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Image: "American Idol" judges
Michael Becker  /  Fox
“Idol’s” viewership has fallen a bit this season, and the show wants to know why. Could it be because new judge Ellen DeGeneres, far left, isn't fitting in with Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell?
By The Scoop
TODAY.com
updated 5/10/2010 10:17:42 PM ET 2010-05-11T02:17:42

Critics have been trying to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with “American Idol” all season, and now the show itself is asking fans to explain why they’re watching the program less this year than last.

The survey, on AmericanIdol.com, lists “I do not like Ellen DeGeneres on the show” and “I do not like the show as much now that Paula Abdul has left” as possible options. There are 16 altogether, and interestingly, no other option singles out any of the other judges, as if it’s just impossible that people might be tired of hearing Randy Jackson say the same thing night after night.

And speaking of Abdul, there is an entire block of questioning devoted to her and whether she’s missed or should come back. Among other things, the extensive survey also asks viewers to rate every guest judge, mentor and theme, and there are six questions devoted to the worthiness of the judges’ save.

It’s rare that a show actually asks for viewer input outside of a focus group, so if you care about “Idol,” then take advantage of the opportunity and weigh in. That said, reps for the show didn’t respond to questions about whether they’re going to make decisions based on the results of the survey. But hey, it’s nice to be asked, right?

Bieberites still threatening Kardashian
Justin Bieber’s loyal fans have been angry about his flirtation with Kim Kardashian since she admitted to coming down with Bieber Fever at the White House Correspondent’s dinner May 1, and they aren’t letting up.

Kardashian said she is still receiving threats from angry fans. “I got a few today,” she told Us Weekly on May 8. “One said, ‘I will shank you.’ Not too sure what a ‘shank’ is.” She also said that earlier threats included things such as, “If I ever see you in the streets, I will kill you! You took my man!”

Does this mean it’s the end for Kardashian and Bieber’s flirtation? No, as far as she’s concerned.

“Realistically, he's 16 years old and he's adorable, but it's not that serious," she told Us. “I still have Bieber Fever. It’s not his fault that all the Bieber fans are after me. They're all young, so I’m hoping that it's all just in fun and that they seriously don’t mean it.”

Snap up a Met Costume Institute Gala gown
The Met’s Costume Institute Gala is the most glamorous red carpet outside of the Oscars, and this year, the gowns worn by the likes of Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington and Kirsten Dunst are being displayed and auctioned off by the Gap.

If you’re in New York, you can see the dresses for yourself. They’re on display at the Gap’s pop-up location at 680 Fifth Avenue, and if you want to own one, they’re up for auction all month at Gap.com. All proceeds benefit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in support of the Costume Institute.

Courtney Hazlett delivers the Scoop Monday through Friday on today.msnbc.com. Follow Scoop on Twitter @courtneyatmsnbc.

© 2012 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

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