Do I know what’s going on at “American Idol”? I know what you know. But I also know what was said today. Mariah Carey, “American Idol” judge, is launching her new single not on the “Idol” finale but on “Good Morning America.” She’s booked for May 24th, eight days after the “Idol” finale. Carey is not scheduled to sing on “Idol” and she hasn’t all season.
Both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez used “Idol” to launch singles a year ago. And Keith Urban has performed this season. But Carey has remained behind the judges’ desk, even though she has a single– “Almost Home”– from “Oz the Great and Powerful,” a major box office hit. Suffice to say, something is rotten in Hollywood. “Oz” was a huge hit. Singing the single on “Idol” would have been the proper synergy. Instead, “Home” disappeared and no mention of it was made on “Idol.”
Carey’s new single is going to be hot, too–it’s a duet with new star Miguel. But there’s a lot going on in the background. “GMA” is #1, and “Idol” ratings are the lowest they’ve ever been. It’s unclear whether “Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe even wants Carey to perform. Or whether Carey, unhappy with the way the show has gone for her, would ever deign to get up on their stage.
Now “American Idol” still has four weeks to go, that’s eight shows. And on May 8th it goes up against “The Voice” on NBC– the ratings report the next morning is going to be wild. So stay tuned. And never bet against Mariah. She will be around long after “American Idol” has named its final winner.
