The show is back that millions of people gather in front of the tv to watch each week through spring, American Idol. Idol is back for it's 11th season and was welcomed back by disappointing ratings this past Wednesday. The numbers were down nearly 27 percent from the opening show last year, it was the largest ratings drop for a premiere episode in the history of the Fox show.

To put the numbers in perspective, the first episode of Idol was watched by 21.6 million people compared to the rival and new Simon Cowell show The X Factor that debuted last year with 11.7 million viewers. There is no question that Idol is still the "top dawg" (something Idol judge Randy Jackson would say) of the tv singing competitions. Idol has produced some amazing talent over the past ten seasons like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Scotty McCreery to name a few. The show over the past few seasons has gone through change and for the most part fans of the show have embraced the changes with the exiting of long time judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul and the addition of Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler and singer/actress Jennifer Lopez. Also word came out that the show may do without long tme host Ryan Seacrest when his contract expires.

Is American Idol still your top singing competition show to watch, or have you put Idol on the backburner for X Factor or the NBC hit The Voice? I actually have become a big fan of The Voice which is making it's return for another season beginning in February following the Super Bowl. I am excited for that and I will continue to watch American Idol to see who the next superstar will be. I will admit, the X Factor did not peak my interest whatsoever. Let's hear your thoughts below...

Here is a recap of the season premiere of Idol on Fox, auditions were in Savannah, GA

Here is a recap of the Pittsburgh auditions...

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