Fox to tweak ‘Idol,’ push ‘Glee’ more
Network still seeking winning replacement for Simon

"We have to find a judge to replace Simon who provides both musical credibility and an incredible entertainment value," he said. "Anytime you have a change, it's something you have to do right."

While it's still television's favorite show, "American Idol" has seen its ratings drop by 8 percent this season, according to the Nielsen Co. In response to viewer requests for more performances, Fox will increase the Tuesday night competition show from an hour to 90 minutes. The Wednesday results show will be chopped in half to 30 minutes.

well, it's not just more performances we want really. we want more GOOD performances. therein lies the difference.

Good point lothlorien. Perhaps with this new judge, and to prove that they don't need Simon next year, the judges will seek better singers next year. If only we could go back to season five talent!!!

i completely agree. season five and season 7 stand out to me as seasons where there were truly great talents who made the grade. there were about five or six who could have won that season and deservedly so.

there just wasn't enough talent this season. i think it's time the producers acknowledge that. at the start of each season, ryan says "the talent this season is the best yet!" and it rarely ever manifests.

there was more starpower this season (ellen, guest judges even during the auditions, more guest performers) and yet it's odd that the ratings have not even held. next season will make or break this show. more than finding a satisfactory replacement for simon, they need to refocus on the talent once again.

Why is this topic here and not under American Idol? Just curious. Intersting stuff though.

I think it is under American Idol, just not in the Season 9 thread, which is fine since it's not specific to this season. It is interesting stuff - I wonder if a longer performance night will mean the contestants will have to perform an additional song. Remember how stressful that was for Elliott and the others when they had to sing three songs - I don't know if I'd like that.

It was in the Updates and News forum when I posted that. If you go there, you can see that it was moved.

ah, now I get it. you're so observant!

I read a simialr article to the one that Rockin posted in the SF Chron this morning.

To be honest, I think that viewers are really tired of the judges getting so much air time, and Ryan, who is so out of control this season.

I started watching to hear the performances, not the banter that AI must think is working with Ryan and the judges. I also think that Ryan is terrible when interviewing mentors and the contestants.

Can you tell, I'm ready for Ryan to depart and have a new more interesting emcee who might attract old and new viewers to the show?

Cutting down the time of the show is a good idea too.

I read another blog yesterday that said that more former AI contestants should return as mentors and as performers. That's something I would definitely support as well.

i read another article pointing that out as well. one claiming that recently, the show has been less and less about the contestants and even the judges, but rather, about Seacrest. i didn't get it until i read through the entire article. i do watch the show for the performances but i do like hearing the judge's comments too (well, ok. except randy's comments which really do not matter to me. i mostly like to hear ellen and simon. hehe)