As “American Idol” launches its sixth season at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights on Fox, the question of the moment is: Can it continue to hit the high notes?
So far, the Fox series has managed to resist the downward trend that afflicts most established TV shows. Ratings for the 2006 season grew 14 percent from the previous year, and rival networks shudder in fear whenever it hits the air.
“This is the greatest music talent show ever,” declares judge Randy Jackson, who again will team with Paula Abdul and Cowell to help separate the screamers from the crooners. Also back is host Ryan Seacrest.
This season, “Idol” producers are promising some changes. One is a “big midseason surprise” that has fueled spirited speculation among “Idol” devotees. The other is a public songwriting contest to determine the winning singer’s first single. Details are pending. In addition, several established stars are expected to pop up during the season. Among those reportedly being courted are Paul McCartney and Mariah Carey.
KEY ‘IDOL’ DATES
Season 6 kicks off at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday featuring auditions in Minneapolis and Seattle. Here’s the season’s schedule up to when the final 12 first perform, according to Fox.
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DATE SHOW
Jan. 23 Memphis auditions
Jan. 24 New York auditions
Jan. 30 Birmingham, Ala., auditions
Jan. 31 San Antonio auditions
Feb. 6 L.A. auditions
Feb. 7 “Rest of the Best” audition show clips
Feb. 14 Top 24 singers revealed
Feb. 20 Top 12 male singers perform
Feb. 21 Top 12 female singers perform
Feb. 22 First live results show
March 13 Top 12 finalists perform
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TALKING THE TALK
“Idol” has contributed a number of sayings, nicknames and lingo to the pop-culture conversation. Here’s a sampling:
– You did your thing, dawg!
– The Claymates
– That was too pitchy.
– Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol!
– I’ve got McPheever.
– That’s an unfortunate song choice.
– Make it your own.
– Seacrest out!
Simon says
Love or hate Simon, there’s no denying that his verbal beat-downs add spice to “Idol.” Here are “Simonisms” from past audition rounds:
– “As a singer, you are a brilliant car salesman.”
– “I think you’re amazingly dreadful. I don’t think another human being on the planet will ever sing like you.”
– “If I were to say you were mediocre, it would be the biggest compliment you’ve ever been paid.”
– “There’s only so much punishment a human being can take. I can’t take anymore.”
– “Trust me, you may have felt the music, but the music didn’t feel you.”
– “The reality is, I’ve heard better people sing outside subway stations.”
– “I think you invented notes never ever heard before in music.”
THE ‘IDOL’ SIDESTEP
ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” will waltz around Fox’s “American Idol” when it returns March 19. Stephen McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment, said Sunday that the “Dancing” performance shows will air on Mondays and the results show will air at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, out of “Idol’s” way.
NO. 1 SHOW
Ratings for “American Idol” have grown steadily over its first five years. Here’s a look at the average audience for the show’s premiere dates.
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SEASON, DATE RATINGS
Season 1 (June 11, 2002) 9.9 million
Season 2 (Jan. 21, 2003) 26.5 million
Season 3 (Jan. 19, 2004) 29 million
Season 4 (Jan. 18, 2005) 33.6 million
Season 5 (Jan 17, 2006) 35.5 million
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BY THE NUMBERS
580 MILLION +
Call-in votes cast by fans during Season 5.
$36.4 MILLION
Average audience for last May’s Season 5 finale (second to Season 2’s 38.1 million).
36 MILLION
Reportedly, the per-season “Idol” salary for Simon Cowell.
$620K
The average cost, in dollars, for a 30-second ad spot on “Idol.”
$195K
Copies sold of “Inspiration,” the debut album of “Idol” reject William Hung.
60 Cities visited last summer by the “American Idol” concert tour.
45 Companies with deals to churn out “Idol” merchandise.
5 Major industry awards won in 2006 by Kelly Clarkson (two Grammys, two AMAs, one People’s Choice).
0 Emmys won by “American Idol” in the best reality show competition.
