite insulting, actually.
Randy is useless and he would not be missed. He contributes NOTHING to the show. If AI wants a BETTER show next season, this is the first place to start. If they do decide to replace Paula, it should not be done in the same season that Randy leaves.
jpfan, I think that if a contestant has had a recording contract and a released CD, they should not be on the show.
MJ, is it still possible to vote in the survey?