"American Idol" has been a TV staple for more than a decade. But "American Idol" has been taking a few nasty blows lately, and for the first time it might seem like this TV juggernaut is starting to sink.
Variety reports that Coca-Cola is cutting its advertising ties to "American Idol," after 13 years of partnership together, and the "Idol" judges always being seen on the series with bright red Coca-Cola cups at their judges table.
Here's Coke's official statement on why they've decided to leave the TV series behind.
"After 13 years, we feel it is the right time for the Coca-Cola brand to venture into new spaces and pursue other opportunities to connect with teens and leverage music as a passion point."
A follow-up piece in Variety paints the landmark Fox reality series as desperately in need of a savior - after years and years as the top non-sports program on TV, "American Idol" has been hemorrhaging viewers, and is now in its third straight year of a 20% (or larger) drop in ratings.
They are, however, retooling the series - so Fox is clearly intent on keeping their cash cow. Christian Post reports that the series, which usually airs on two nights - one for the singing, and one to hear the results - will pare down to one. No longer will "American Idol" viewers have to sit through an entire hour of filler to see who'll be going home.
Christian Post also has a statement from former Fox president Kevin Reilly about the change in format.
"The format of Idol will change. Next year, the format will be quite different. It's quite likely ... we'll end up being a two-hour show on one night for most of its run."
Series host Ryan Seacrest recently said the same thing.
"One of the things I'm actually looking forward to this year which is totally different: We're going to do the performance show and the results in the same show. So there won't be a 'Wait 'til tomorrow night.' There won't be a 'Coming up, coming up, coming up.' We're going to have to put it into one formatted night. So that'll be exciting."
"When we get to the final stage, you know, the top 10, there'll be one night of performance and results all in one."
Check back soon for the latest "American Idol" news.
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