It had to happen. Fox has finally decided to shrink American Idol’s telecast to 90 minutes for the competition and 30 minutes for the results show beginning next year.
The reality series has seen a steady decrease in viewers over this season with an average loss of 1 million a week (though it finally stabilized at the 19 million viewer range).
The net claims that it was viewer feedback that prompted the decision to shorten the show. Still no word on who will replace Simon Cowell next year. Though his departure is sure to have an impact on viewers as well. Fox chairman Peter Rice says they’ll begin the search for a replacement after the upfronts (where the networks unveil the plans and new shows for the upcoming season).
Read more at: http://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/2010/05/17/%E2%80%9Camerican-idol%E2%80%9D-to-shrink-next-year/
I think the performance shows are being extended from one hour to ninety minutes. Producers said they want to include more performances, so I don’t see how they’d do that by cutting down the performance shows by 30 minutes. I think it’s still 2 hours shows at the beginning, then it cuts down to 1.5 hours later on in the season. I’m glad they’re cutting results shows down, but haven’t they been promising that since season 8?
Maybe they’re wising up, and realize most of us watch only the last few minutes of the show to see who is eliminated…unless we like one or more of the celebrity performers (read NOT Lady Gaga
WHY should Simon be replaced? Four judges is too many, although I also WOULDN’T like to see just Randy, Kara and Ellen
Also the age of the contestants and their lack of musical song experience is not the only factor. Kelly Clarkson could sing any genre, including the 40s and swing. I would bet the majority of the AI audience is 40 and older, so you will lose them if you only go to today’s music culture.
Finally, one person, one vote should apply for this show…I realize they’re so “in the mud” from their lack of parameters over the years that this may not happen, but that would bring some “reality” to this show.