Faded American Idol(s)

American Idol, still one of the biggest shows in television despite slipping in the ratings of late, is facing new challenges with the loss of two star judges inside two days. Steven Tyler announced his departure on Thursday and Jennifer Lopez followed suit on Friday morning, and it seems likely that Tyla's announcement was just a nail in the coffin for J-Lo.  This leaves original host Randy Jackson on his own once again, waiting to hear who Fox will stick in the chairs beside him next season.

Much as I can understand that a little star power can boost a show's ratings, AI does create it's own revolving judges door by so doing. Why? Well, let's be frank, what do you think was the main reason that someone like a Tyla or a J-Lo signed on for AI in the first place? Some of you are crying "money!" I am sure, but it's only partly correct. First off, they both had plenty of it, so unless they are greedy, money, in and of itself, was not the major reason, per se. 

It's a four letter word that was the real reason: fame! Neither of them were exactly at the pinnacle of their fame and careers, their stars had faded considerably, and in Tyla's case there were even rumors of "his" band, Aerosmith, talking about hiring a new frontman. Something that seems unthinkable and would never work, anyway. But both of these types love fame, and the spotlight, and AI provided a perfect vehicle for rekindling the fires and reminding a whole new audience (i.e. the young) who they were.

So of course it's no shock that once the fading star has had his/her career resurrected by having been on and been plugged by AI, that they have no time to lose and need to jump off the AI bandwagon to get back on their own. The new-found fame does get the cash registers ringing too, so yes, money is still part of the equation. But there's little loyalty; they got what they wanted out of AI, and then they're off. Constancy is sadly lacking on AI as a result. 

Here's what I don't get: isn't the show supposed to be about making the career of a young unknown amateur singer, rather than being a vehicle to get aging rock stars or forgotten divas back up on that stage?! Why are there not record industry insiders and professionals in those judges chairs? It's no coincidence that the judge that made that show so huge is not a music star himself, but is someone who has talent at judging and discovering talent: Simon Cowell. I cannot be alone in preferring to hear on-point critique by someone who  is a big name in the record business, rather than someone who maybe can sing but has zero experience in discovering talent. 

The AI brand has been negatively impacted by the revolving door of judges that now includes Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen Degeneres, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. Ironically, the original judges trio was easily the best. Cowell, Abdul and Jackson worked on many levels especially in the critical chemistry department. DioGuardi was a mistake, not least because four judges was one too many, she is not a made-for-TV personality and brought a degree of condescension ("listen, sweetie") into the room that got in the way. Degeneres was the single biggest mistake in AI history, and it was a decision that still makes zero sense to me today; "Let's bring in someone who has their own TV audience all set up, even if they've got zero experience in music and nothing of any significance to say on the subject." It was a perfect example of ambition overstepping actual abilities and it was inevitable that she would be exited, and quick. Out through the in door. Tyla ("that was beautiful, sweetie.") and J-Lo ("when do I get to perform on AI?") were alright, but they are both way more interested in staring into their own dressing room mirrors than they are in pushing someone else's career. 

The inestimable Ryan Seacrest is a constant and for sure the show still stands a chance with him at the helm. He's a pro. But they have screwed around with AI brand identity, and I think they need to think long and hard about where to go next. Adam Lambert? Didn't he win AI only a few years ago? Shouldn't he be focusing on his own early career, or has he been fast forwarded into the Autumn of his career? Already?! Mariah Carey? Isn't she still kind of a huge star? Why would she do that? Won't they need to build a full blown three storey house on the Fox lot just to accommodate all of the needs of such a legendary diva? Mary J? Another legendary diva with a multifaceted business brand who will use the show to sell more sunglasses and perfumes and maybe even a coincidental new album. These are not the right people, people! 

Let's get back to what it's called: American Idol. As in, future idol. Not current idol, nor faded idol, nor fallen idol. Amateurs sing. They get judged by a trio of people who have in some capacity been involved in the record industry, preferably in screening, discovering and marketing of musical talent. The kids don't need to see a major star in front of them to convince them to try to achieve the same; they already have that drive and that's why they make the top twenty. What they do need to hear is keen advice from the very type of people who broke those stars in the first place! Music industry professionals. They advise the kids to the best of their ability, and the American public votes one of them to the winner's podium. All of this with no annoying plugging of some sixty-four year old's new video or fawning over a freshly divorced ex-diva in her mid-forties. And, for the record, it is time for Ryan to bring back his signature curtain call at the end of each show: "Seacrest........OUT!!!"

Now, that's American Idol! - Kevin Mc