When a show remained on the first place in top for seven consecutive seasons it is hard to think what could be changed about it. However, compared to “X Factor” and “the Voice”, American Idol appears to have a slower pace so maybe producers are looking for ways to make it better. On the other hand, the eleventh season is just about to be released and producers did not announce major changes. Several experts wrote to MTV, adding their own input on how the show should be changed.
“Something that gets people invested in the contestants earlier,” said Village Voice music editor Maura Johnston, pointing out that shorter audition periods made the other shows more popular. “In any reality show where there’s more than 10 people competing, it does get confusing, so they really need to get to the point faster.”
The woman also believes the results should not take so long until they are showed: “It’s so long now. I know it does well in the ratings, but two minutes of content in a 60-minute bag creates its own viewer fatigue. They could put all the Ford ads and fake suspense in there in a half-hour and use the extra half-hour for something else.”
What if the competitors sing the same song? Wouldn’t it be easier to tell them apart? Johnston thinks so: “When it gets down to 10 people, what if you had them all sing the same song to see the different ways they approach it?” Johnston asked. “In the post-David Cook era, with its emphasis on artistry and transformation of songs, it would be great to see a side-by-side comparison [of the contestants' styles] to see their strengths and weaknesses.”
If you were to change something about American Idol, what would you choose?