The system isn't broken because the producers of AI WANT it to be this way. It's a popularity and LOYALTY contest as much as a talent search. The performers who can motivate viewers to dial like a maniac for a full two hours are the ones the producers want to win, because it produces viewer loyalty and top ratings which transfer into big profitability. The finals this year will probably draw 40 million viewers, and it's 30 mil each week right now. Interest in the show is so high that Fox and the producers can play all kinds of tricks to increase ratings and advertiser rates.
For instance, why would the show begin at 7:54 instead of 8:00? To take advantage of a quirk in the Arbitron and Nielsen ratings systems. A program is awarded credit for a full quarter-hour if a viewer watches it for at least FIVE MINUTES. Hence the Average Quarter Hour numbers. NBC has also been taking advantage of this quirk during Sweeps Month, but to a lesser degree. For instance, last night's final Frasier ep started at 7:54 as well - to get a higher AQH Rating. Tonight's repeat will start at 7 CDT and run to 8:06, spreading an hour show over five quarter-hours.
Fox is now able to run just about any Idol-related shows they wish to produce, and the viewers will watch them.
Michael
They really stuff as many commercials as they can into the program, don't they. I wouldn't watch it - especially the results show - without TiVo.
Also, thanks for your "7:54" info. I had no idea why they were doing such stupid scheduling.