'American Idol' renewed despite dismal ratings; Season 14 audition dates announced
"American Idol" fans will have at least one more year of the reality talent competition.
Fox announced the news Wednesday by posting June audition dates for season 14 on their website. The 13th season, which has had dismal ratings, ends May 21.
"Idol" has suffered from steadily declining ratings since season six, with this season bottoming out with record lows. Last week's airing received a 1.5/5 rating—the lowest in the show's history—and 6.9 million viewers. Yesterday's episode received 1.6/5.
The average rating this season is 3.7, down from a still-low season 12 average of 4.5. At its peak, "American Idol" had an average rating of 12.6. That climactic fifth season featured original judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson, and introduced the country to "Idol" winner Taylor Hicks, and runner-up Katherine McPhee.
Kara DioGuardi was added as a judge in season eight, and the lineup of judges has changed frequently since that year.
Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. have taken turns at the judges table, but despite Fox's producer's varied combinations, the ratings have only gotten worse. It remains to be seen whether the network will switch up the castmembers in the 14th season.
The current judges are Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban. Ryan Seacrest has been the show's host since its inception, although co-host Brian Dunkleman appeared on the first season of "Idol."
"American Idol" Season 14 auditions will kick off in Minneapolis on June 18. Auditions will also be held in New Orleans, Long Island, Nashville, and San Francisco through September.
The "American Idol" Audition Bus Tour will hit Portland, Oregon, Portland, Maine, Reno, Nevada, Columbus, Ohio, Richmond, Virginia, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Amarillo, Texas, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Branson, Missouri, Tallahassee, Florida, and Kansas City, Missouri.
Contestants can also audition on www.AmericanIdol.com through July 1.
"American Idol" airs Wednesdays at 8/7c and Thursdays at 9/8c on Fox.
