Hollywood Studios is in need of some help fixing their attractions. Of all the attractions in all the theme parks, the American Idol Experience is literally the only one that actually gets advertised over the speakers.
They get such little support from the guests that they have to announce in the morning and throughout the day (through “commercials”) that the attraction still exists and could benefit from more people actually seeing their shows. Have you seen the attendance of their afternoon shows? About a half past bearable. While my solution is to destroy it altogether and build something new in the area, we probably have a contract that we must fulfill. If I have to keep American Idol in the park, this is what I would do to try to save it.
For me, American Idol should be done Fantasmic style: only once or twice a day. Several shows a day doesn’t work because the so-called voting portion of the show is not believable when there are 10-15 people seated in the audience. I say do two really big shows involving 7 singers; you can make one right before the parade at the 1:30-1:45 mark, and then do the second showing at the 6:00-6:30 range. Both shows can also be broadcast outside for people not inside the building to see. It would be a great way to pass the time while waiting for the parade to start.
The content needs a total overhaul. And by content I mean the music. The song list is only about 100-145 songs. It does sound like a lot until you notice this: only 13 Disney songs, only 8 Latin songs, and barely any true rock songs. Are you kidding me? Some of the toughest songs out there are in the rock realm, and those that can truly nail those notes are the ones that deserve the so-called American Idol dream ticket. But when you get shoddy easy songs like “Black Horse and a Cherry Tree,” “Drops of Jupiter,” and “Don’t Stop the Music,” it diminishes the entire experience. That being said, I am not saying we should have heavy heavy rock music like this on the setlist---our country is still afraid of metal. Honestly.
This is a Disney attraction, only 13 Disney songs is unacceptable. You should have much more music to choose from---and to make it more irritating 6 of them are from the sugar-coated nonsense of the Disney Channel. When Buffalo Wild Wings has more songs than the American Idol, we have a problem. When Rising Star Karaoke, which consists of an actual live band performing behind you, has nearly as many songs as the American Idol Experience, we have a problem. The beauty of music is how incredibly diverse it is, and when an aspiring singer has only 140-something songs to pick from when displaying his or her best skills, it’s a bit of a problem. I’ve even been told that the producers mildly force them to sing a certain song. I encountered a guest that was told to sing a song he had never sung before. That’s ridiculous.
American Idol Experience becomes extremely repetitive in that final show because everyone sings the same exact songs. I used to think it’s because of the guests, but now I am veering more into the idea that the producers and cast members of the show push them towards it. I say, let them sing whatever they want, it’s their career, and it’s their funeral if they shoot for a song they can’t nail. And this would add variety to a show that has become dull, very quickly. Sometimes, you need those repeat visitors from the locals to maintain popularity and relevance. The Idol Experience has neither.
And P.S. on the song selection: can we please let them the entire darn song? A song like Bohemian Rhapsody is insulted when you only nab a snippet. That song requires the widest vocal range of potentially any pop song in music history----give that aspiring singer the chance of his/her lifetime by making them take on the entire song.
Two shows, 7 singers each. Give out two tickets a day. Each show can run around an hour to 75 minutes, depending on how long the songs are and depending on the introductions. And like I said, it’s a great way to pass the time. Do one elimination round in which 4 of the 7 singers are eliminated, and have the top 3 do a final performance to show off their skills one last time. And then we vote on the top 3 who the winner is. More music, more performing, more mayhem, more judging (the judges aren't that bad to be honest), stakes are higher, the show is a little more interesting.
And hey, while we are at it, why not give it an extra event during Extra Magic Hours? This will never happen, but I am a dreamer, so let’s talk about it anyway. We should do the American Idol Karaoke Party. This is the truth, not all of us are born singers, its honestly a God-given talent. Yes you can work on the vocal chords as much as you want, but if your voice doesn’t support the notes there’s no way you can ever be on that show. That being said, the American Idol Karaoke Party allows for any guest (and cast member, since the show prohibits you from participating) to sing on that stage. If you don’t want to compete, you can sign up for the party early in the morning. We give you a Fastpass like ticket to go to the building at a certain time. You pick the song, and you go up there and sing away. Of course any silly business and the mic gets cut off immediately. But as opposed to a typical karaoke bar, you get the stage, the lights, the people watching and interacting, and your dream coming true. And no criticism will follow after you sing--unless its from your peers.
Bottom Line: The American Idol Experience needs help, because it’s becoming as stale as the television show. We should cut it down to two big shows, expand the setlist, and give more freedom to the singers. These solutions do not cost extra, and nor will they totally alter the dimensions and the theming of the attraction. And then to top it off, give everyone and I mean everyone a chance to sing with the karaoke party. Honestly, when karaoke is involved, you can’t possibly go wrong. Just doesn’t happen. Two shows, karaoke, more songs: these are the three essential ingredients to providing a better American Idol Experience.
Take this idea Disney, its free.
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