Arguably the most popular TV show to date, American idol can truly claim to have at least added a significant deal to the luster of reality television. Currently in its sixth season, the show boasts of being able to produce Award winning artists. And not just music award-winning artists but even big shot acting award-winning artists. The likes of pop sensation Kelly Clarkson, R & B favorite Fantasia, and the most recent Grammy winner of the bunch, country crooner Carrie Underwood, were all ‘Idols.’ And, how can we forget that one of this year’s Academy Award nominees for Best Supporting Actress is none other than seventh placer Jennifer Hudson. All these artists began their quick climb to the top by taking that first Idol step. Yet, despite this seemingly stellar track record, American Idol today is not without its numerous detractors.

A look at the current season’s contestants is already indication for many critics that the Idol star is fading. Complaints that this year’s batch lack that ‘it’ factor, that appeal, chutzpah if you may, are prevalent. Alright, it may be too soon to tell if there is a Carrie or Bo lurking there somewhere or a Jennifer or a Clay happy to take the supporting role on the show but destined for greatness nevertheless. But, at first glance, the 12 boys and 12 girls do seem unsurprisingly and disappointingly normal. An avid fan cannot help but go back to the fabulous first season, where a surprised waitress won and sang her heart out for a televised audience. Where is that one singer, whose life is so burdened with hardship, yet now bettered by winning the crown? Furthermore, who can forget the incredible chemistry that was the signature of American Idol season four? Who didn’t want a seat on performance night, any night, where one had up-close-and-personal time ogling Bo Bice and Carrie Underwood. Will there be a performance as incredible as Bo’s acapella in the penultimate episode of season four this year? Critics say, judging from the bunch this year, this is doubtful.

And it isn’t even just about the contestants. Even the judges seem a lot less shiny than they used to be. More and more they appear a little worse for the wear, frayed around the edges, like old, kept photographs. Where fans used to wait in eager anticipation over Simon’s next cutting remarks, now what they have to look forward to are remarks that seem at first cutting and then constructive. Paula Adbul had graced many a tabloid cover over the span of her Idol stay and it has not always been positive. Disappointed fans tune in every week to hear her give one compliment after the next wondering when she will actually find fault in a contestant. And Randy Jackson seems to have become more interesting for the after effects gastric bypass surgery rather than his critique of contestant’s singing ability.

So what is in store for this mega-popular show? One thing is for sure, people will never tire of tuning in to see someone else do something, anything, for everyone else to see. So whether the show remains true to what it claims is something we can only look out for.