Will Mariah draw more fans to watch "American Idol"?
Mariah Carey is in the house. Fox Network recently announced its newest addition to its ever changing American Idol family to take one of the seats freshly vacated by the legendary rock band Aerosmith's lead vocalist Steven Tyler and Latina superstar Jennifer Lopez.
Mariah Carey, the multi-awarded singer, songwriter, producer and actress who has already sold more than 200 million records throughout her 20 year career in the music industry, has recently joined the popular singing competition as one of its judges.
Known as one of the best selling artists as well as one of the greatest voices in music history, Mariah will unquestionably bring enormous star power and credibility to the show's newly revamped panel of judges. With Tyler's and Lopez's recent exit from American Idol, Mariah will join the show's remaining original judge, Grammy Award winning producer, Carey's former musical director and good friend, Randy Jackson.
Prior to Mariah's official announcement as Idol judge, many fans have been hoping for the singer, gifted with a five-octave vocal range, to get the job so she could lend her vocal and musical expertise to aspiring Idol contestants. Her fans further believe that her criticism would give the show its much needed credibility and respect from its supporters and critics alike.
Unquestionably, Mariah's caliber as an accomplished, distinct and celebrated artist is more than a match for other singer-judges in competing talent shows currently on primetime TV. However, Mariah's pull on viewership will be tested once the show starts airing next season with the help of the new judge or judges who will join her and Randy in the panel.
Although American Idol is still a dominant force on TV, its popularity and ratings have been waning over time as compared to its previous seasons. American Idol seems to be undergoing a major facelift as producers announce changes that will be implemented on Season 12 which will include online auditions for aspiring contestants.
Despite many speculations on who will fill the other judge's empty seat, Fox seems to have its eyes set on country singer Brad Paisley as its top pick to fill the spot. Not surprising for a show that has discovered and given initial fame to country singers Carrie Underwood and Scotty Mccreery.
If indeed American Idol is looking for the best "formula" to restore the show to its once glorious place on primetime TV, albeit a marketing decision that comes with a rumored $17 million price tag, the show's producers may just have made their first brilliant move by bringing a legendary singer such as Mariah into the fold. With all the changes, we'll just have to wait and see how Season 12 is received by fans both on TV and its growing following on social media. (Examiner)
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