Showbiz411

This pains me because I really enjoy Randy, Mariah and Keith (and to some extent Nicki Minaj) but “American Idol” is really showing signs of age. Last night’s ratings were 5 % lower than last Wednesday’s, making it the lowest rated Wednesday show since 2002.

With a 4.1 in the key demo, Idol is losing its viewers week by week. Last week, the Thursday show was a 3.7, which means that tonight could be dismal. Something has to be done fast. I do think “Idol” needs performances by current or legacy stars, and some mentors to boost the show.

UPDATE: http://www.showbiz411.com/2013/02/22/american-idol-walloped-again-by-cbs-comedies-big-bang-and-men

Granted, “Idol” still won the night and has a huge following. But “Modern Family” was close behind with a 3.9. I hope tonight Mariah just stands up, belts out a song, and tosses Nicki Minaj over her shoulder. Action!

Roger Friedman

Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News. Friedman previously wrote the Intelligencer column at New York Magazine, He writes for Parade magazine and has written for Details, Vogue, the New York Times, Post, and Daily News and many other publications. He is the writer and co-producer of a film about R&B Music called “Only the Strong Survive,” which was released by Miramax in 2003 and was a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals.