Also agree that the show will die without Simon. Not right away, but eventually and probably fairly quickly.

I think it will die right away.

I mean, they'll have at least one more season--which means it won't die right away.

It wont die right away.

It still very successful and will be for a number of years. Ultimately poeple may start to tune in for Simon but that changes when the music starts.

I voted for Crystal. That said I am not surprised Lee won and agree he'll probably be a bigger star. That said I don't think Crystal wants to be a pop star and she will have a loyal, albeit smaller following. To me she is in the lines of Ani DiFranco, Dar Williams and other female singer/song writers of that vain. Personally I would have loved to see her cover one of their songs but that's not really for the Idol audience.

No, I think it will die right away. No one will show up to the auditions. NO ONE!

What exactly is Simon's new venture?

ernest_t_bass wrote: No, I think it will die right away. No one will show up to the auditions. NO ONE!

LOL what are you smoking?

It will last a season based on momentum but won't be back after that.

Wasn't Simon getting something like $30M this year?

No idea how much work that show actually requires, although 2 nights per week + travel for 4 months is probably a nuisance with other projects.

Still, must be nice to walk to be able to walk away from that kind of cash. Heck, Paula walked away from like $10M because she wanted $15M.

Mind boggling. To put that in perspective, very few NBA and MLB make @ $30M, and how many guys would make much tougher sacrifices to play another year for $10M?

$30M for the equivalent of maybe 8 weeks of work!!!!!

ernest_t_bass wrote: What exactly is Simon's new venture?

He's bringing the X-factor to the U.S. From what I understand it is a singing competition but unlike Idol there is no age maximum. (Contestants do need to be at least 16) and I think groups as well as individuals are accepted. I also heard that each finalist gets a mentor that guides them through the process.

I believe Leona Lewis was the winner on one season of the U.K. version.

Does anyone know the name of hot little blonde that was playing guitar at the beginning of the show ?

bigdaddy2003 wrote: It will last a season based on momentum but won't be back after that.

I'll admit Simon is the main reason I watch the show. He adds a lot of entertainment for what otherwise is usually 1-2 good performances sprinkled in with 6-10 "forgettable" ones. Don't think the talent alone has ever been strong enough to carry the show without a presence like Simon for the bulk of the season. People would lose interest in about 3/4 the season.

And without Simon, forget watching the auditions. I assume Piers Morgan must have turned them down because he would have been a much better replacement for Simon than Ellen.

Still, halve the ratings so then you probably cut some salaries. But even at half the ratings it would still be a highly profitable show. Like 200,000 try out every year and only a little over 100 get to Hollywood, quicklly whittled down to 24. There will never be a shortage of talented hopefuls because every year they reject 100's just like the 24 they pick.

Websurfinbird wrote:

ernest_t_bass wrote: What exactly is Simon's new venture?

He's bringing the X-factor to the U.S. From what I understand it is a singing competition but unlike Idol there is no age maximum. (Contestants do need to be at least 16) and I think groups as well as individuals are accepted. I also heard that each finalist gets a mentor that guides them through the process.

I believe Leona Lewis was the winner on one season of the U.K. version.

There you have it. That show will ultimately crush AI. Too many talented over 28-30 people who don't qualify for AI.

I've been sort of hoping they would do this with groups/bands. Bands probably won't work, though, because there will always be at least a few dragging down the group either as instrumentalists or background singers.

Think Simon will bring on Paula as a judge?

Paula was worthless, added zero to the show. It would be a mistake. I prefer Ellen to Paula.

Paula had MUSIC experience.

SnotBubbles wrote: Paula was worthless, added zero to the show. It would be a mistake. I prefer Ellen to Paula.

I disagree. A lot of people think the ratings decline had a lot to do with her leaving the show and folks missing her banter with Simon. That said I do like Ellen, Kara I could do without.

Paula has her own show coming out. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37317583/ns/today-entertainment/

Paula would not work as a replacement for Simon because she is too nice. You already has Ellen on the show to the be "nice" judge. They would need another judge like Simon (someone mentioned Piers earlier who would work, or what about Ricky Gervais).

Does anyone think Crystal will "soften" up if/when she gets a record deal?

I don't think she'll lose the dreds, but possibly some dental work, a make over, to make her more commercial? You can tweak her stlyle just slightly and it turns into something that people will listen to.

I hope not and she doesn't seem like that kind of person, but you never know once those numbers get put in someones face.

if nothing else,she's gotta' get the teeth done...

Who the fuck cares.

Shallow mother fuckers that's who. I'm not interested in her for her teeth. You guys have been brainwashed by the industry--don't worry, you aren't the only ones. The industry has brainwashed themselves, that's where it all started.

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SQ_Crazies wrote: LOL, actually I'll be at Soldier Field for the Eagles on June 25th. But before they go on, I'll be at Soldier Field booing the Dixie Chicks.

I am in fact surprised that you don't think the Eagles suck. Based on this thread, I pretty much pegged you as a Nickelback/Creed guy. And you didn't answer my question about your bullshit, backwards, flawed "logic".

Why..because they spoke the truth??

As usual...you would be wrong SQ in regards to my music selection. I might the have most diverse set of music on my Ipod out of everyone on this site

gibby08 wrote: Why..because they spoke the truth??

As usual...you would be wrong SQ in regards to my music selection. I might the have most diverse set of music on my Ipod out of everyone on this site

Oh, I highly doubt that. But I like to hear that, gives me a little more respect for you.

And no, fuck the Dixie Chicks, they can die for all I care.