'American Idol' is returning to ABC for season 17 on March 3 this year as Ryan Seacrest will be taking up hosting duties once more. Country music star Luke Bryan, music icon Lionel Richie and singer-songwriter Katy Perry continue on the show as judges. Along with 'American Idol', 'The Voice' is also returning for its 16th season on February 25.
Last year when 'American Idol' returned after a break, it secured the lowest ratings it had ever since its first season that premiered in 2002. It just had a total of 10.5 million viewers and as the show went on the viewers' ratings went lower and when the finale aired, the total viewers stood at 8.6 million alone. Though the ratings were higher than ABC's 'The Bachelor' it still didn't meet that of 'The Voice'.
'The Voice' had slightly higher viewers ratings than 'American Idol.' But with both the series coming up with their new season not so far away from each other, this might be the season where ABC's 'American Idol' regains its title to see its glory days once more.
the format of the two shows could have a huge role to play in this comeback. Though 'The Voice' has a lot more categories when it comes to the competition like 'The Blind Auditions', 'The Battle Rounds', 'The Knockouts' and 'The Live Playoffs' when it comes to the winners, once they're done with the show you barely hear from them. Making them more or less like one hit wonders.
But when it comes to the 'American Idol' they do not have as many rounds like 'The Voice' but you do get a hint that by the end of the show the winners and contestants have already become household names. You have winners like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks and even eliminated contestants like Jennifer Hudson who have made it big in the music industry. It is also really strong in the live shows compared to 'The Voice.'
The reason for the decline in ratings for 'American Idol' season 16 could be because of the two-year gap they had before the reboot last year. But this is a new year and the show will do whatever they have to in order to regain their ratings and get back to their glory days. Because no one is ready to bid goodbye to this series.
'The Voice' is good in its own way for sure, but it would be able to stay only if it starts spinning out artists who make a name in the music industry and not just make it look like it a competition between the coaches alone.
'American Idol' airs on March 3 on ABC. Check your local listings for more information.
