AMERICAN IDOL: Signs of an aging TV phenomenon
While Donald Munro and I have slogged our way through "American Idol" Season 7, I've wondered if we're just self-involved grouches, or if there really are cracks in this monolith's facade. From our view, the performers -- for all the hype that this is the best field ever -- have mostly offered performances ranging from lukewarm to downright hideous.
AI in the past has withstood rough patches, keeping its titan ratings in tact. But this season is a different story, spurring signs of concern for the show's producers:
- The ratings may still be huge but are in troubling slippage mode. (USA TODAY)
- They're conducting research surveys to prop up the show. (Broadcasting & Cable)
- The survey results may wipe that insipid smile off Ryan Seacrest's face. (The Los Angeles Times)
- It's time to seriously start worrying about what goes on in Paula Abdul's head. (Associated Press)
- Tuesday's show drew the kind of reviews, like this one from The Washington Post, that would close a Broadway show on opening night. (The Washington Post)
- And, finally, I'll never listen to a Carly Simon song again. (Associated Press)
Comments:
Felicia, the New York Times is reporting today:
Paula Abdul acknowledged on Wednesday what some “American Idol” viewers have long suspected: The show’s judges sometimes see portions of the dress rehearsal for the show and use that to help formulate their comments on the evening’s live performance.
The issue came up on Wednesday as Ms. Abdul, one of the three judges on “Idol,” the Fox talent competition, tried to explain comments she made during Tuesday evening’s live broadcast, in which she offered a critique of a performance that had not yet taken place.
Posted by: Donald Munro at April 30, 2008 8:37 PM
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