Fallen “Idol”

Last week, television juggernaut “American Idol” debuted its seventh season amidst the usual hype and to another ratings success. And while “American Idol” the show isn’t really slowing, recent events signal a few issues the producers and performers of “Idol” should be aware of — “American Idol” needs some help.\nWhile the ratings for the premiere episodes last week were very good, they were the lowest numbers for premiere week in four years. The debut was watched by 33 million people — a number that dominated all others — but the same episode last year was watched by over 37 million, an 11 percent decline. \nIn the least, this is discouraging news for “Idol” and Fox. The Writer’s Guild of America strike seemed destined to help out Fox – who typically dominates in the winter and spring months because of “Idol” – because the lack of scripted shows would bring more viewers. However, the lower ratings could signify that people are bored with “Idol,” even though there aren’t many other options on TV right now.\nAnd they should be bored after last season. Season six of “Idol” was arguably the worst in the show’s history for many reasons, including the dreadful focus on the celebrity mentors and the lack of quality performers. Both led to a lack of emotional investment in anyone and instead placed the spotlight on Sanjaya Malakar.\nAway from the show, those associated with “Idol” are having some major difficulties. Within two months, two former winners – Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks – and a runner-up — Katharine McPhee – were released from their record contracts.\nThey were dropped mostly because of their terrible sales in comparison to former “Idol” standouts. None of the three’s recent albums went platinum, something expected of “Idol” superstars. The albums of season six’s final two, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, have also failed in a way that people aren’t used to\nThe biggest problem with these events is that the big-wigs behind the “Idol” machine are the ones who are failing, not the talent. It’s as if they don’t realize the landscape of music has changed since the show debuted. Illegal downloading is even more prevalent than it was back then, crippling sales.\nThe “Idol” people think that this doesn’t apply to their talent, seemingly believing that millions of votes each week equal sales. The labels refuse to re-mold their business plan and instead continuously trot out their talent as “from American Idol” and expect that to work. The thing is, it doesn’t. Not all of the winners’ styles fit the classic “Idol” mold and the labels should have recognized that and promoted them differently.\n“Idol” needs to do three important things to improve: re-focus on the people competing on the show — because that’s what people get invested in — and attempt new marketing strategies that will get people to buy the music. Also, the show’s marketers should understand that dreadful sales are not just an “Idol” thing and should be more patient with their talent. If they don’t do something, “Idol” will be dead soon enough, and all people will ever remember is Sanjaya.