American Idol Reporters Conference Call with Ken Warwick

• Why are the males dominating? Could online voting have contributing? “That’s exactly it,” says Ken. We know we’re going to get a heftier amount of female votes.  Thinks social networking has had a big impact.  Something we’re going to have a long discussion about at the end of the series.
• On the lack of judges guidance–These kids are very good, and would not influence the judges to say something they didn’t believe. Points out Jlo advocating for the girls last week.
• On the Voice and X Factor – We are aware that social networking cause dominating young girls and mums, will have discussions on how to keep it fair.  Maybe we limit amount of online votes?  It will not change this year.
• On the Xfactor and Voice: “I can’t worry about it mate…Our show is the best, has the most integrity, love that it’s young talent, it’s become part of Am fabric.  I’m not worried about it. I’m not about to change something radically about something that hasn’t even started yet.”
• Advice for Pia: “She needs to be able to record songs that people want to buy. She is a talent. She went at the wrong time for me. Public vote–I can’t change that. She’s a nice kid…a lovely girl.  She’s on a lot of shows…I guess because people think an injustice was done.”
• Early ousters good for the show? “Anything that makes people talk is good for the show.”
• Does he thinks this years tweaks have worked? He knew Jlo would be huge. It was a leap of faith with Steven. He got a lot of stick from his mates. Knew they could not replace Simon. This has absolutely worked.  Steven is a quint rock n roller with an edge, but also a big heart. The talent this year is a diverse group that lots of people can hook into.  There are kids working in a bank that could be the biggest stars in Am but just don’t know it. Those parts of it have worked very well.  The kids are working with record producers are working in a more detailed way, but it’s a harder process, but it’s still working. Trying not to over-produce.
• Allowing the judges to vote like SYTYCD is just one of the ideas on the table, but nothing will change for this year.
• I make a television show, hopefully I give the record company a contestant with a following. I have nothing to do with it after.   Have the record labels made mistakes? Yes.  Is the wrong person voted in sometimes? Yes.  Basically, it’s up to the record company.
• Is there a plan to get music out faster for Pia etc? “If we have a rising star that is marketable now, they will try to make a record now.”  Not aware of the plans for Pia now.
• On Latina audiences “Every audience, demographic is important to me.  We make a concerted effort to make the group as varied as possible.”