Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday May 14, 2015
Not surprisingly, season 14 of "American Idol" ended with a thud in terms of ratings: 7.7 million viewers and a 1.6 18-49 rating, down 38 percent from a year ago. That's the worst ever. Despite the fact "Idol" was the season finale, "Survivor" beat it by 1.7 million viewers and garnered a much stronger 2.2 18-49 rating.
I also forgot to get on the phone conference today for the winner Nick Fradiani and runner up Clark Beckham. I'm not sure either would provide fascinating interviews but I was working on my Brooke Baldwin story on deadline anyway.
Jimmy Kimmel on rival ABC last night even made fun of the dearth of interest in "Idol" this year by doing a "Lie Witness News" segment about it. This is when interviewers ask people on the street about stuff that didn't really happen but since people who have cameras thrust in their face want to be accommodating, agree to proffer an opinion on a complete falsehood.
They asked folks about the finalists but made up names. Instead of Clark and Nick, people were given choices like Robert Durst (possible serial murder), Cornelius Vanderbilt (1800s business magnate) and Joe Biden (VP).
Oh, yes. I'm not here to bury "Idol." Not yet at least. We have another 365 days or so to do that.
Instead, I want to thank you, the loyal readers who continue to follow the show and contribute to this blog despite the fact the original "Idol" blog is long gone, MJ's big blog has gone on to focus on 30 other shows and VoteFortheWorst is a mere footnote in "Idol" history. Bottom line: we remaining fans all love the show, even when it sucks. That's why we're here, right?
And please stick with me to the bittersweet end. I hope to be around, too.
I promise to post at least one "Idol" related item a week until January rolls around again to keep the conversations going. And I do plan to go to Athens August 28 for the final "Idol" bus tour auditions. (Savannah? Too far.)
Deirdre, our main maiden of honor, always gets top billing. Why? She has been my rock since season five, the woman who has kept everyone more or less in line over the years. (I began blogging season four but regulars really only started coming post Carrie Underwood.) And now even she is moving on - in a sense. She's leaving metro Atlanta for Nevada next month so she will no longer be able to live blog with us next year but will have to join another loyalist JTesla from Oregon blogging three hours later.
JTesla never fails to comment on my blog and I thank him for his support through five different blog and commenting platforms, some wonkier than the next.
MercedesS wins the award for the patience of Job, surviving more glitches than humanly possible. She needs a permanent IT guy at her house!
DoubleNaughtSpy is one of our grandest cynics but how doubly grand he is!
Jenny11: Your loyalty is much appreciated and I hope you give the final season a shot! And I'm glad you're still watching "Grey's" long after I stopped!
G_ Another regular who has stuck with me through thick and thin and will get into a delightfully respectful argument or two (or 10). Thanks for some healthy Chris Brown debate this morning!
Sam-A1: I appreciate your support all these years! Ditto the Rickster. Always a great viewpoint!
Woodpappy: Love you jumping into the debates when need be!
Negativo: Not always so negative, always incisive. I agree with you about Nick.
JenniferHopez: As usual, your quips make me laugh.
TheREALWearyTraveller: We never get tired of you! Glad we were able to make your hotel room stays less lonely.
Highlander1: Stick around off season and we'll keep each other entertained!
DanJohn: Your optimism is appreciated. And you might convince me to jump on "The Voice" wagon! (Oh, and you, too, GrandpawKPH, G_ and RxDawg!)
bknsty14 and pjk4: Thanks for commenting even on dead days!
RK_ Missed having you on the live blogs but I know you can't watch the show live!
Others who helped keep the comment section alive: BigAintheBigA, Denise65, Sierra1650, McCovey44, Susan89, DeWayneDixon, MoShriebman, HairyGodmother, GeorgiaBellTaylor
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