"American Idol" returns to television for season 13 on the Fox network Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. Although the show has lost viewership, new judge Harry Connick Jr. creates high hopes for the season.
Other judges include famous singers and songwriters Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, who hope to make this a positive season, returning to the show after mentoring and judging years before. Unlike past years, the judges this year seem to agree more than they disagree when it comes to making decisions. Gone are the likes of duos of Mariah Carey/Nicki Minaj and Paula Abdul/Simon Cowell, whose disagreements were highlights of the show.
While Fox seems to try to brighten the long-running show this season with these judges, "American Idol" is at the end of stardom and losing talent.
"American Idol" kicked off in big cities such as Boston and Austin, Texas, going from coast to coast trying to find the newest and brightest talent. The premiere showcased some incredible singers and some not-so-talented singers, who did not get their golden ticket to Hollywood.
Ever since judges Simon, Paula and Randy left, "American Idol" has not been the same. The quality has left the stage and suffered dramatically with the rotation of judges the past years.
Since the eighth season, with Kris Allen winning and Adam Lambert as the runner up, the success rate of the winners and overall contestants has gone down dramatically.
Other talent shows have increased in viewership and popularity, such as "X Factor" and "The Voice."
"American Idol" used to be where singing talent was discovered, but now, even with celebrity judge panel, "American Idol" has lost the spark.
Amanda Boyer can be reached at amanda.boyer@student.shu.edu.
