As a devoted fan of American Idol since its inaugural season, I can’t help but feel a sense of something lacking this year. It’s not merely the absence of Katy Perry, replaced by season 4 champion Carrie Underwood, but rather an overall shift in the show’s dynamics. Season 23 brought back Ryan Seacrest as host, alongside longstanding judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, with Carrie stepping into Katy’s former role at the judges’ table. Initially, some viewers were skeptical of her ability to bring the same vibrancy that Katy did. However, I must say, Carrie has emerged as a delightful surprise, proving that she isn’t the reason for this season’s shortcomings.
My admiration for Carrie dates back to her first audition in 2005, and I even had the chance to meet her in 2010. Still, I had my reservations regarding her replacing Katy, who was widely recognized for her exuberance. Fortunately, Carrie has showcased an engaging personality that has added a refreshing element to season 23. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the format of the show could benefit from revitalization. Below are my suggestions on how to restore American Idol to its former stature.
The Case for Replacing Luke Bryan & Lionel Richie
Stagnation in the Judging Panel
As a long-time follower of Carrie’s career, I anticipated her positive impact as a new judge. Surprisingly, Carrie’s presence has highlighted that both Lionel and Luke have perhaps overstayed their welcome. Their contributions this season seem to reflect a pattern of repeating the same stale jokes and providing standard feedback that lacks freshness. While I initially appreciated the trio of Lionel, Luke, and Katy, the chemistry falters when introducing Carrie.
It appears they’re attempting to recreate the humorous dynamic they once had with Katy, yet this strategy feels misaligned with Carrie’s unique persona. Despite my admiration for both Lionel and Luke as individuals and musicians, their enduring tenure on American Idol, now spanning eight seasons, suggests it might be time to infuse the panel with new perspectives.
Excessive Focus on Contestants’ Backstories
Prioritizing Performance Over Narrative
While understanding contestants’ journeys adds depth to the viewing experience, the spotlight on their backstories during the ABC era of American Idol has become excessive. Highlighting their struggles and tributes can be heartwarming, yet this often overshadows their vocal talents and potential as future stars.
In recent segments, particularly during Hollywood Week, the time allocated to contestants’ narratives detracted from showcasing their performances. A clear example is contestant John Foster, whose rendition of “Believe”was notably absent from the airwaves. If he advances to the voting rounds, he might be at a disadvantage, as viewers often connect more with contestants they’ve seen perform.
This imbalance illustrates a disservice to contestants who shouldn’t have to turn to Instagram for recognition, especially since many American Idol voters may not utilize the platform. Additionally, certain repetitive narrative elements among competitors could be curtailed to allow for a more balanced airtime dedicated to performances.
Repetition in Song Choices
The Stale Repertoire of Performances
A major frustration during the show is the continuous repetition of the same songs year after year. For instance, “A Song for You”by Donny Hathaway has been excessively featured this season alone, with multiple performances of that same track, including auditions from Isaiah Misailegalu and Ché. Although it’s a classic, it’s clearly time to retire it from the American Idol circuit.
Disney Night has its own predictable pattern, with “You’ve Got a Friend In Me”making repeat appearances each season since ABC revived the show. This year marks the fifth performance of this song over the past seven seasons, including a rendition by the judges and host, making for a tedious experience.
I believe American Idol should adopt guidelines similar to those of The Masked Singer, where song repetitions are forbidden. While this might be challenging during auditions, requiring fresh song selections in the live shows would keep the competition invigorating. Given that the show has been on air for over two decades, there’s a vast selection of contemporary music available for contestants to explore.
This is why I was thrilled by Desmond Roberts’ audition of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things”and Santina Madden’s take on Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile.”These selections felt original and invigorating, showcasing songs that have not been overexposed in American Idol’s history. Similarly, Abi Carter’s unforgettable audition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”captivated our attention because of its novelty.
The Absence of Breakout Superstars
An Urgent Need for Overhaul
The diminishing luster of American Idol is underscored by the lack of breakout stars from the ABC revival since 2018. To date, none of the winners—Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, Just Sam, Chayce Beckham, Noah Thompson, Iam Tongi, and Abi Carter—have achieved significant fame in the music industry. While the landscape has undoubtedly evolved since Kelly Clarkson’s win, the trajectory for these recent winners has fallen short of expectations.
Moreover, there hasn’t been any notable non-winning contestant from recent seasons, reminiscent of past stars like Jennifer Hudson or Chris Daughtry, who have reached significant heights in their careers. Therefore, the current format of American Idol seems to require an urgent reevaluation.
I’ve cherished the moments American Idol has given me since day one. From supporting Carrie and other favorites to engaging with contestants in person and eagerly purchasing winning singles, the memories are priceless. I truly hope for the show’s revival to capture its original magic, leading to the emergence of future superstars.
American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources:
American Idol/YouTube,
John Foster/Instagram,
American Idol/YouTube,
American Idol/YouTube