Simon Cowell: Let's blow up 'Idol'

north_clt · 05-16-2008, 07:57 PM

Simon Cowell says: Let's blow up 'American Idol'! :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Entertainment

Simon Cowell says: Let's blow up 'American Idol'!

May 14, 2008

BY BILL ZWECKER Sun-Times Columnist

If you think Simon Cowell's public criticism of the current season of "American Idol" -- such as his recent comments to the celeb TV show "Extra" -- were tough, you should hear what our favorite broadcast curmudgeon is saying behind the scenes.

According to Cowell, the entire "Idol" concept needs a major overhaul. "The whole thing needs to be blown up," Cowell reportedly has told staff members.

"And if he had his druthers, and there weren't all kinds of tightly-written contracts, Simon would love to see Paula [Abdul], Ryan [Seacrest] and even Randy [Jackson] replaced by fresh talent," said a longtime "Idol" production exec, who asked not to be named, since that person was not authorized to speak for the show.

"We need to come up a new way to find contestants, as well," Cowell is quoted as saying at a recent staff meeting. "Everything we do needs to be examined ... including the sets, the audition process, the choice of musical genres for the final weeks of competition and even how we handle the audience [for the live performances] and say goodbye to the people eliminated," said Cowell.

While "American Idol," is still very popular, it has seen a significant drop-off in ratings this season -- leading Cowell and other "Idol" honchos to begin thinking of ways to re-invigorate their very valuable franchise. Reportedly, Cowell has also raised the idea of bringing in a secondary -- and female -- "host" to work with Seacrest -- similar to how "Dancing with the Stars" uses Samantha Harris to complement Tom Bergeron.

Whatever happens, my "American Idol" sources say next season will see some major changes -- "to give us a new lease on life," said one insider.

north_clt · 05-16-2008, 07:59 PM

Here's a similar article:

Simon Cowell says it's time to shake 'Idol' show up a bit : Television : Ventura County Star

Young_br · 05-16-2008, 08:36 PM

great article Mike, thanks for posting... i don't blame the contestants this year, last year, yes but this year they had many talent singers, what they did wrong was the week themes, why they thought that would be cool to put themes at the semi-final? and after the top 12 began the themes were boring again, i think they are the biggest reason why AI is starting to go downhill.

rwealone · 05-16-2008, 09:00 PM

I definitely agree that the genre aspect needs to be overhauled or maybe even eliminated.

WildPonies85 · 05-16-2008, 09:33 PM

I think it would help if some of the themes and mentors were a little more current than they have been, something to appeal to today's crowd. Who except for the musical fans will listen to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and who came up with the idea of having a Beatles theme for 2 weeks in a row? It just seems kinda old and boring. There's just something about the show that really irritates me and makes me not like the show as much as I used to. Part of it is that it's a popularity contest, instead of a singing competition. Another part is that I don't like Ryan Seacrest lol!

KellieandCarrieFan · 05-17-2008, 01:32 AM

I thought the themes were a big problem this year. They were just so lame. LOL

kelliedawnpicklerfan · 05-17-2008, 05:29 AM

Yeah, the themes were boring this year.

ChrisKellieFan · 05-17-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by north_clt

"We need to come up a new way to find contestants, as well," Cowell is quoted as saying at a recent staff meeting. "Everything we do needs to be examined ... including the sets, the audition process, the choice of musical genres for the final weeks of competition and even how we handle the audience [for the live performances] and say goodbye to the people eliminated," said Cowell. (and how the best alums are promoted)

While "American Idol," is still very popular, it has seen a significant drop-off in ratings this season -- leading Cowell and other "Idol" honchos to begin thinking of ways to re-invigorate their very valuable franchise. Reportedly, Cowell has also raised the idea of bringing in a secondary -- and female -- "host" to work with Seacrest -- similar to how "Dancing with the Stars" uses Samantha Harris to complement Tom Bergeron.

The only thing Idol needs is Kellie!

Hmm, female host?

I still see a lack of great talent in the top 24, so I guess that's why Simon said they need a new way to find contestants. Hmmm, Kellie is one of the best Idol alums signed with 19 and her music is underpromoted. If they promoted all, not just some of their best alums more, I wonder if more talented people would be encouraged to audition. How many of the most talented people want to audition for Idol knowing they might not get the best promotion, even if they are one of the best performers and make one of the best albums?

kelliedawnpicklerfan · 05-17-2008, 09:41 AM

^ Yeah, Pickler is Idol's best!

AshlaeSeacrest · 05-19-2008, 07:27 AM

I think the themes could've been better! I agree with ChrisKellieFan that I also see a lack of great talent in last year's and this year's top 24. I think that Season 5 was so awesome and the talent was the best Idol has ever had that any season from now on pales in comparison. Even Season 5 is the highest rating idol season ever and the tour was highly successful. Ever since then Idol and its ratings have gone down. I don't blame the contestants as I think the judges/producers should pick better people for the top 24. Plus I didn't like the fact that Idol casted plants in the top 24. I think that also turn people off from this season. That wasn't a good idea and maybe they should go back to finding talented singers who haven't had a chance in the music industry next season.