The widely popular “American Idol” is raking in viewers from around the globe. Not to mention raking in huge bucks for their singing franchise. After seven very profitable seasons, the number of viewers to the show has decreased by seven percent. This may not sound alarming to some but in a highly competitive world of show business, seven percent translates to millions of viewers lost.
TV producers of “American Idols” are now looking for means to attract more loyal followers to the show. Some viewers think that the hosts take so much time exchanging banters which only waste the show's time. Also, viewers feel that the hosts don't agree in their opinions at all. Their standards of judging seem to differ markedly.
Dislikes
A lot of viewers may find “weird” contestants funny but most think it is a turn-off. It also encourages people who do not really sing to appear ridiculous to get their 15 seconds of fame. It makes fun of the contestants and the viewers feel mean for laughing at them.
Giving too much hype on “weird” performances also deviate the attention of the viewers from the really talented contestants who should be the focus of the show. The newly-introduced changes this year such as allowing finalists to use piano, guitar or other instruments are criticized because it distracts the contestants from the more important vocal performance rather than how well they play the instrument.
Also some contestants are not really that good in using instruments. Some of those polled feel mixed emotions toward the utilization of stars as mentors to the young contestants. Stars do provide appeal to the general viewers but most of them are too kind in their comments to actually help the contestant.
The weekly themes of the show also caused disadvantage to some contestants like the time when Dolly Parton's music was featured, some male finalists had a hard time singing the singer's songs.
Suggestions
Since the American Idol caters to the youthful population, guests and mentors for the next season should feature young and popular singing stars. This is a good way to secure the huge and loyal following of young people.
The hosts should also be clear in their critique instead of murmuring confusing words such as “too pitchy” or “too karaoke”. Being too technical in their comments leaves a lot of audience wanting for more. Also, standards of judging should be in place to allow contestants a definite gauge in their performance.
If there is one point American Idol is strong at, it would be its host Ryan Seacrest. He gains a lot of good comments and nods from the viewers. He does this by being sympathetic to the contestants after Simon Cowell unleashes his scathing remarks on their performance. As Cowell shreds their confidence to pieces, Seacrest is seen as the healing balm that restores their esteem and sanity back.
