Fox Networks Group chairman Peter Rice admits the veteran singing competition has lacked engaging contestants in the past few years.
- Jul 21, 2014
AceShowbiz - Fox Networks Group chairman Peter Rice and CEO acknowledges the issues that people have been talking about "American Idol". At the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills on Sunday, July 20, he said the show's "aging gracefully" but still going strong.
Rice claimed that increased competition from shows like NBC's "The Voice" was among factors that caused "Idol" to lose viewers. "It's been a very competitive year for singing shows," he said, but believed that " 'Idol' has a very committed fan base."
Rice, however, realized that the show couldn't produce breakout stars like in its early years. "We haven't found a group kids the last two years who really captured the imagination of the public," he admitted, adding, "We talked about it this year-how do we focus on that and not get wrapped up in this constant conversation about the judges and how good they are?"
Asked if there aren't any great talent left because of so many singing competition shows in recent years, he replied, "They're always making more."
"American Idol" has been renewed for season 14, which is reduced to 37 hours from 50 hours last season. Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr., who served as judges in season 13, return for the next cycle, with Ryan Seacrest still as the host.
