‘American Idol’ is looking to polish tarnished crown

The show’s executive producer says the oddballs on the show help generate buzz.

By HOWARD COHEN

MIAMI HERALD

“American Idol” big shots might not exactly come out and say it — not even Simon Cowell — but “American Idol” blew it big time last year.

Viewers know it. The big shots know it. The show’s ratings dip and the lack of resulting stars coming out of season six confirms it.

“Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe and judge Cowell said they are doing something to shore up fissures in “Idol’s” armor as the seventh season of America’s (still) most popular program begins tonight on Fox.

“AI:7” promises more attention on the contestants. Cosmetic changes, too, like a new set and opening credits. Maybe a few more rockers, if they make it into the finals.

For the first time, contestants advancing to Hollywood were allowed to play musical instruments as part of their audition. This, unsurprisingly, led to some disastrous moments.

“There’s something tuneless about drums,” Lythgoe says on the phone from Los Angeles. “We’re not sure if we’ll let them play musical instruments on the series. We’re having a lot of chats. It’s not just a singing show. Personality, looks come into play. But whether we allow [instruments] we’re not sure. It’s something to discuss.”

The wretched castoffs are even ruder to dismissive judges Simon, Randy and Paula this season — if that’s possible.

“I’m always shocked,” Lythgoe says. ‘We’re in season seven. If [they] haven’t seen it on TV yet, where have [they] been? So I don’t understand what planet they are coming from that when three judges say ‘You can’t sing’ they become so obnoxious, so deluded, and give them a mouthful. It makes for great TV — and I’ll show you — but the arrogance! This feeling of ‘The world owes me.’ I don’t know when that came into play.”

Also worth talking about: There’s a 16-year-old boy with an awesome voice and huge youth appeal.

Hopefully, there will be fewer tone-deaf novelty acts like last year’s Sanjaya to muck up the process. This is, after all, supposed to be a talent show.

There will also be an appearance by third-season winner Fantasia’s brother — he tried out, but don’t look for him in the finals. Simon says he “was terrible, dreadful, can’t sing, hasn’t his sister’s talent.”

Lythgoe remains a steadfast supporter of some of these oddballs, especially Sanjaya, because the ponyhawked kid generated buzz — and buzz, even when it’s mocking, means attention for the show. “I’m a TV producer. I’m not trying to find the next Idol. I’m trying to make a good TV show. I needed him last year, to be frank. He kept the buzz going.”

Still, Lythgoe has heard viewers groans. “Idol” “was a slip last year,” he acknowledges.

One problem, he says, is that “Idol” spent too much time focusing on pop mentors like Gwen Stefani, Diana Ross and Jennifer Lopez, who ostensibly came on the show to coach contestants but seemed more interested in shilling their own new albums.

This year, Lythgoe says “Idol” won’t be hijacked by pop stars. More emphasis will fall on pre-performance video footage of the contestants telling their life stories.

X “American Idol’s” seventh season opens with a two-part premiere at 8 p.m. tonight and Wednesday.