Fox executive blames 'American Idol's' declining ratings on lack of likable group of contestants

Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO, Peter Rice, is blaming American Idol’s declining ratings on the lack of likable contestants.

On Sunday, Rice told a Television Critics Association panel that while he thinks the show is “aging gracefully,” it’s seeking a different type of group of contestants.

"We haven't found in the last two years a group of kids who've captured the fascination of the public,” he said, USA Today reports.

The show, which has produced superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, underwent some changes in Season 13 in order to keep up with the power house that is NBC’s The Voice.

The show will return for Season 14 despite struggling ratings, including a series low finale of 10.5 million viewers in May. The search for new contestants starts on Wednesday in Long Island, New York and will continue on July 30 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The show’s American Idols Live tour is still going strong and will carry on with dates through Aug. 23.

image via INFphoto.com

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on your website.

Learn more about debugging in WordPress.