By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – In its first season back in June 2002, “American Idol” took the nation by storm and captivated audiences as one of the most popular television shows in American history.

Ten years later, as the show embarks on its 11th season, the singing competition continues to rank as one of the most watched television shows on a weekly basis, but the popularity of the iconic show could be on the wane as similar talent competitions have cropped up in recent years.

According to results of L’Observateur’s weekly online poll, which asked respondents about their thoughts on “American Idol,” residents of the River Parishes appear to be among the audience members beginning to turn away from the long-running reality television program.

More than 40 percent of those who responded said they do not like “American Idol.” Another 20 percent said they used to get excited over the show, but that now it is about time for it to end.

On the other side of the coin, more than 30 percent of those who responded said they are either excited about the new season or willing to watch the show if nothing better is on. The poll also showed that having a local participant on the show, as was the case in season 10 when St. John the Baptist Parish resident Jordan Dorsey made it into the top 24, has little effect on viewership. Only six percent of those who responded said they would only watch if someone local was involved.

A complete breakdown of the results is as follows

• 17 percent of respondents said “I love ‘American Idol’ and can’t wait for the new season.”

• 17 percent of respondents said “I’ll watch the show if nothing better is on.”

• 6 percent of respondents said “I’ll only watch the show if someone local is on.”

• 20 percent of respondents said “I used to like the show, but I think it is about time for it to end.  “

• 41 percent of respondents said “I do not like ‘American Idol.’”