Many look forward to the return of America’s first talent show; American Idol. Despite the continuous drop in viewers, millions still tune in every week to watch. Jennifer Lopez will lead the judging pack with Keith Urban and Harry Connick for their second season together. The show will be slightly different if “Jenny from the block” has any say. She wants the show to be “Less cruel” in the way it judges along with a few other changes.

Lopez wants contestants to have a much more slower paced experience on the show. She also doesn’t like the voting system and says its ‘not right. She said “Its like putting the first 10 years of my career into 4 weeks.” Although Lopez has a kind heart, viewers believe she is wrong and the system should stay the way it is as it prepares contestants for the real life industry.

In the past, idol was known for its harsh yet honest opinions with Simon Cowell at the helm. Although many thought at times Simon was too tough on contestants, it prepared them for what was to come in the cruel and heartless music industry. In the 13 seasons of its existence, idol has only spawned 3 winners and 1 runner up who were able to have more than 1 successful album. None of its other winners have compared to the likes of season 1 Kelly Clarkson and season 4 Carried Underwood whose sold millions of records and are some of todays biggest stars. In all, only 6 of its winners and or contestants have raked in millions each year including Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and broadway star Fantasia Barrino.

When compared to the top winners of idol, Lopez should be harder on contestants as they will have gigantic shoes to fill. Viewers have doubts idol can produce industry ready superstars with its past history and because of this, ratings for the show have steadily decreased in each of the last 6 years by millions.