American Idol season 21 had some of the best talent in the show's history, but the reality singing competition could improve a few things as it enters its 22nd season. American Idol season 21 ended with Iam Tongi being crowned the winner, Megan Danielle as the runner-up, and Colin Stough placing third. The judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, did an incredible job of finding and nurturing some of the best talent in America to create the superstars of tomorrow.
American Idol season 21 featured awesome theme nights and guest mentors. They included season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran during the Top 8 competition, Sofia Carson on Disney Night, and former judge Keith Urban on finale night. Longtime host Ryan Seacrest kept everything running smoothly, especially on the long, three-hour episodes. Although American Idol season 21 was a delight to watch, there are a few things that need improvement or that should be changed as the show moves forward next season.
10 American Idol Should Focus Less On The Auditions
American Idol season 21 featured six episodes devoted to the auditions. When the show first started, shorter clips of the contestants' auditions were aired, which allowed time for many more to fit in an episode. There used to be some fantastic auditions, and some truly terrible ones. However, as the show has changed with the times, poor auditions no longer air, and almost everyone who is shown earns a golden ticket to Hollywood. Most of the time, their full songs are aired, which takes up a lot of time in each episode. Instead, American Idol should air snippets of the auditions in less episodes.
American Idol season 21 included six audition episodes, and only four Hollywood Week shows. Because of this, several singers who made it to Hollywood weren't seen on the show until the Showstoppers round before the Final Judgment. It was no surprise when several of the Top 26 contestants who weren't aired much didn't advance to the next round after the first public vote because they had no chance to build a fan base. The auditions also take up way too much time in the season. The Top 12 only had three episodes before the finale because so many people go home in each episode.
9 American Idol Should Get Rid Of Platinum Tickets
During American Idol season 20, the show introduced platinum tickets in honor of its milestone season. The judges gave one talented recipient in each audition city the platinum ticket to indicate that they saw a lot of potential in the contestant. The tickets gave the three winners the privilege of skipping the first round of Hollywood Week. During season 20, platinum ticket recipient HunterGirl was the runner-up. However, the tickets put undo pressure on the recipients as they shine a spotlight on them and create very high expectations.
In American Idol season 21, the judges didn't even advance platinum ticket recipients Kaylin Hedges and Cam Amen to the Top 26. Also, Elijah McCormick, who won the new America's platinum ticket only made it to the Top 26. Tyson Venegas was the only platinum ticket winner who went far, making it to the Top 10. During season 20, platinum ticket recipient Kenedi Anderson dropped out of the competition, while Kaylin later expressed how the ticket backfired because it put too much pressure on her. The American Idol platinum tickets seem to be doing more harm than good, and should be scrapped for season 22.
8 American Idol Should Bring Back Group Performances
When American Idol still had results episodes, there were always group performances. Now that the show has its elimination at the end of each live episode, there isn't much room for extras. However, group performances help to show the contestants' personalities, vocal talents, and stage presence, in a completely different way. During American Idol season 20 Disney Night, the finalists sang a spirited version of "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto as a group. It was a great way for viewers to compare the finalists as they all sang together. Plus, it was highly entertaining.
7 American Idol Shouldn't Allow Competitors From Other Shows
Through the years, American Idol has featured some contestants who have previously competed on other singing competition shows, including The Voice and America's Got Talent. This gives those finalists an unfair advantage and comfort level. Although the shows air on a different network, and so, realistically, this probably won't happen, contestants who have made it far on other shows shouldn't be allowed to compete on American Idol.
On American Idol season 21, there were five Top 26 finalists who appeared on The Voice, including Malik Heard (made it to The Knockouts), Michael Williams (Top 17), Marybeth Byrd (Top 8), Wé Ani (Top 3), and Megan Danielle (Top 9). On American Idol, Marybeth made it to the Top 10, Wé reached the Top 5, and Megan was the runner-up. In addition, American Idol season 21 Top 20 finalist Kaeyra appeared on America's Got Talent. They all had previous experience working on a television show, which gave them an advantage over those who never had. This was never mentioned on American Idol either, which isn't a surprise since the shows air on different networks.
6 The American Idol Judges Should Critique More
American Idol judges Lionel, Katy, and Luke are the most caring and kind judges in the history of the show. They understand that their job is not to tear down contestants, some of whom are as young as 15 years old, but instead to build them up and push them to new heights. However, they need to find a better balance between praising the contestants and giving them constructive criticism.
The standing ovations from the judges after every performance must stop, and the contestants should be given feedback that can help them improve. While it is understandable that they are proud of the finalists and want to acknowledge that, there have been many performances that needed some honest critiques that were only met with positive comments.
5 American Idol Should Have Even More Alumni Mentors
After 21 seasons, American Idol has a vast array of alumni that can come back to advise the contestants. In season 21, several alums returned during Hollywood Week to help the contestants with one of three categories of their choosing. They were Clay Aiken and David Archuleta (confidence), Phillip Phillips and Catie Turner (songwriting), and Jordin Sparks and Justin Guarini (stage presence). In addition, season 20 winner Noah Thompson was also there to offer his guidance.
American Idol season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert also returned to mentor the finalists for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. It is always a treat to see these fan favorites return. Perhaps American Idol should have alumni mentors every week who can offer guidance based on their own experiences.
4 American Idol Should Have More Flexible Theme Weeks
American Idol season 21 had some difficult theme weeks that forced the finalists to sing types of music that were out of their comfort zones. From the music of Alanis Morissette to Disney Night, many of the contestants had to think outside the box in order to create performances that showcased who they were while staying true to the theme. They were very successful, but more flexible theme weeks would be better moving forward.
Past American Idol themes that weren't as stringent have included "Songs From the Year You Were Born," "Billboard Number Ones," and songs from various decades. In addition, for the past two seasons, finale night required the contestants to sing the songs of Bruce Springsteen (season 20) and Keith Urban (season 21). At that late point in the competition, there shouldn't be a specific artist as a theme.
3 American Idol Should Have One Elimination Per Episode Beginning With The Top 5
In the FOX era of American Idol, one contestant went home per week. If ABC's American Idol reduced the amount of audition episodes, there would be more room in the season for the live shows. In season 21, the show had a Top 12, 10, 8, 5, and then the final 3 performed at the finale. The season felt rushed as fan-favorites went home much earlier than they would have if only one finalist were eliminated on each episode. When American Idol reaches its Top 5, only one contestant should leave per week. This will allow them to have more performances before the finale, which helps the audience to get to know them better.
2 Only Two American Idol Contestants Should Compete In The Finale
American Idol should stop advancing three finalists to the finale. Having a third contestant competing takes away from the winner and runner-up. It should be a head-to-head battle between the final two, devoting more time to each of them in the episode. The finale showdowns between Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo, Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis, David Cook and David Archuleta, and Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, were legendary. With three people in the current American Idol format, it just doesn't have the same feeling.
1 Bring Back The American Idol Live! Tour
One of the most fun and exciting aspects of American Idol was the American Idol Live! Tour. It gave fans the opportunity to see their favorite singers from the show live on stage. The tour would travel the entire country, and was a great success in the early years of the show. The last tour was in 2018. American Idol should revive this exciting event.
American Idol is a special show that means a lot to many people. In 21 seasons, it has introduced some of the greatest music artists of the modern era to the world. Although it has been a juggernaut in both the television and music industries, it should always evolve with the changing times. American Idol season 22 is sure to be another huge success.
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