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American Idol's producers would be hard pressed to bring any more viewers to their massive hit series than they already do, short of maybe adding an Agatha Christie-inspired element in which contestants were disposed of in creatively macabre ways that corresponded to their song lyrics. (Bucky smothered to death by a fat bottomed girl, etc...) Then again, if it ain't broke, why fix it with our convoluted reality show snuff fantasies? And at $1.3 million per spot for the show's two-person sing-off finale, Idol is definitely not broke:

A 30-second spot on the season finale is expected to command $1.3 million, and it's another sign that the show has become a cultural phenomenon. [...]

While "Idol" isn't setting records, Atkinson says it's a strong statement about the show's growing popularity. The most expensive regularly scheduled TV show was the final episode of "Friends" in 2004, with advertisers paying $2 million for a 30-second spot.

Of course, when all the elements are working in such bankable harmony, there is an almost superstitious reluctance to change any single ingredient of the show's chemistry. That means not only is a blind eye turned to Paula Abdul's sloppy shenanigans and Ryan Seacrest's enthusiasm with the male contestants, but that next season will see the addition of two new behind the scenes staff positions, "Ms. Abdul's Coke Cup Mixologist" and "Personal Lotion Administrator to Mr. Seacrest."