JeriMay 8th, 2008 - 00:08:57

He probably just means it's been so long since he's been on it doesn't feel the same as it did when he was active on the show. Don't make mountains out of molehills.

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it's simple, really...May 8th, 2008 - 03:39:34

What he likely means is, the show isn't the same anymore because the producers have loaded the finals with 'ringers', those who at one time had a recording deal, but aren't presently with a label.

While that's being true to the AI 'rules', it's a far cry from the first two seasons. It was way more fun watching AI1 and AI2, knowing the contestants were just some local jamokes, kids who could have been your neighbor, or who sang at your church, or performed every other Friday night at a club down the street for beer money.

The producers have completely ruined the original concept of the show. Now the contestants are slick and polished performers who couldn't make it on their own the first time around.

Take Carly, for instance. IIRC, she had a contract with MCA Records, where Randy Jackson was employed at the time. She put out a CD that sold -- again, IIRC -- 2000 COPIES, after the label invested $2.2 million in production and marketing. [If I'm way off on this, I apologize.] And little David Archuleta won Star Search 4 or 5 years ago. And there's more that I won't detail here.

Hardly the amateurs I enjoyed watching grow and develop back on AI1 and AI2.

The producers and the Three Stooges and Ryan Peecrest have simply gotten too big for their britches, as my dear old mom used to say. They apparently think everything they deign to touch turns to gold.

I fart in the general direction of their bloated, condescending egos.

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jeanMay 8th, 2008 - 03:43:27

I agree. Although Idol has approx. 24,000,000 viewers per show, there are many people who feel it just 'isn't the same'. They have even lost 7 percent of their viewership. I feel it hasn't been the same since Clay's season (and he WAS the true winner)-the excitement just isn't there; although I still watch it regularly. There will never be a contestant like Clay on there again. Have yet to see anyone with his IT-FACTOR. Clay has said several times he is grateful to AI for the opportunity it gave him. Clay has been a guest on the show more than any other contestant-including Kelly C and Fantasia. Besides--he just finished an incredible 4 months on Broadway-8 shows a week (probably the biggest send-off of any Broadway performer ever). He couldn't watch it if he wanted to this season.

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CaseyMay 8th, 2008 - 04:01:00

Every popular show loses viewship after a few years - it's to be expected. I don't think AI is exactly down the drain yet. David Cook will probably win this year as he well should.

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BeckerMay 8th, 2008 - 04:12:49

Sometimes things get analyzed waaaay too much. If you enjoy the show, watch it, if not, turn the damn thing off!

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BeckerMay 8th, 2008 - 04:14:22

Sometimes things get analyzed waaaay too much. If you enjoy the show, watch it, if not, turn the damn thing off! As for Carly - I don't know why everyone is so up in arms about her previous experience, she was voted off anyway!

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Toby's momMay 8th, 2008 - 12:01:24

Of course, you did not include that he always prefaces any of his statements regarding AI by saying he absolutely knows he would not be where he is today if not for the show and credits them 100% for launching his career. I know. It makes for better shock value if you say 'Aiken disses Idol.' Whatever.

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maggieMay 8th, 2008 - 12:01:48

I agree with Clay. This is the first year I have not watched AI. Season 1 and 2 will never be topped.

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DaveMay 8th, 2008 - 12:37:16

Of the hundreds of available recent photos, you picked one where he was caught in a moment that wasn't flattering. Way to go jerk. Bashing Clay is so yesterday. Grow up.

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FeelthesameMay 8th, 2008 - 14:25:19

I agree 100% that the show is not the same and don't see it as a diss at all. When you can buy albums of current contestants on Amazon and iTunes then something has gone awry. The show was fun when it was about discovering new, really new talent.

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