Well, in some ways, I would say yes, American Idol has lost its innocence. But it's three years old. Even Survivor became a bit old hat after the first couple of seasons.
The New York Times is asserting, more or less, that the show needs to undergo massive change or die. I'm not so sure. I agree in part with the critique. For instance, I have no problem with limiting the number of phone calls per number. Now, not to just one. BORING! Perhaps 15. Maybe 25. I think that's a reasonable amount. Text messaging has its own (cost) restraint so there should be no limit on those, but it's really not all that hard nowadays to find more than one phone line to use.
I completely and totally disagree with most of it, however. To allow the judges to determine the winner would destroy the show. The judges make no bones about who they support, usually by the second show. Every now and then a performer surprises them mid-season (think Jennifer, Diana and Kimberley), but it's normally not enough for the judges to change their minds. How boring it would be if we could predict with absolute certainty who was going to leave every single week?
I also completely and totally disagree with the reporter's assertion that we should eliminate theme nights and allow the contestants to sing the songs from the genre of their choice. Why? That's also boring. Part of the fun is watching them being shoved out of their comfort zones to see how they can (or cannot) rise to the challenge of performing a song they would not otherwise choose. They either can do it, or they can't. And that's why we watch.
Read the article. If you're not registered with the NYT, you will have to, but it's just a few questions, and it will be worth your effort. And then share your thoughts. I like to think that people are reading what I write, but it would be so much better to hear from you!
Hint...hint!!!
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