'Idol' ratings dip
Last night's early ratings numbers may have bolstered the argument that American Idol is finally losing its luster. Nielsen says only about 29.5 viewers tuned in to see Jordin Sparks win the title. That's down 19 percent from last year, when 36.4 million watched as Taylor Hicks beat out Katharine McPhee.
The Associated Press reports that the estimate probably will be adjusted in the coming days because "The preliminary numbers only measured Fox’s telecast from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT — and Sparks wasn’t announced as the winner until 10:03 p.m." But surely they won't be able to count the jilted DVR users in the those new numbers.
At least one reader of the Reality Check blog, Maurice, thinks it's time for change. He suggests that Idol viewers be able to vote off the contestant they like least. What do you think?
Posted by Tim Swift
Comments
No, I don't like that idea. It would change the tone of the show to something way more mean-spirited. It would validate the "Vote for the Worst" philosophy. It's not the voting methodology, it's the lack-luster contestants. This year's crop wasn't up to par. Really, the only ones who deserved to be there were the top 4.
I would get rid of the 6 guys, 6 girls rule. Pick the 12 best singers, period. That would help.
Posted by: Julie | May 24, 2007 3:32 PM
Wow, that IS a drop! From 36.4 million viewers last year to 29.5 viewers this year? What were those other 36,399,971.5 viewers doing this year instead of watching the Idol finale? And who's that half a viewer, anyway -- do you think that was ME, since I was half working and half watching the show at the time? ;)
Posted by: Ravngrl | May 24, 2007 3:46 PM
I think that Grease show had it right. Let the viewers continue to vote on Idol the way they have, but announce the lowest 2 vote totals toward the beginning of the show. Then, have the 2 contestants with the lowest votes, sing again and let the judges keep 1. I think it's the funniest thing when someone sings so badly, that they get voted off and what do they sing? The song that got them voted off! ok
Posted by: closet idol fan | May 24, 2007 3:52 PM
I'm an avid Idol-watcher, but have been dissatisfied with the voting process since season 2. I think it should be like Dancing with the Stars or other shows and simply give callers a limit of how many times they can call (like 5 times per line). Right now avid idol fans download special voting software on their cell phones and text messaging which allow them to vote by the millions and that is simply wrong and skews the numbers drastically.
With regards to season 6, the final 4 (LaKisha, Melinda, Blake and Jordin) were every bit as good and talented as the past final 4's (actually better than some seasons) - but this season lacked variety, where was the country singer? where was the rockstar? AND - LOOKS DO MATTER. Last year we had these sexy beauties: Kat McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Ace Young and Daughtry. All very sexy and appealing. There was no real INCENTIVE or anything to get EXCITED about this year. Blake was the most unique and exciting - but he wasn't enough.
my 2cents
Posted by: Nan | May 25, 2007 2:37 PM