brent johnson looks at the current drama with American Idol‘s search for new judges …
Imagine if you shook up The Beatles. You replaced John Lennon with Billy Idol. You swapped Paul McCartney for Jewel. You told George Harrison he was fired. And you kept Ringo.
That’s a little what American Idol is starting to feel like.
So Simon is gone, taking with him one of the most compelling parts of of the show — and a major reason why many skeptics tuned in: his sharp, funny, clever magnetic criticisms.
And now, on top of that, former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe is back and ready to remodel. Goodbye, Ellen — which is okay to me, since she couldn’t even provide the show with the one thing she’s known for: comedy. And goodbye, Kara — which is also okay, since her critiques were often off the mark and grating.
But Steven Tyler? Really? That’s who you get to replace Simon? Not Neil Patrick Harris, who did wonderfully as a guest judge. Or Quentin Tarantino, who was even better a few seasons ago. Those two alone prove that a good idea would be to have a rotating group of celebrity sharp-shooters filling Cowell’s seat. Nope, we get a once-vibrant rock star who ruined his voice with drug use and became a second-rate cliche in the last few decades.
Perfect.
And who’ll replace Kara? There was a rumor of Jenny Lopez. But that didn’t work out. Who’s next? Shakira?
Maybe it’s be a sign: Idol should quit playing musical chairs. Even with Simon there this past season, the singers were dull, the format was played-out, the show seemed tired. I said it then and I’ll say it now: It’s time for Idol to retire.
After all, The Beatles knew when to quit. And that’s part of the reason they still have a sterling legacy.
What a ridiculous analogy to use the Beatles…the judges are not the talent of the show nor the draw! Simon may be missed for his brutal but true comments but the draw is the competition, the contestants and the entertainment week to week. Get over it when you talk about the changing of the judges!!! The only reason fans of the show missed Paula at all is because Ellen & Kara did such a poor job! Ellen was not open enough with how she really felt and always looked awkward which is the exact opposite of how she is on her talk show so you knew she wouldn’t last and Kara is a songwriter and nothing more. For her to last, she needed a fan base and America was turned off by her trying to “fill Simon’s shoes” as the tough love judge. She came off wrong and no love lost for her departure. The show needs people in the business who know talent when they see it. I am thrilled with the idea of Steven Tyler. Not only is he a legend in rock n’ roll but quite a personality and always has had and hopefully will bring much needed charisma and charm to the judges’ table.
This a fabulous post and may be one that should be followed up to see what are the results
A partner e mailed this link the other day and I will be eagerly waiting your next piece of writing. Carry on on the top notch work.
Thought your analogy was very good. Of course the talent is the most important part of the show but how many people watched to see what Simon would say? I’ll bet that would be a very big number. As far as the new judges we have to wait and see. Would I have picked Tyler…no, but then again I would hope the producers & directors would know what they are doing.