by Melissa Myrick

Created on: August 10, 2007   Last Updated: March 31, 2011

Is Idol Mania Coming to an End (Finally)?

This year's season 7 of American Idol is soon to start up, and I for one will not be tuning in this year. For the first four seasons I was a faithful fan, but have grown increasingly cynical about the show since.

American Idol had its debut show in the fall of 2002, and FOX found they had a huge hit on their hands. People around the world flocked to their televisions to watch the show that quickly became #1 in the ratings war.

As the seasons progressed, it seemed as though the talent levels were falling. The show is turning into a personality contest, and some of those being voted through week after week seem to me to be lacking in both talent and personality. I mean, what did Sanjaya really have going except interesting hair? Interesting hair and local karaoke bar level music is just not enough to glue me to the TV for however many hours American Idol is on that night. Is it me, or is it on more and more each season?

While I doubt that I am going to miss the beginning of an amazing career, I will however miss the intrigue of the judges. I won't get to hear Paula slurring her praises, or Simon and his half-buttoned shirt not meaning to be rude, but you have to wonder if they honestly believe that they are helping aspiring singers to be discovered, or if they are just in it to have their own faces and opinions plastered across America's televisions.

When Jordin Sparks took home the Season 6 title, the number of viewers had dropped 19% from the season before. It seems I am not the only person getting bored with American Idol. The days of Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson seem to be behind us. I can't remember turning on the radio and hearing Jordin, or remember Taylor Hicks from the year before? Don't feel bad most other people don't either.

I'd be willing to bet that you do remember William Hung, and his rendition of "She Bangs". The show was not meant to be comical, it was meant to find talent. With the pool of talented signers making the cut shrinking, the ratings surely need the comedy. If I want to see a comedy however, I will watch a Robin Williams movie not a singing competition.

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