Adding to the pressure of declining ratings expectations is the crushing expense of the superstar judges’ salaries, which amount to millions of dollars – all of which is worn by the network.
‘Obviously, the outrageous coaches’ salaries cannot justify the ratings numbers,’ says the source.
There is also reportedly some disquiet about the direction the show has taken as it desperately tries to maintain audience interest.
‘They have dumbed down the promos as a last-ditch effort,’ adds the perfectly placed source. ‘The coaches are not happy with the dumbed down, slapstick promos, but it’s not up to them.’
With tensions rising and expectations dropping, New Idea’s source says the only way is down – and this season can only end one way: ‘with the axe’.
