American Idol staffers are reportedly jumping ship. Ratings for the singing competition show have been on a steady decline for years and it hasn’t produced a real star since 2006 winner Jordin Sparks. Last year’s winner, Candice Glover, also has the distinct honor of having the lowest selling debut album in Idol history. She only sold 19,000 copies in the first week. Even Taylor Hicks outsold her. Staff and crew are now looking for other jobs before FOX finally pulls the plug.
“The crew and staff on Idol are not new to the industry and have been around the block before. They know a sinking ship when they see one. Anyone smart working on the show has already put out feelers for a new gig. The show is on its way out, and they don’t want to be dragged down with it,” a source revealed to RadarOnline.
Idol is currently losing the battle to NBC’s The Voice. “All the judging changes and feuds have really hurt the show. They just can’t compete with The Voice. They have likable judges and talented contestants. Idol got too showy and lost sight of what the show was really there to accomplish,” the source continued.
The one thing that separated American Idol from other shows like The X Factor, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent is that the contestants were actually very talented. Idol also had a proven history creating careers and making superstars. Even if you didn’t win, just being a contestant could open doors. Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, and Adam Lambert have all seen successful careers without holding the American Idol crown. A few eliminated contestants have made a name for themselves on Broadway and in the theater community.
The first seasons of X Factor and The Voice seemed like they were full of American Idol rejects. Now, everything has switched. The contestants on the past few seasons of The Voice have been extremely talented. Most are already artists with more than just a decent voice looking for their big break. They want to make music and continue to grow as musicians. Not to mention, The Voice coaches are relevant artists that currently top the charts.
This season of Al has no one with consistent star quality. The talent is just not there. It’s all on Team Blake and Team Adam on The Voice. The forced and awkward banter between Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Ryan Seacrest has also taken away from where the true focus of the show should be.
American Idol should have ended in 2011 when its 10th season concluded. Not because of low ratings or because of untalented singers, but simply because the show had run its course. The show has cemented its place in television history. 10 years is a good run. 2011 also saw the premier of The Voice as well as The X Factor. AI is sadly overstaying its welcome and should gracefully take a final bow.
FOX has yet to announce if American Idol will return next season. However, since they cancelled The X Factor a few months ago and with the crew is looking for new jobs, a renewal doesn’t seem likely. 13 is definitely not American Idol‘s lucky number.
Are you watching this season of American Idol or is the show past its prime? Tell us what you think and leave a comment.
