“American Idol” seems to be losing it’s steam after 12 seasons. The Fox shows has had a decline of 31 percent from last year’s record low according to ratings data that was released last friday. The season finale saw Candice Glover win the competition with 14.2 million Americans watching.
The show, which once boasted some of the highest ratings in all of television while bringing in more than 30 million viewers for its finale in the peak years of 2006 and 2007, has dropped ratings the last few years. “American Idol” even failed to bring in the coveted demographic group of the 18-to-49 age group where it declined 39 percent from last year according to data compiled by Nielsen. On Thursday night, it was the second most-watched program on U.S. television, beat out by the season finale of CBS comedy “The Big Bang Theory” with 14.8 million viewers. It was also the first time an “Idol” finale failed to bring in 20 million viewers.
“American Idol” has repeatedly tried to breathe life back into its declining series with new judges. Fox brought in high-priced talent with singers Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, but even the famed superstars were unable to boost the failing ratings and the show dropped even further. Randy Jackson, the only judge from the original first season has officially said this would be his final season on the show.
How much longer can “American Idol” continue? One more season is my guess before Fox gives up. What do think?