With a new eighth season ominously approaching in January, American Idol is planning a few shake ups to try and stem the ratings freefall that plagued last season. (Another plague: David Archuleta.) They've got a fourth host, Kara DioGuardi. Thirty-sex contestants will compete instead of 24. They'll have a "wildcard" round where ousted contestants can be brought back. They're canning the "Idol Gives Back"-"empty your wallets" ploy. There will be more backstage and behind-the-scenes footage. And Paula Abdul will try being sober-er. Oh, and that whole business about the crazed fan killing herself outside Abdul's home? They're going to try and cut back on the frequency of things like that, too.
Reports AdAge: "[FremantleMedia exec producer Ken] Warwick said he was interested in focusing more on shows where contestants' emotion run high and less on auditioners looking for free publicity, not a venue in which to showcase their talent. Auditioners 'are a lot more savvy than they used to be,' he said. 'A lot of the naiviete — especially in the big cities — has gone.'"
And how wrong Mr. Warwick is. Naiviete hasn't gone anywhere. Because if it has, they won't show us anymore tears shed by off-pitch talentless hacks who cannot believe Simon insulted their voice.
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Yeah very witty. David Archuleta is not a plague. Remember when Idol judges used to say "this is a singing competition"? David is a super singer and he deserved to be in the top two based on talent and audience response. Even Simon could see that with comments like "you crushed the other contestants", "you're the one to beat", and "masterclass". What I didn't like last year was the blatant manipulation, the pinnacle of which was Simon going on two national TV shows (Leno and Ellen), right before the finale, and saying he likes Cook better and Cook deserves to win, and just calling Archuleta "the other guy". And BTW the new 4th Idol judge Kara DioGuardi loves David Archuleta's singing. She was involved in the production of Crush, and she co-wrote and sang on David's album track "To Be With You". She has nothing but wonderful things to say about David and she is going to be looking for more great singers.
Archuleta is the fresh air out of AI 7 who is young, sincere, innocent, humble with one in a million voice. His vocal ability is way better than anyone in the business. He is one of rare artists whose vocal is better live than on TV/Youtube. I am tired of artists who can't carry tunes and are arrogant smug with big heads. Being so young, his prodigical talent showed off from the start of the show and he left as a genius at the end of the show. The manipulation of AI producers and negative rumors about his dad cost the crown for him. But he graciously accepted the second place and now is rising fast as a star above everyone. AI should allow contestants to sing contemporary songs removing so many old songs that bore people to death. Also, they should allow contestants who can write songs singing their own songs. If they can dance, why not allow them to dance with dancers? Please remove any dramas and let them compete with only talent.
Wow. Archuleta's PR machine sure works fast.
I'll say, Leslie.
Let's be honest..without David Archuleta, Season 7 would've gone down the drain.
Hmm… Archuloonies?
That's a whole new set of loonies. But apparently they are on the rise. They work fast, and travel in packs.
Archie name comes so random…
Heh..he wants hits. Can you blame him?
Just stop posting comments. He really used his name just because he wanted atention.
Kelly Clarkson and David Archuleta are the best gems that AI has produced. Their vocal techniques and ability to sing are excellent. AI producers should do something to compete against prime time TV shows on other networks. It is all about new ideas to get higher ratings. Despite what people criticize AI, it is the number one reality show, and it should get respect.
If it is music they want then there would be a whole lot MORE
David Archuleta's. He is phenonmenal.
"Archuleta PR machine"…uh, those are called 'FANS', and he has many.
David Archuleta is one of the best singers that came out of the AI machine. For a very young guy he is extremely talented and gifted singer. Archuleta's appearance on AI season 7 helped bring in millions more viewers and fans. Without him the show would've lost ratings and viewership.
You can like or dislike David Archuleta but there is absolutely no denying that he is extremely talented. He is definitely one of the very best talents of his generation and very humble and gracious about it. Hard to find these days. I don't see how anyone could insult such a gifted singer who also happens to be very sweet. What do you have to gain? There is no question that he is the real deal.
GIA- You are right. This "journalist" just wanted to get attention. David Archuleta had a lot to do with keeping AI afloat last year. He was amazing and endured ridiculous manipulation from both the producers and the media with grace way beyond his years, and he continues to amaze.
PR? Marcus was right. We are just loyal fans.
By the way, I have tremendous respect for both David's, and wish them continued success, and I look forward to having Kara on the show. I think she is tremendously talented and will add greatly to the show.
It's pretty sad when you have to trash a talented young man like David Archuleta to get people to read your articles. Yes, unfortunately I fell for it this time. Lesson learned!
Why the shot at David Archuleta? Everyone can have their own taste in music, but to put down a real talent reveals more about the person saying it than the artist.
Am I in bizarro world here? I would admit that Archuleta was humble and innocent and had a decent voice. But he was the runner up in a highly rated karaoke contest. To call him the best of his generation or, even, an artist at this point seems like an overstatement.
No overstatement here Leslie B. You stand alone if you can't see the future that young man has ahead of himself. AI just helped give him a small push. Watch and see it unfold it is going to be something to watch!