America Idol – are the halcyon days over?

So, Simon Cowell has outdone his old show again, by putting up a $5million prize for X Factor as opposed to Idol’s $1million prize money. Even so, the Idol auditions seem as popular as ever, but are we going to be saying goodbye to the talent shows we’ve gotten to know and love in the past ten years, or will their popularity continue to mesmerise the nation.
It’s been said by more than one famous voice that Simon Cowell has ruined youth culture and emerging music and artists, by promoting his hugely successful shows. Bands no longer do the ‘circuit’ to accumulate their fans, they simply go on a show, be told what to sing and what to wear and hey presto – they’re famous.
But are the public getting bored with such shows, audience viewing figures are certainly down, and the continued success of winners is not guaranteed any more. Is the music industry just a bland, marketing tool lacking individuality and brainwashing the young?