Can ‘American Idol’ Survive Without Key Judges?

Photo courtesy of Celebitchy.com

“American Idol” has always been notorious for its three distinctive judges: the cool cat Randy Jackson, the endearing Paula Abdul and, of course, the rude and outspoken Simon Cowell.

One by one they seem to be dropping like flies off the “American Idol” map, leaving the show’s future success up in the air.

Well on their way into the ninth season, Ellen DeGeneres is scheduled to make her debut as Abdul’s replacement next week. Abdul announced her departure from the show last season after not being able to win over a contract as financially gratifying as she desired.

Many people expected the show’s ratings to decline without Paula’s unforgettable enthusiasm and chemistry, however numbers are showing that it isn’t taking as big a blow as expected.

According to the New York Post, the ratings are down by only four percent from last year, a regression that is barely noticeable.

So far this season still has its fair share of superb songsters, as well as comical cantors. Along with the talented few who made it on to Hollywood, the spot for what seems to be the annual contestant who is so out of tune he becomes famous, has already been filled by General Larry Platt, with his original jingle “Pants on the Ground.” (Look out for the studio recording now available on Amazon).

Meanwhile, DeGeneres’ new gig on the FOX show is already stirring up controversy, which we all know fans love to watch. Cowell and DeGeneres were reportedly clashing even before her first episode has aired. According to the New York Daily News, DeGeneres, enraged at Cowell’s 90-minute tardiness on her first day, declared him a “prima donna.”

She even decided to give Mike Darnell, Chief of Alternative Programming at Fox, a ring to politely suggest he “hurry up and pick” Cowell’s replacement.
With Cowell’s verdict that this season will be his last in order to work on his spinoff to the U.K.-based show “X Factor,” there is yet another empty seat at the judging panel that needs to be filled. Tommy Mattola, former Sony music chief, is reportedly at the top of a list of 25 contenders according to the New York Daily News.

Several sources, including the Los Angeles Times, say that the only problem is that Cowell is also shooting for Mattola as a fellow judge on “X Factor.” Apparently his domineering tendencies are ever-present at “Idol,” despite his resignation.

The addition of Mattola would at least give the judging panel the much-needed expertise that it would be lacking sans Cowell. While DeGeneres could bring to the table the lighthearted flair that keeps the atmosphere amusing, let’s face it, she’s no baron of the business.

While there have been no official decisions as to who will fill the spot, let’s hope the other 25 possibilities have not only the experience, but the personality to succeed such an integral character of the show.

Advocates of Cowell will probably conclude that he is irreplaceable, but it seems there’s no obstacle this number-one show can’t overcome.
With the show sure to be looking a lot different next season, there’s no telling what its future holds.

But with so many “American Idol” loyalists, undiscovered stars, and 15 minutes of fame-ers out there, it’s probably safe to say this show’s train of success wont be making a stop any time soon.