Fox's announcement of American Idol cancellation in 2016 has drawn different reactions from people. For some the news was saddening, while others felt relieved and somehow knew it coming. Some were even surprised that it's still airing?!
Here are 9 reasons to think about American Idol cancellation, from plummeting ratings, failing of recent champions to hit the chart, and lousy format revamps which made succeeding seasons lose the factor that charmed the show's fans in the first place.
Messed up formula
The first seasons of American Idol demonstrate well-defined and consistent formula - from the top 12 shortlisted contestants (now there are too many), to telling personal stories of contestants lives (recent seasons shorten contestant interviews), to weekly theme with wide selections of tracks (replaced with 20 or 30 songs options given for any theme week).
Too coach-centric
As AI producers get obsessed with superstar judges - in response to The Voice coach-centric formula, the show gradually loses its real charm. Judges are there to help polish the contestants' singing and musical talents, not outshine them. As a senior editor observed, the appeal of the show lies on watching the "super-talented waitresses, high school students and countryside girl contestants overcome gruelling musical challenges," all while being mentored and guided by judges and respected names in the industry. Sometimes the challenge include dealing with a mean and brutal comment from a judge, if that's what it takes to turn a mediocre performance into something superb the next time.
Lack of social media strategy
Sure, the "Twitter Save," campaign has been effective but only as far as the elimination proceedings are concerned. Other than that, there are no more social media strategies that foster genuine interaction between AI contestants, judges, mentors, and audiences.
Failure of recent winners to top the chart
American Idol winners used to achieve solid, if not enormous, post-show success until Season 12 and Season 13 champions, Candice and Caleb, failed to be on the chart's top list. This, according to a writer, is partly a result of lack of investment in the winners, such as the less fervent promotional campaign it received from 19 entertainment.
Complacent about music
If The Voice offers fresher menu of music, AI producers started to do the opposite. Song options that contestants can perform during any given theme week became limited to 20 or 30, resulting to contestants either relying on the same hit songs or having "hat-draw" battles for the most coveted songs.
AI is not cheap to produce
The need for multi-city auditions and produce live shows, and famous singers judging the talent, require a huge amount of money. The ad rates could've supported production costs, if only the show's rating have not been falling since the show's peak.
What AI can do, competitors can do better
The Voice and The X Factor share similar format characteristics that are originally seen on AI. But does this copycat issue affect the shows' ratings? Not at all, thanks to its quality execution. While the X Factor US has been cancelled, The Voice is actually doing according to recent ratings. Youtube is also a strong competition as far as AI's target talent is concerned.
Produced artists with sustained success, but not enough
AI's objective is to produce artists out of regular people. Unfortunately, the show has been failing in that regard in the recent years. Yes, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have belted multiple Grammy awards, and Jennifer Hudson proved to be more than a singer. However, the rest have a short-lived success.
It's long overdue
TV shows have particular timeframes, and while they can be extended beyond airing period, they have to come to a close. American Idol is now merely a shadow of its glory, once ratings powerhouse that is running the risk of fading to oblivion.
American Idol will run until the end of Season 15. Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. will remain the show's judges, along with the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the series from the beginning.
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