What Dumbasses Thought Bringing Back ‘American Idol’ Was a Good Idea?
“Okay Luke, straighten your back more, and show off those pearlies you spent $7,000 whitening. Ryan, grab Luke and Lionel around the shoulders like they’re attractive young subordinates you’re looking to make time with. Katy, crook your head to one side so you look more endearing than an ultra-rich and out-of-touch superstar elitist who is kicking nuns out of their convent to build a luxury home. And Lionel, let’s just hope your face doesn’t fall off before the finale this summer…
…now, let’s go ruin American culture!”
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I want to know who was the utter dumbass that in any way thought bringing back the tired old warhorse that is American Idol was a good idea. This is tantamount to holding out hope that Mike Tyson can still make a comeback to contend for World Heavyweight Champion. Even a shitbag blogger that pays scant attention to the reality singing competition industry or network television in general could merely sniff at the numbers surrounding the previous incarnation of American Idol, and could confidently go on record saying there was no way this would work, and still be more right than television executives with 8-figure salaries slinging around millions upon millions of dollars, ignoring every single sign that America no longer wants this mess.
They canceled American Idol in the first place because the franchise had proven so far beyond any reasonable doubt that it had completely run its course and was unable to be resuscitated regardless of who the judges were, regardless of any new set redesigns, or whatever other sizzle reel splashes they used to lie to themselves that the show could still somehow sustain. American Idol finished its 14th season an incredible $398 million in debt and in the ratings toilet. That’s why the 15th season had to be the last one.
But for some ungodly reason, perhaps being gluttons of punishment, they decided to bring it back yet again. Even comparing it to the terrible numbers for the franchise’s final season on FOX, this new ABC reboot is a bloodbath. The debut episode, even with all the hoopla and dough spent to promote it, dropped 23% in viewership compared to the debut episode on FOX for the show’s final season, which was already gasping for life. Now that American Idol is regularly going up against The Voice on Monday nights, it’s getting torched, giving up some 3 million viewers to the NBC show last week.
And now it’s time for everyone else to be the fall guy except the executives that ignored every single sign that this reboot would fail. Granted, Luke Bryan is a stiff, and that’s the reason the ACM Awards made the smart decision to fire him as the host of the awards in April. Lionel Richie’s got a big bag of nothing. Ryan Seacrest is fighting off a sex scandal, and Katy Perry’s out there kissing virgins and pushing around nuns to the point where they’re collapsing and dying in court and creating social media uproars. But trust me folks, these are all scapegoats. The real reason for the ratings malaise here is that American Idol has long since proven it’s run its course. If anything, controversy should breed ratings. But what’s happening here is people just don’t freaking care.
Look, whatever you think about American Idol, admit that it had a good run back in its day. It was a ratings hog for years, and launched some massive superstars such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. But nothing lasts forever, even the greatest television concepts of all time. People just get tired of them, and something comes along that’s better. And that’s okay. Maybe American Idol could have been rebooted in the future, but folks needed a good half decade, maybe a decade away from it, maybe to the point where nostalgia kicked in, which is the reason all these 90’s television and movie reboots are doing so well. But this was way too soon.
For the love of God, put this dying dog out of its misery. Or, do the one thing that could revitalize it, which is to bring an asshole judge on board. Because America is far beyond satiated with singing competitions, especially ones that have a proven track record of being completely unable to launch any true “Idol” over the last many years. What they’re hungry for is brutal honesty and criticism, which is what Simon Cowell brought to the table, and the whole reason American Idol was ever intriguing in the first place. It’s also why America’s Got Talent‘s finale (where Cowell is now) hit a 6-year high last season.
The only saving grace here is this American Idol reboot has relegated Luke Bryan to what’s basically a desk job. But man, I almost feel sorry for him and everyone else who now has to play this hand out for the next many months. Yes, some people are still watching, but it hardly justifies the massive budgetary resources this behemoth eats on a weekly basis. American Idol must hit grand slams in the ratings, or millions are lost.
Just like the malaise we’re seeing in music and movies, attempting to reboot American Idol is the sign of a lack of new ideas or originality. America has moved on from American Idol, and unless it’s willing to dramatically adapt to the times, or be true to itself and understand hard criticism is part of what made it so intriguing originally, it will be like an anchor on ABC and its cast.
Derby
March 26, 2018 @ 10:05 am
If there is a list of the most inconsequential shows on TV right now, no doubt this AI reboot is on it. Most likely in the top 3. The full-court press from ABC to make it hip, cool and must-see is uncomfortable to watch unfold. It’s just another show out there in the cable universe – nothing remotely special about it all. It needs to end after one season.
Cobra
March 26, 2018 @ 10:24 am
I turned it on one night during the auditions just out of sheer curiosity. I kid you not, one audition featured a girl who, every time she tried to sing, the dog she brought with her would take a dump on the stage. They showed this happening no less than four times.
.
The sad part is that absolutely none of that is exaggerated. It is 100% what I witnessed.
.
That more or less sums up where American Idol is at. A dog taking a dump on the stage.
The Ghost of Buckshot Jones
March 28, 2018 @ 11:58 am
That dog just signed a demo deal with Big Machine and is working with Shane McAnally.
Justin
March 26, 2018 @ 10:39 am
I got bored with The Walking Dead last night (which has been struggling for a while for me) and skimmed through AI last night. Some dude was seeing Strait’s “You Look So Good In Love,” and I thought wow I bet 1. Luke Bryan doesn’t know that song; 2. If he does it must embarrass him to know that what he does now is not even remotely close to what country used to be.
Corncaster
March 26, 2018 @ 10:55 am
Exhibit A in the coffee table book entitled, “Great Photo Captions From the American Apocalypse.”
Thoroughbred
March 26, 2018 @ 11:17 am
In a world of three round bouts, Mike Tyson still has a shot.
Strait Country 81
March 26, 2018 @ 11:18 am
Is this something most of this sites visitors even care about or are you wanting traffic for SCM?
Benjamin
March 26, 2018 @ 12:37 pm
Trigger can write about whatever he darn well pleases. It’s his site and he wanted to write this. That’s why.
Kevin Davis
March 26, 2018 @ 11:23 am
I watched the season premier, just out of curiosity, and it was terrible. I’m not big into these type of shows, but I’ve been watching The Voice, and it’s such a superior show. I don’t know if Luke has finally grown into his role as judge on the show, but he had zero charisma in the episode I saw. And Lionel wasn’t much better. So, the entire episode was Katy Perry doing Katy Perry things. At least she has some personality. There was no chemistry among the three, in stark contrast to The Voice’s current line-up of coaches, who are genuinely funny at times and fun to watch with their banter.
Trigger
March 26, 2018 @ 5:52 pm
Look, clearly Luke Bryan know what to do on a stage to entertain people, because millions of people pay to see him. But he’s proven beyond a reasonable doubt that when it comes to talking and hosting duties, the guy’s got nothing. He’s proven this over the last few years on the ACM Awards. Have no idea how they thought he would work.
Justin
April 5, 2018 @ 7:34 pm
LOL quit being dumb, its all editing at this point. You should give it a chance in the lives. And critics love the new judges. The Voice’s format is all about the judges, Idol is about the contestants first and foremost. The talent this season is way better than the Voice.
Clint
March 26, 2018 @ 11:27 am
I am surprised people still watch The Voice too. They had to be thinking people were sick of it and would try American Idol again
Kevin Davis
March 26, 2018 @ 12:27 pm
The Voice’s ratings are up from last year, and I think it’s been in the top 5 for broadcast tv since the new season premiered a few weeks ago. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems that the Voice has had fairly consistent numbers across its 14 seasons.
Justin
April 5, 2018 @ 5:51 pm
Actually, no, The Voice has been dropping a lot. It only got a 1.7 last week against Roseanne and idol actually had more 18-49 viewers compared to TV’s Tuesday episode.
Carla
March 26, 2018 @ 11:53 am
I have a funny relationship with American Idol. As a self-confessed music snob, I was appalled when my boss about 15 or so years ago assigned me to make an on-air promo for American Idol (I worked for a TV network). I pretty much ended up having to make promos for the entire season, and got hooked. Not by the great music or talent they found, but by it’s heart. As the season’s progressed and the ratings died, American Idol had no problem taking the piss out of contestants and even themselves. It actually made for great TV. Then in the last couple of seasons they had JLo, Harry Connick Jnr and Keith Urban, which was actually a really winning combination. I had no time for JLo or KU prior to that show, but it showed that they were actually genuinely lovely people and that combo made the show incredibly funny. So yeah, even when I wasn’t being paid to make promos for American Idol, I still sought out the show and watched it most of the time. What I will say though, is I was watching it entirely as a trash telly fan, not a music one!
I have zero interest in the reboot of it.
Roland of Gilead
March 26, 2018 @ 12:12 pm
These singing competition shows are all basically glorified karaoke.Just a bunch of people who want a music deal without paying their dues.The audience pretty much never hears from the contestants when the shows over ,even if they win and everyone seems fine with that.
Stringbuzz
March 26, 2018 @ 12:19 pm
IDK.. I kinda like it.
Michael P.
March 26, 2018 @ 12:21 pm
Honestly, I didn’t know it had gone off the air to begin with.
Troy
March 26, 2018 @ 12:59 pm
I isn’t know why they would reboot American Idol. The last time that it was good was when Carrie won season 4. Ever since then, it’s gone downhill.
On a side note and i cannot believe I’m gonna say this: I think “Most People Are Good” is pretty good song. Luke is capable of putting out solid material (probably when his label allows him to do so). With that being said, Katy Perry needs to get laid & I forgot that Lionel Richie was still around. His mullet/Jheri Curl haircut from the 80s still haunts my dreams. That thing was absolutely godawful and should NEVER be brought back…..like American Idol.
pgwenz
March 26, 2018 @ 1:55 pm
It’s Disney and they want your money.
GrantH
March 26, 2018 @ 2:27 pm
There really needs to be an asshole judge. When Simon Cowell jumped ship, the show died. Period.
Jinmo (Asian Country-Pop Fan)
March 29, 2018 @ 6:59 am
Chef Gordon Ramsay might help
“Your voice is as raw as an octopus’ tentacle trying to escape a Korean mouth, and that means a yes”
Haha no racism intended. Just for fun. I’m half-Korean
Justin
April 5, 2018 @ 5:52 pm
The ratings actually went up after Simon left. And his show, The X Factor flopped and got canceled in the US.
JB-Chicago
March 26, 2018 @ 3:08 pm
I’ve never watched or cared for music “contest/audition” TV shows. These people should get out there and pay their dues to get a record deal by earning it. Not as a contest prize. Or let’s play “If I ruled the world”………. If you participate you can only use material you wrote. No covers!!
Music Jedi
March 26, 2018 @ 3:43 pm
This may make somebody mad but I’ve watched it last night and couldn’t help but notice how much they seem to be going overboard to cater to the LBGTQ. Like Trigger said – it’s a dying dog – let it die!
Corncaster
March 26, 2018 @ 3:54 pm
When these shows turn inward, and become all about the judges, they’re over.
albert
March 26, 2018 @ 4:18 pm
”Just like the malaise we’re seeing in music and movies, attempting to reboot American Idol is the sign of a lack of new ideas or originality.”
So ok , I’m an ‘old guy’ in the scheme of things . And sure , I probably bring ‘ old guy ‘ perspective to things when I may be unaware I’m doing so .
But I remember when the recycle time for music ideas ,productions , lyrics , movie characters or remakes etc was , in fact 20,30 or more years . It certainly seems that we’re seeing that recycling thing far more frequently . Songs have almost identical lyrics and chord structures each time out , movie sequels / reboots/ remakes re-thoughts come along faster than we can count them and are gone as quickly . We are not only amused to death , I believe , but we’re amused to death by the same ideas coming around faster and faster.
Re American Idol and any other ‘talent’ show . It is so obvious that these shows are about the judges FIRST …..the talent a distant second . If your judges can’t hold viewer’s interest , all of the talented no-name contestants in the world won’t do it . Not one of the new Am Idol judges is entertaining , insightful or a great singer and not one has PERSONALITY . They seem like they’re the ones that are being coached to have some ‘fake fun’.
I caught a few of the audition shows and watched several contestants get almost completely ignored by the egos and self-centered behaviour of the judges. Of course THE VOICE has become progressively worse in that dept. also . Is there anyone more into themselves than Kelly Clarkson ? She never stops …and again …the talented wannabe’s are at the mercy of these ego-centric judges becoming props for them and their pointless banter .
But I digress ….probably .
DJ
March 26, 2018 @ 5:10 pm
The few years I watched AI they had some really good talent- Crystal Bowersox for one (as good as if not better than what I’ve seen reviewed here) and by far my favorite who has gone on to be fairly successful- on her own, and Simon (though his delivery was over board sometimes) knew what he was talking about- it was entertaining and I enjoyed watching hopefuls give it their best shot- I’ve not watched the re-boot and won’t- it ain’t the same. I wouldn’t watch Luke Bryan or that girl (can’t recall her name w/o re-reading) if they were just across the street-for free. I feel bad for Lionel Richie-
Mike Honcho
March 26, 2018 @ 5:24 pm
When did females acting crass and using foul language become an engaging personality? What a rebel.
Erik North
March 26, 2018 @ 5:24 pm
Truth be told, I am not at all a fan of any of these “voice competition” shows, let alone “American Idol”, even if that show in its original incarnation led us to Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, because, like Linda Ronstadt (who, ironically, was saluted by Carrie at the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for her), I believe competitions should be confined to sports, and not injected into the arts. To me, they don’t really bring out the best in aspiring singers all that often; indeed, they seem to bring out the most histrionic “battles” in them simply for the sake of TV ratings and money. Where in the hell is the art in that?
Is George Strait? Is Marvin Gaye?
March 26, 2018 @ 5:41 pm
It’s kind of funny…. I get that people at this site don’t particularly care for Keith Urban, but I think he was a great judge. He brought something different to the show that I liked. But then the producers thought that just because he is a country artist Luke would have the same success as Keith…. Bad decision. And whose idea was Lionel Richie?!?!?!?!?
Tunesmiff
March 26, 2018 @ 7:31 pm
“…then the producers thought that just because he is a country artist Luke would have the same success as Keith…”
Or be their answer to the V’s Blake…
Janice Brooks
March 26, 2018 @ 6:56 pm
was only watching for Krystin Harris who is already gone.
JohnWayneTwitty
March 26, 2018 @ 7:40 pm
Luke Bryan as a judge of singers is like Stevie Wonder being the president of a bird watching organization
Johnny D
March 27, 2018 @ 6:50 am
People can put down Blake Shelton’s musical choices all the they want and I do also, but there is no denying that Blake is charismatic and has a great voice and a solid knowledge of country music. He likes to pretend he’s clueless on the show because it s part of his lovable shtick, but the guy knows who produced every song, who the session musicians were, entire discographies of the artists. It’s impressive. Luke is trying to play the same lovable dumb oaf vibe but you get the feeling its no shtick with him.
I’ve watched the Voice off and on under duress, as I was outvoted. I did not want to like Blake but he is a darn likable guy. Blake and Luke hosting the ACMs together was bearable. Luke without Blake is a total snooze-fest. Only Dierks is perhaps a bigger snooze-fest.
Luke said Blake helped him negotiate his AI deal from behind the scenes. Good darn thing because I doubt he will be back next season, if there is a next season. The bits I’ve seen are really boring.
Chris
March 28, 2018 @ 11:00 pm
This I can agree with. I don’t care what people think about anyones music really. Blake gets how tv is supposed to work and he works it better than most. He pretty much owns The Voice and I’m sure NBC rewards him because of it.
PJ
March 29, 2018 @ 1:59 pm
Yeah its called making 13 million a season.
Charlie
March 27, 2018 @ 8:39 am
Maybe they can reboot Party Down South with Jason Aldean as the host, to complete the rich doofus country singer triple play.
Kris Hitchcock
March 27, 2018 @ 12:08 pm
Plus he’s far more qualified to comment on drunk partying and cheating than Luke Bryan is to comment on vocal talent.
Dan Billings
March 27, 2018 @ 12:37 pm
American Idol did bring us Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Scotty McCreery.
JB-Chicago
March 27, 2018 @ 10:44 pm
Hey 1 out of 3 ain’t bad. 😉
CountryKnight
March 27, 2018 @ 5:01 pm
Screw Katy Perry.
It is amazing how under the radar her actions against the nuns have been. Could you imagine if she did it to anyone else? Social media would go crazy with outrage.
KGD
March 28, 2018 @ 12:01 am
Didn’t one of the contestants cover Hurricane by the Band of Heathens?
Katy Perry looked better with dark hair.
That’s all I got.
Bear
March 30, 2018 @ 10:58 pm
Maybe the sex scandal Ryan is fighting with that women will finally force him out of the closet. That said we a horse is wounded you shoot it dead. What we have is four wounded horses trying to host a show on a dead horse.
Lone Wolf
March 31, 2018 @ 1:27 am
“What they’re hungry for is brutal honesty and criticism, which is what Simon Cowell brought to the table, and the whole reason American Idol was ever intriguing in the first place.”
Completely and 100% spot on, Trigger. Once Simon left AI, it basically became a contest of sparing the talent from feeling demoralized. Simon Cowell was the villian….and people love to root against the villian.
Justin
April 5, 2018 @ 7:30 pm
I guess you missed the last few seasons with Harry Connick Jr.
Justin
April 5, 2018 @ 6:00 pm
There is so much wrong with this article that I don’t even know where to start. First of all, why do you always trash American Idol, but never The Voice? That show is a show that has clearly run its course. They haven’t even created stars unlike American Idol. Your bias is showing. Did you get paid by NBC to write this article?
And idol last week had two shows that were higher than The Voice’s Tuesday show. Again, your bias is showing.
And clearly you haven’t been watching AGT or paying attention. Simon is NOT the American Idol Simon you were used to. He turned into a boring softie. Just like on The X factor, which ended up flopping and got canceled. That show was supposed to replace American Idol because idiots assumed people only watched for Simon. Clearly they were wrong and it only lasted for three seasons.
Trigger
April 5, 2018 @ 6:48 pm
Oh calm down. First, The ‘X’ Factor and America’s Got Talent are different formats, and different television products. It’s not fair to compare any of them side by side with American Idol in a vacuum. And this doesn’t only have to do with Simon. The idea is American Idol could benefit from more strong criticism.
Also, If you think “The Voice” has been spared the poison pen here, you need to poke around a bit more.
Justin
April 5, 2018 @ 7:29 pm
You are also acting like its some last place show. It has helped lift ABC on Sunday nights. Who cares if its not matching the numbers of its heyday. What shows are these days? TV viewing is down in general.
I see you here praising “The Voice’ all the time. I have seen articles where you talk about how their contestants can bring back traditional country music and how Blake Shelton should be applauded for it. When have we ever seen an article praising idol for it?
Clearly you also didn’t watch the last few seasons with Harry Connick Jr. He was criticized for being too harsh. Also, The Voice’s judges never even criticize, yet you will never see an article here about it. I hate the whole “Idol sucks without a Simon type, watch The Voice!”
The ratings were already dropping with Simon still on the show. Explain why they went UP in the season after he left and how the X Factor flopped so badly?
Trigger
April 5, 2018 @ 7:36 pm
Okay fine then, here’s some links of me criticizing “The Voice”
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/nbcs-the-voice-censors-lord-out-of-will-the-circle-be-unbroken/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/really-steel-magnolias-meghan-linsey-to-try-out-for-the-voice/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/saving-country-musics-official-stance-on-the-voice-winner-sundance-head/
Justinr
April 5, 2018 @ 8:09 pm
That’s minor compared to how much you have ripped apart idol. Its also strange how you still manage to rip apart Scotty McCreery.
Do we ever see any articles similar to the links you posted when it comes to American Idol? They have had plenty of good country singers, yet you only focus positively on “The Voice”
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/mary-sarah-could-be-one-to-make-something-of-the-voice-opportunity/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/sarah-potenza-becomes-the-next-big-independent-hope-on-the-voice/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/nbcs-the-voice-craig-wayne-boyd-tribute-wayne-mills/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/wait-what-blake-sheltons-mission-is-to-expose-more-traditional-country-to-america/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/traditionalist-reality-star-jake-worthington-releases-new-ep-review/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/jake-worthington-the-great-reality-show-hype/
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/craig-wayne-boyd-puts-johnny-cash-back-in-the-charts-with-i-walk-the-line/
Meanwhile for Idol, we get articles like this one and this:
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/what-the-new-american-idol-needs-is-an-asshole/
Maybe if you post an article of why The Voice needs to go away or one praising an Idol contestant this season, then I would maybe start believing you.
Justinr
April 5, 2018 @ 11:33 pm
Also, I feel like this was just written as an easy cheap shot on Luke.
Saya
June 1, 2018 @ 6:30 am
The only thing they should do for the ratings is bringing back the original panel , it wasn’t only simon who made the show successful it was the chemistry between paula , randy and simon. The x factor ratings showed that people are really intrested in seenig the old judges back . After paula left xfactor and it was only simon the ratings weren’t even close to the first season. If only abc knew Katy and Luke can’t even compare with the originals.
Robin Reed
March 31, 2019 @ 8:11 pm
I think I will stick with The Voice at least the coaches know what talent is. Luke needs to get a back bone of course he doesn’t have much talent anyway. Lionel is the only one I ever liked but I’m starting to worry about him.
jsantonas
April 14, 2019 @ 7:34 pm
American Idol is simply a large pile of sheet, plain and simple. It needs to be put to death before the end of this season. The producers should apologize to the American public for resurrecting such tripe….
Put this dog down NOWWWWWWW!!!!
Liz
May 6, 2019 @ 12:25 pm
This show should be canceled and not brought back again. American has only gotten it right twice in 17 seasons.
Robbie
May 12, 2019 @ 3:41 pm
I for one love American Idol!! However, once my favorite gets kicked off I quit watching.
Disappointed
May 19, 2019 @ 8:53 pm
I just watched the final for American Idol. I used to be a big fan in the first 3-4 seasons but lost interest in it. I have to say that the talent that made the top 3 this year was so inferior to the top people in other similar shows. I even thought that a lot of the people that were on the show and did not make the top 3 were better and wondered why they had been kicked off.
Also the judges are brutal…………they are not judges but just kiss ass puppets of the shows executives…………….they just take turns praising the contestants like they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, and I could find 100 people in nearby bars that were twice as good as the top two finalists (the girl Madison as not too bad). I agree that they never should have brought it back. Time for TV to move on and actually create something new. Most people I know have given up their cable and I think I am going to follow suit.
Robin Junious
March 1, 2020 @ 6:22 pm
I was a little disappointed when Katie thru the ticket at the Dominican Republic young 17 year old. That wasn’t nice.
Thom
May 18, 2020 @ 9:28 am
The show has gotten worse every year, The days for kids like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are gone. It seems like they will just let anyone on the show now and the judges don’t care. I had the winner picked after the second performance because of the judges comments. The idol I loved is gone and has been since Simon left the show.
Mandy Kershaw
April 13, 2021 @ 7:59 pm
It was always shit. They brought it over from England, slapped ‘American’ on front of it and people were stupid enough to watch it. It needs to go off the air. No wonder no one watches TV anymore. This show can have the proud title of murdering television.