"God Bless the Child" on Idol?

My 11 year old put it very succinctly as she watched the finale. "This isn't American Idol, its American Teen Idol".

That is the show's viewer demographic and they play to it. Randy's simplistic, moronic feedback (In It to win it"). Jennifer's cloying personality, her um, music video's ....and Steven's placating "I loved it" blurbs are not just teen friendly, they are intended to appeal to that crowd. Haley was fun to watch because she improved so dramatically, but listening to the three stooges (judges) was excruciating this year so I opted out once she was shown the door.

The show was already headed to "Teen Idol" status before Simon left. After last year's down ratings they finished the transformation. They dumbed down the feedback, lowered the age of entry and got what they wanted... Young viewers, young winners and content that makes it difficult to watch for 20 and ups.

"content that makes it difficult to watch for 20 and ups"

Not so much for women or even men with wives and kids.

I probably would not watch if not for them, but I enjoy watching it with them. Its one of the only shows we all sit down and watch together.

Atleast for the most part its still a positive family show , I did think the Judas Priest set was disturbing but its better then 70% of the hide your kids eyes garbage on the tube these days.
Now on to Simon's new show this fall.

I can't agree with all your observations Samuel except one thing for sure, we both loved Haley. While I agree that the judges were certainly less critical I really felt that somehow this year showed a marked improvement week to week with all the contestants whatever the reasons, Jimmy Ivine and all the producers involved in prepping these kids were certainly doing something right. In addition it seems the talent level was MUCH better than any previous year I've watched, 5 seasons. I was really getting tired of Cowell and his random caustic negative comments, it seemed more for effect than anything constructive. It also seemed to rub off on Karen last year. By the end of last season I was glad to see it end I was really tired of ALL the judges, it didn't work, the chemistry was wrong.

This year was a major turnaround and the most entertaining year to me. The judges were a hell of a lot more fun, after all, they're performers too, and the kids seemed to benefit, less of that wall between the judging and contestants. So far as demographics, I think adding Tyler and Lopez was a stroke of genius on someone's part, viewership up, thats what its all about. Call me dumb if you will but I throughly enjoyed the ride! Its the teens and prepubescents that always do the voting, git it?:)

Sure Tube, you make good points. I agree, talent was up, Ivine especially, and other coaches were great. I did sit through most all the episodes with my girls and laughed at some, ok, many of Tylers quips. As always our favorite episodes were the auditions --for their comedic value.

Lopez however, started grating on me right away and Randy? That guy is a dope, pure and simple. Sure, Cowell was too caustic at times and yes, chemistry last year was awful, but this was the other extreme--sugar plum valley. If Tyler could have conjured even a little insight with his feedback I'd give him a pass but instead he just rubber-stamp raved about everyone.

For what the show tries to be, it was fine. Yes it was something we watched together and debated, made fun of and at times enjoyed. The young singers were (mostly) entertaining to watch develop and seeing Haley find a groove and stay in it was good entertainment. There was a lot to like, but Lopez and Jackson were hard to take and my daughters comment about it being Teen Idol rang very true.

Several better singers went home and bland milk toast sailed through with judges raving about what at times looked to us like mediocre performances. That ultimately, defined the show. Llooking back, it was set up to play out that way from the beginning.