Ratings Slide Prompts Talk Of ‘American Idol’ Changes

Though 'American Idol' is still an enormous hit, ratings have slipped this season. NBC's Michael Okwu reported on what changes may be ahead for the FOX program on the 'Today' show after the network sent out a market research survey for viewers to provide their input on the show. Brian Alexander of People magazine said the show is now asking questions about whether there's too much banter between the judges, if the audition shows lasted too many weeks, and which of the judges are important to the show. But music producer David Foster insisted that one person who has a safe job on 'Idol' is host Ryan Seacrest. "He's an enterprise. he's a brand," Foster contended. Watch the segment, aired Tuesday (April 29), below the fold.