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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Photos Videos Blogs Business Business Services NEWS NOW Judge rejects request to block Jackson County's GMO ban ... SOU launches arts institute for high school students ... Bacteria plague parts of Bear, Neil creeks ... Judge rejects request to block Jackson County's GMO ban ... SOU launches arts institute for high school students ... Bacteria plague parts of Bear, Neil creeks ... The Farr Side: 'American Idol' could have continued much longer By David T. Farr More Content Now DailyTidings.com By David T. Farr More Content Now Posted May. 28, 2015 @ 7:19 am By David T. Farr More Content Now Posted May. 28, 2015 @ 7:19 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2324,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> Now that we’ve had a couple weeks to digest the sad news of Fox’s decision to cancel “American Idol” after next season, let’s look at the big picture, and also take time to congratulate season 14 winner Nick Fradiani. Fox made a poor decision to publicize the demise of “Idol” just days before Fradiani won. It wasn’t fair to cast a negative vibe over the win or detract from the time invested by record producer and music guru Scott Borchetta. I’m a huge fan of “AI,” but I do understand it probably has run its course. All shows eventually do. However, “AI” was different for me. Sure, “The Voice” is entertaining, but it has yet to produce major breakthroughs. “Idol” has a proven track record for success. Fradiani was a dark horse who managed to steadily make progress each week. This is what makes an “Idol.” While most of the other contestants relied heavily on pleasing judges or wowing viewers with various arrangements and vocal stunts, Fradiani simply sang and made people see him for who he is, not what they wanted him to be. It worked. Borchetta is responsible for the careers of so many singers, but none more widely known than Taylor Swift. If you watched season 14 play out, Borchetta shared a lot of what made Swift so successful with this season’s hopefuls. I felt that of all the years of Idol, this one truly embraced the talent. The only other season to manage this well was season 1, when Kelly Clarkson became a star. I might be the only person to think that Fox is making a major mistake by canceling “Idol.” I believe the show could have lasted much longer had it not gotten caught in the hype. By that, I mean its judges. Keith Urban, Jennifer Hudson and Harry Connick, Jr. are all good. I enjoy them together. They gel well and their critiques are usually spot-on. The idea of bringing Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey on as judges for season 12 did more damage to the show than anything. Minaj was a disaster from day 1. She was so bad that I almost threw in the towel. Another thing that ruined the show was the voting capabilities. The “Super Vote,” app voting and online voting took away the thrill of voting for your favorite. I feel as if the original way of voting by calling toll-free was the way to go and still should be. Technology failed this show. It’s too complicated for most viewers to participate, resulting in either a dislike or loss of interest in the show. Kids and their cell phones tainted the voting hopes for many. That’s why I’ve argued having a call minimum per phone line. Some advice to Fox: Perhaps give the show some credit for what it has been able to accomplish. Maybe offer the possibility for Idol alumni to come back for TV specials or concert events. Consider bringing the show back in a few years, but if so, keep it true to the original format and let America feel as if they had a role in choosing their next “American Idol.” David T. Farr is a Sturgis (Michigan) Journal correspondent. Email him at [email protected]. By David T. Farr More Content Now DailyTidings.com By David T. 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