Quote:
Originally Posted by
skyehill 
The format of the show is so bad. The mentor/judges are great. 90 percent of the contestants are pretty darned weak vocally or performance-wise. J Rome is about the only guy that I think will amount to anything. His cover of Whitney is probably the best I've ever heard on a reality show. With the exception of Kelly, this first live show was pretty darned weak. Failed formula + low ratings = most likely never coming back.
Actually, I don't mind the format and you pretty much have to do something different nowadays with so many similar shows. The duets are a godsend and curse at the same time. I enjoy (most of) the pros but they have very little chemistry with their contestants and at times it's almost painful. It also limits what they can do to a large degree. On the reality side I tend to dismiss the older contestants figuring one way or another they have had plenty of chances and I don't feel I need to cheer them on.
Again, I think it comes down to the contestants. I'm guessing they felt the pros would drive the show and placed very little importance on the contestants. For me none of them have any it factor... even my wife refuses to watch saying... I don't care about any of them. If they found likable talent (it is TV not radio) and let them sing whatever they wanted (theme nights are silly - especially for duets) it would have a chance.
I just never understand why they skip over the entertainment or and artist portions of talent and go for the singing per se. One of my favorite singers is Diana Krall. Listening to her is often magical (especially while I cut the lawn for two hours :)). At the same time watching her perform is a big let down (recently saw her sing at the White House)... I'd much rather watch a ton of artists that can't come close to her singing ability.