Instagram/@lionelrichie
The long-running and well-known singing contest ‘American Idol’ has declared that it will return for a new season starting from January 26. The show will air on ABC and it will also be possible to live stream it on Hulu. The announcement along with the judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest has resulted in a huge number of reactions from the audience, a lot of which is aimed at the latest addition to the show.
Advertisement
The official announcement only proclaimed that the show was ‘now recruiting the future icons of the world,’ but the argument quickly shifted from the contestants to the judges’ table. The bulk of the instant reaction was aimed at Carrie Underwood, the country singer who was a judge during the last season. One of the comments said, ‘Carrie! Only watching for her,’ thereby voicing the same sentiment as the others who mentioned that their enthusiasm was just because of her presence. However, this loyalty did not apply to all. A reaction to that comment came back, ‘not tuning in cause of her!,’ highlighting the division among the viewers regarding the new judges’ group.
The reactions were not only varied but also included disputes and counter-disputes. A good number of users showed very high expectations for the upcoming season and the earlier January premiere date, one of them even calling it ‘Reminds me of FOX days.’ Others have expressed the feeling that they don’t really care about the promotion. One viewer said, “Y’all need to chill with the image enhancements. Everyone looks plastic here,” meaning that the shining of the promo did not reach some people. One more comment even pointed out the ridiculousness of the situation, asking, ‘Why is Ryan on here,’ even though the host is indeed a franchise staple.
The audience’s replies had one common point saying that more than ever they wanted to see Carrie Underwood off the show. A lot of the messages regarded her as a person who was keeping her music career down by being on ‘Idol’. “Carrie’s talents are being wasted on idol. Time for a new album and tour!” was the part of one user’s input. Another long comment was like wishing particularly hard, “We REALLY need new music from Carrie Underwood… Her last album \w\as released over two years ago. We can’t keep on waiting… We really deserve better.” This idea implies that some of her fans perceive the TV engagement as a non-issue, therefore, they are quickly waiting for the next musical wave. Carrie Underwood remains a central figure in the conversation.
The judges were not the only ones people had something to say about. Some users made comments of a much wider nature regarding the progress of the show, with one provocatively saying, “Show sucks ever since Paula Simon and randy left,” thus referring to the initial jury of Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson. Another user was reacting to the streaming option and talking with a hint of astonishment mentioned, “I thought Hulu was cancelled,” indicating the never-ending change of digital platforms.
The announcement fulfilled its purpose effectively. It made everybody talk. It could be that the conversation is about the kids who are to be found, the superstars of the jury, or the nostalgia for the good old times, but still, it is people’s voices that can be heard. The new season is promising the same regular mix of auditions, dramas, and performances, but the audience response is tipping mainly the judges—especially Carrie Underwood—as the topic to be talked about. The show’s comeback on January 26 will verify whether they can go back to the search for the next idol or the panel itself will continue drawing the attention.
Advertisement
The exciting new promo has certainly generated buzz. This follows the pattern of previous announcements, like when the show announced its new season premiere date with returning judges. Fans can also look forward to moments that return with a bang and a Sir Mix-a-Lot parody for the new season.
