Is 'American Idol' losing its starmaking power?

Michelle Wed, Feb 6, 2008 at 12:17 AM EST

I don't think that American Idol is really losing its "star making" power. Its not up to the show to decide who will sell records. Its US, the fans who dictate what type of music will sell. To be honest, American Idol hasn't really had any spectacular singers on the show lately. Everyone on the show lately sounds like someone else and they have no personality, there simply there to be molded into whatever image future record labels want to mold them into to sell more records.

Jason Bonkers Sat, Jan 19, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

Chris Daughtry is not biting the "hand that feeds him." He is right. Idol is not knocking it out of the park anymore. Simon wanted Ruben to win and look what happened: Ruben gained about fifty pounds instead of losing fifty. His album, sadly, was the pits, especially 2004; what a disaster. Jordin Sparks can sing but needs better material. Kelly, Clay, Chris, and Carrie are the best by far to come out of Idol.

John Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 05:23 PM EST

Stephanie:
Check your facts. Yes, Alanis was on You can't do that on TV, but her showing on Star Search led to her signing her first record deal IN CANADA, which came after the star search appearance. She released two albums before the hit "Jagged Little Pill."

Gretchen Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

Its not losing it's luster - it's called American IDOL, not IdolS. None of these people would have done ANYTHING w/o AI. They cant make people buy albums.

Stephanie T. Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

It is not just about what singers are on the program it is about the music in general. What sells? Right now teen dance pop (Cyrus), and adult altrock (Daughtry) seem to be the most successful markets for music. If this was 1992, grundge. A market study needs to be done to determine which artist an style would be the most effective money maker.

Stephanie T. Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 02:31 PM EST

John:

Morrissette was popular in Canada BEFORE the United States. She first broke through with a stint on the CTV children's program "You Can't Do That On Television!". After that, she became a Canadian pop star. She could have made it without Star Search.

Ames Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 01:45 PM EST

People have their favorite Idol contestants -- but they are all just standing on stage singing. When the same contestants have to compete with Christina and Beyonce who have the singing, dancing, and (let's face it) are much prettier than Idol contestants, they pale in comparison. I hate to be mean, but it's about image.

Alan Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

It is COMPLETELY losing it's clout and star making power. All in the name of TV Ratings....They should follow the example set by the UK version, "Pop Idol". The Brits were the ones who started the whole thing, yet there has only been 2 seasons of "Pop Idol", because they didn't want to sap out the talent pool..... If any one of the final 6 on AI can land a record deal, what's the point? Only the winners should land record deals, not anyone in the final 10. This show is a total has-been and I really hope nobody on this show ever sells more than 100 albums again....They have saturated the market in the name of TV ratings!!!

Deborah Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

The problem with American Idol is that its biggest share of voters is pre-adolescent girls. Nothing is gonna change.

dma69 Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

Let's look at the facts:

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson won and is still the most successful of the AI winners.
Season 2: Ruben won; but Clay sold more CDs. Ruben got dropped from his label after three CDs.
Season 3: Jennifer Hudson lost, but won a Globe and an Oscar. Winner Fantasia did okay in CD sales but did better on Broadway.
Season 4: Carrie won and still selling well, even if Faith Hill is not happy.
Season 5: Chris Daughtry lost but sold more CDs than winner Taylor Hicks, who soon got dropped by his label.
Season 6: Talentless Sanjaya overstayed his welcome. Melinda (who should've won) got voted off, Jordin Sparks (who did win) releases an underwhelming CD.

In a nutshell, AI is losing its luster. So what can save AI? Here's some suggestions:

1) Stop airing the auditions. We don't need to hear more William Hungs or Sanjayas.
2) Fix the voting system. One vote per household. And vote based on talent ONLY.
3) Record labels need to let the winners grow as artists.

RTA Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM EST

I'll say it for the millionth time: It doesn't matter what you look like or how well you sing, it comes down to the quality of the songs an artist records. Daughtry would be in the same boat as Bo Bice or Taylor Hicks if he didn't have great tunes.

Jerry Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:56 AM EST

I think when Chris Daughtry did so well DESPITE "American Idol," that was the beginning of the end. That was also right around the same time that high-profile AI reject Jennifer Hudson's career took off into the stratosphere. And let's face it, Sanjaya was the nail in the coffin, folks. People have seen that the phone-in voting system can be fairly easily hijacked, and that the show has gotten it really, REALLY wrong. They don't trust it anymore. If it weren't for the writers' strike, AI would be done.

Laura Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

What we don't seem to realize is that the people watching and voting for the contestants on this show are responding to the pre-packaged effortlessness of the formula. It is easy to sit and listen and comment and vote; you never have to leave your home. As a result, the public gets enamored of the moment. but when the moment is gone and the winner crowned, then it takes work to follow these people further and that's not something we are necessarily going to do. The Idol Machine takes too long to get a release out from it's winner and the all the momentum is lost to the draw of ticket sales for the Idol Tour. I have always thought that was a bad decision. Music is by and large an impulse purchase and you have got to jump on it while there is interest. You don't have to be talented to be popular but you do have to be timely.

Sally in Chicago Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

I agree with Stacey and John. Nothing is guaranteed. You either have it or you don't. Certainly Jennifer Hudson didn't need the "win" to go to great heights. No AI hasn't lost it -- yet!

Hailey Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:46 AM EST

Not to mention, the voting American public is about as discerning as a hairball. Flash enough b00b and kiss enough azz, and you're golden.

Hailey Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:43 AM EST

The measure of success on this show is album sales, which has become meaningless because the album as musical art form is dead. When well-known, reliable hit-makers are having trouble moving CDs, the over-produced, over-hyped unknowns from American Idol don't stand a chance.

GingerCat Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

It's true, AI makes more stars than other reality competitions, but I still think it's losing the starmaking ability it once had. And I think the main reason is that the TV show itself is not really about music. It's about onstage antics, bad auditions, guest judges, and the singers' personalities (as opposed to their talent).
Combine that with the fact that the first CD from each winner and runner-up is usually full of pandering middle-of-the-road crap that doesn't match what they did on the show, and it's no surprise that CD sales have been dropping.
The show will stick around as long as the ratings are good, but the finalists are going to have to work a lot harder to be successful once they get their "big break" on the show. Just being able to say "I was on American Idol" is not going to be enough all on its own.

idolfan Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST

I think they need to follow suit with what Canadian Idol did this year, in that they allowed contestants to perform with their instruments both during audition and the voting rounds. It allows to find someone who's not just a singer but musically talented.

Alexis Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 08:04 AM EST

I don't think they're in a slump at all. It's virtually impossible for everyone who's ever been on that show to become a star. There's just not enough room on the market for them. Plus, it takes some people a while to find their audience, their niche, so I don't expect all of them to do a Kelly/Carrie and sell millions of albums at once.

Shamrock Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 04:29 AM EST

I agree, ok, we get it, bad singers try out for the program...hahahzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 02:20 AM EST

And oh yeah, in addition to the previous anonymous post, to be successful, you obviously have to have mucho TALENT to work your butt off with.

Thu, Jan 17, 2008 at 02:06 AM EST

Here's the thing: Idol doesn't make stars, it DISCOVERS potential stars. Winners and successful contestants have to work hard to become stars just like anyone else starting in the music industry. Idol only gives them exposure, but to be successful, you have to know who you are, what you want, do it and just hope that what you do (i.e. sing) connects with a lot of people.

PS - I am a Kelly Clarkson fan ALL THE WAY, and she is the BEST American Idol EVER.

Jonathan F. Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 10:09 PM EST

The show is still enjoyable as ever (even if the 4-hour two-night premier idea is a bit much), but I do believe it may be losing its starmaking power - then again, there may just not be as sure-fire successes as there used to be. Kelly Clarkson started it all, and really, the contestants of recent seasons are experiencing far more record deals than in season 1. It meant something for Kelly to win season 1, now it doesn't mean so much to win. They are handing out far more record deals than before, yet the stars aren't staying. Tricky question, but who cares - the show is still fun and I'll take my Clarkson, Daughtry and Underwood.

mio Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:59 PM EST

We recorded it, and watched about 20 minutes. Then we looked at each other and deleted it. I love this show, but I've been there and bought the t-shirt too many times. I don't know if there's any way for the producers to fix that. Maybe we'll wait until they get to Hollywood. Who am I kidding? I'll give it a try once or twice more during the auditions, but I can't imagine what would compell me to watch. I know the hubby won't watch again until the Hollywood ep. And if the Hollywood contestants aren't great singers and have charm, I'm not sure if I can get through the entire season. Last year felt like I'd seen all this too many times, but with much more likeable, talented characters.

krikky Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:36 PM EST

Ok, anyone else (after watching the past two audition nights) think it is SO obvious that they're looking for a country star? Carrie Underwood's success ruined the musical diversity!!

Ceballos Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 08:28 PM EST

Even though, as Gary pointed out, one out of three Idols become stars, I don't think that's too bad at all. (that's a solid .333 batting average in the majors)

Lora brings up an interesting point. The show's rate of producing bona fide stars in its respective field is a lot higher than shows like "America's Next Top Model", "America's Got Talent", "Project Runway", etc. I know that the music business is a lot more visible than modeling or fashion, but still.

Verener Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:54 PM EST

The audience drop-off last night was more than just a slight drop-off.It was an 11% dive. And that with the writers' strike leaving it with no competition. That equates to a 15%-20% dropoff from a normal year.
It's actually not Idol's job to "produce stars." That's the job of the record labels and the promotion they give the artists. The recording industry is going through a period of great change right now. It's the age of the download, leaving cd sales at a low point. So the labels really can't afford the money to promote these people the way they want to. I wouldn't be surprised if the unholy alliance between Sony-BMG and American Idol goes belly up very soon.

Matthew Lingo Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:49 PM EST

The problem with a show like American Idol is that people are voting based on star power and charisma, which doesn't always have that much to do with recorded music and non-live presentation. Sure, Taylor Hicks was charming and all, but how do you translate that to his recorded music? People saw the man dance around and sing his heart out for weeks and even months, so of course it wasn't as exciting to them to just hear him sing. That's the problem with the show really, we only see them covering well-known songs for most of the run, which has nothing to do with how good the eventual CD/single will be. Ultimately, the American Idol alumni is only as good as the people who write and produce his songs. If the contestants were asked to write and perform their own original songs, there might be less disconnect between who wins the show and who wins the charts.

Jaime Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:48 PM EST

Alot of stars come from some type of television show, look at the Disney Kids (Spears, Xtina, JT) they are alot older now, but we have a fresh crop of young talent coming in. Its just a fact of showbiz some people make it and some dont. Thats 100% up to the people.

I still believe the best AI alumni is Kelly Clarkson im one of her hugest fans i have everything she has done or been on (I know freaky even magazines shes been on the cover of) I so wish i can get a copy of the EW issue with her and other finalist on the cover from AI s1. I get upset when they say Underwood is the #1 AI album seller Im sorry but breakaway sold over 12million coppies WORLD WIDE. Kelly is the only INTERNATIONAL AI STAR. . .SHE HAS A HUGE FAN BASE AROUND THE WORLD! AND MY DECEMBER IS ONE OF THE BEST AI ALBUMS EVER IF NOT THE BEST. . .I WISH PEOPLE WOULD HAVE GIVVEN IT A CHANCE.

Broadway Baby Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:41 PM EST

I think all that AI has lost is the novelty. Kelly Clarkson made it hard for any other winner to be considered successful because she was able to do it right out of the box. I think their record of producing top money entertainers is pretty good - but just like Star Search this show will eventually be put on cable and then cancelled. That's just the lifespan of any television series.

Stacey Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:30 PM EST

American Idol is a crap shoot. You're not guaranteed superstardom. You've given the spotlight, a record deal. It's up to you do with it as you wish. Make it more. Most of the failures fit a niche that just don't sell and aren't popular. Or just aren't the right people to get noticed. Kelly fit the pop/rock category perfectly. Carrie found the perfect spot in Country. Chris Doughtery while finished fourth found a home in band Rock. I loved Katharine McPhee's CD, but I can see that it didn't capture what she sang on the show. So fans were alienated. Taylor was never going to get the success. He had the personality, but his music was never going to sell. Jordin is still a work in progress. So American Idol never claimed to make everyone a superstar. It depends on your talent, what kind of music you sing and if you can make it work. You get a stage on AI, the spotlight. It's up to them to make it big.

Steven Cuk Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 07:24 PM EST

The big question is: Will American Idol play host to a WGA picket line?

John Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

Ok, before you mention star search as "only" producing a few...let's look at the ones it did produce:
Britney Spears
Christina Aguilera
Usher
Justin Timberlake
Rosie O'Donnell
Sawyer Brown
Brad Garrett
LeAnn Rimes
Rissi Palmer
Lisa Tucker (pre-Idol)
Q'orianka Kilcher
Tiffany Evans
Linda Eder
Jenny Jones
Tiffany
Alanis Morrisette

And those are the ones I remember right off the top of my head. Now, some of you are forgetting Jennifer Hudson and her Academy Award with many movies lined up and a CD out soon. Kat McPhee is going to be an actress. Kellie Pickler has gone gold and is almost platinum in country, with Bucky Covington hot on her heels. Jordin, from last season, is considered a disappointment, but since when is selling over 100,000 copies in a week a disappointment for a brand new artist. Her song Tattoo has been in the top 10 for weeks, and her follow up has already broken the top 100 even though it has not been officially released to radio! Not disappoin

T-Rex Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 06:06 PM EST

It has never been about Starmaking power for the audience. It is entertainment, pure and simple. I've never bought an AI contestant's album and I probably never will. But I'll watch the show.

Jeremy Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:58 PM EST

No offense, but why are your posts always like a day behind all the other blogs? (This one, Diane Keaton, etc?)

Mike Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:54 PM EST

Can't Clay Aiken and Fantasia be considered successes of some sort?

Chanie Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:36 PM EST

What is the percentage of singers who become stars? Tiny. I think it's just normal that only a few AI alumni will be remembered after a while.

I only watched one whole season of AI, the second one. With nothing on TV this winter, I may start to watch it again, but not the whole season. I can't stand the initial auditions and the prelim, when there are four groups. I will probably watch the "Hollywood" episodes and the finals. That'll be more than enough to last me for a few more years.

Lora Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:32 PM EST

I do think it's lame that all the contestants bad mouth the show after they are off...

Lora Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

How many of the contestants have really become "stars"? 3...Clarkson, Daughtry and Underwood. Face it, AI is like America's Next Top Model (i.e. only one of their winners (Adrianne Curry) ever really became famous...and that was for b*nging Peter Brady).

Sally in Chicago Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

Good question and this will be analyzed for months to come. AI borrowed from Star Search and star search produced a few name artists, but not a lot. I remember Sinbad (where is he now?) and some others. I don't know if any spokesmodels had a successful followup career.
To get back on track, American Idol has to produce a big BIG star. But let's face it -- some of the finalists just didn't have "IT". We can name quite a few: Trenyce, Jasmine, Christina, Justin, so many. AI isn't going to make stars out of every single contestant. the only one that need be a star is the finalist, and I think 19E is taking the eye off the ball. They need to push the top finalist. They also need to throw in something more than a record contract - maybe a starring role in a movie? $1Mil -- someting to make the top prize more worthy. Heck anybody can cut a CD and release it.

Stephanie T. Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:28 PM EST

I don't think so. But I am just curious: if the producers just had a rule that forbid talent agents to set up auditions for professional singers would the show be fair?