Recently I read an article that was sent to me via a business wire about how to improve your business by taking tips from American Idol, and well…

Let’s start from the beginning shall we?  The author initially states that after taking a few years off, he returns to realize why AI still reins as America’s number 1 show.  While the show may still be #1, the current season actually boasts the least amount of viewers in the show’s nine-year history.  Now if we are talking business models here…aren’t companies supposed to grow and in turn, increase profits?  How is losing viewers any indication of a thriving business?  Right here in the author’s first paragraph his entire argument is made into a moot point…AI’s failing business model actually has NOTHING to teach “we entrepreneurs”.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not an entrepreneur in the slightest, but I do consider myself a bit of a television connoisseur and a competent and well-reasoned individual, and in my first season of Idol viewing, I have to say I am a little underwhelmed. If it weren’t for my DVR I really don’t think I could get through the first half of even the first hour of the show.

Anyway…moving on…He goes on to express how “fun to watch” “entertaining” and “well done” the show is…Well, my apologies sir, but I have to strongly disagree with you and here is why:

Let’s get to crux of this argument shall we? Our author “Steve” begs entrepreneurs to consider the following:

“Deliver on your promise: American Idol knows what its job is. The promise of the show is this: Give us an hour and we will entertain you.”

Well Steve, I hate to break it you to but we have to give American Idol TWO hours to entertain us, and I would say that, placing all the meaningless jabberwocky aside, those two hours are filled with probably 20 minutes of solid entertainment.  Honestly, it takes 12 people 2+ hours to sing songs that are cut to less than a minute long.  My advice would be to deliver on your promise, but please don’t waste my time.

Also important to note…if we are considering a television show a business, and the show’s product the entertainment it promises…what television show doesn’t have the promise of entertainment?  If we are looking for a good example of a show that delivers on its promise…what about LOST?  I can barely answer a text message during that hour-long show without missing some unforeseen death or time warp…and even after the show has ended, I felt like it was merely 5 minutes ago that I tuned in…

Tweak – around the edges. By… bringing in a fourth judge seemed to be a change for the better.

Again, tweaking around the edges may work for small businesses- but in the case of Idol; I’d have to say that brining on Ellen was probably more of a mistake than a “nice change.”  If you are going to tweak around the edges, make sure the tweaks are actually benefitting your company.  Ellen’s contributions to the judge’s commentary rarely hold any merit and they have cut her time for commentary practically in half.

And to drive the point home that nearly every ”teaching point” in this article need not be made…what facet of life doesn’t benefit from a little tweaking?  Why was Botox invented?  Why do we have amendments to the constitution?  Why does McDonalds come out with a new menu item nearly every week?

Don’t mess with success: American Idol…has found a formula that works and they are riding it as far and as long as they can.

This statement holds true- they have found a formula.  But isn’t this “formula” just an overly produced and heavily sponsored version of Star Search?  Aside from Simon’s quick quips- all AI has done has capitalized on the American Dream and exploited those brave enough to do so.

Get rid of the deadwood: Not only did bringing in Ellen for Paula liven up the show.

I don’t know about you, but I miss Paula- in all her crazy glory.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Ellen but her knowledge on music is limited to say the least.  Her commentary, albeit humorous (in true Ellen fashion) falls short of true constructive criticism, and sometimes I cringe while watching, picking up on the fact that even Ellen knows she’s a little out of place. As far as “getting rid of the deadwood” make sure you don’t replace deadwood for additional deadwood, which may in fact be dead-er.

Have good partners: For these partners, the co-branding opportunity is amazing, and for the show, the co-branding opportunity is amazing. Everyone wins and everyone gains.

Yes, American Idol has great sponsors.  Sponsors so great that sometimes I think I’m watching an actual Coca-Cola commercial, and not a singing contest.  During contestant interviews I can barely even make-out Seacrest’s small frame amidst the interchanging of bright red and white Coke bottles with logos flashing everywhere.  It is important to have good sponsors and good partners but you don’t want to reach a point where these sponsors or partners can potentially override your core message.  American Idol has been repeatedly criticized for being too sponsor heavy, and sometimes it can take away from the things that actually make the show great: talented artists competing for their dreams, and of course our beloved Simon.

I do understand where our writer is coming from.  American Idol is a television machine that has proved itself with outstanding ratings and an unbelievable following. However, with Simon Cowell’s impending departure, and ratings being the worst they have been in the show’s history- as far as generating tips for entrepreneurs goes, it is in my humble opinion to perhaps- look elsewhere.

-Arielle