MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

'American Idol' Ratings Down

What can they do to fix it?

By Sona Charaipotra Jan 20, 2011 3:11PM
Photo courtesy FOXThe expectations for yesterday's season 10 "American Idol" premiere were sky high, so it's no surprise that the long-running reality hit had trouble meeting them. 

And while it still pulled a respectable 26.2 million viewers, ratings for the show, which debuted with a two-hour New Jersey-based casting call, plummeted a substantial 11 percent from last year's premiere, according to Media Week ratings scans. Those numbers continue the show's yearly downward trend, but it still managed to "beat the four competing networks combined" (by an astounding 47 percent), according to "Programming Insider" Marc Berman. He notes that the initial strong showing might be audience curiosity, given new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, and expect that while the show will maintain its top spot, it might show ratings of up to 20 percent lower than last year's.

So what can "Idol" producers do to put Randy Jackson and the gang back to top dawg status? 

Well, let's start by teaching J.Lo to say "N-O." Honey, we're not there to watch you hem and haw as you let down people easy. If you wanted to suddenly earn an America's Sweetheart deal, the judging panel vacated by one Simon Cowell is not the place to do it. 

We were also surprised by Steven Tyler's pushover status -- although not particularly by the fact that he licked those fat lips when he saw some of the younger, uh, talent. Come on, Steven. Give it to them straight. Not every kid with a sweet voice and a cute face can cut it in Hollywood. 

The sad thing is, Randy Jackson wimped out in response to his co-panelists over-eager ways. He passed more than a few unworthies on to Hollywood by simply playing nice with Jen and Steven. Randy, someone's gotta be the bad guy. You've been around long enough -- and built up enough cred as a panelist -- to step into Simon's shoes. 

Also, can someone please give Ryan Seacrest something to do? Yesterday, it was like he was merely a prop, there to let us know when a contestant's storyline was hanky-worthy and when we should be mocking them. We can figure that much out for ourselves. Perhaps he can pre-screen some of the talent so we can start upping the caliber of contestants who make it to L.A.

What do you think can be done to improve this season's "American Idol"? Will you still be tuning in? 

Tags: American Idol
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12Comments
eugene555
Jan 21, 2011 1:30PM
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I like the new line up of judges.  And while the numbers for the opening show may be down a little from last year, it still kicks butt as far as any other shows ratings go, with the possible exception of Dancing with the "stars"....

Other shows are glad to have 8-10 million viewers and yet Idol is being blasted for "only" 26 million!

billybunyard
Jan 21, 2011 12:49PM
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The new line up of judges is perfect- it makes you wonder why we had Simon in the first place. His often vitriolic comments made good viewing, but they also were extremely destructive for those on the end of them- he was a bully. You don't have to be mean to be critical and that's been proved by Steve and Jennifer. I've watched every 'Idol' since the beginning, and for me these are by far the best judges- really enjoyable viewing.

coolcitrubasilik
Jan 21, 2011 12:15PM
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Total disappointment this year AI, cannot get over last year's elimination of Siobhan Magnus, and 100% agree with dressage queen

 

"Get rid of JLo! She brings nothing to the table! Never liked her, never will. No talent. One of those you wonder how she even got where she is. Won't watch it with her!"

 

AI is over for me....

Lisa Decker
Jan 21, 2011 11:40AM
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I think the show is going to be great ! My daughter Heatherle has aud twice This time was in Austin Texas. .This year she made It through to the second round I am looking forward to this year I Love all the Judges , Jennifer is perfect for the job and Steven keeps a smile on your face  Randy is great as always LOve Love  Love it,It's going be a great show this season .I love all the kids that sing they puts a smile on my face. I do wish they would get rid of some of the knuckle heads and just use some of the funny ones just not the mental ones.
justafan573
Jan 21, 2011 11:19AM
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I think getting the audience involved by giving them a chance to vote on a choice of three songs they would like their favorite contestant  sing
bEATLEMANIA
Jan 21, 2011 10:47AM
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I think this season will be great... and I LOVE Steven Tyler... great addition that this show needed.  I miss Ellen, but I think J Lo will also be a very nice change from Kara [cringe] to Paula [double cringe]
myystyyk
Jan 21, 2011 10:30AM
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I think it will be fun once they get to Hollywood.  If they didn't expect sex and profanity, why did they hire Steven Tyler.  I think he's hilarious.  Altho he and JLo BOTH need to toughen up.

jssihs
Jan 21, 2011 8:50AM
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the best season yet. judges don't have to be mean s.o.b.'s

i will be back to watch regularly, as will my wife.

we loved it all.

Richie Bee Leveque (richiebee44)
Jan 21, 2011 12:32AM
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At this rate, 2,582 singers will be going to Hollywood week!  They're sending everyone through!  Steven Tyler and J.Lo were not as tough as I thought they would be, and Randy doesn't want the honest guy role, cuz he wants to keep his loveable "dawg" status.  If U ask me, stick a fork in American Idol: after this poor offering of what it used to be, it's over!!!!
DressageQueen
Jan 20, 2011 9:45PM
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Get rid of JLo! She brings nothing to the table! Never liked her, never will. No talent. One of those you wonder how she even got where she is. Won't watch it with her on. Sorry.
norcha37
Jan 20, 2011 7:05PM
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well I think this will be the demise of American Idol as we loved it in the past. Auditions were horrible, judging was very poor at best, if they deemed some of these as potential talent winners so far  they need to rethink what American Idol should represent.
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