‘American Idol XIV’ will not have Coca-Cola as a sponsor

Typically, a change of sponsor for a network television show is not that big of a deal, but we tend to think that this is a special case. After all, we are talking about “American Idol” and Coca-Cola. The soft-drink giant is one of the world’s most-famous companies, and to go along with this, it has been integrated pretty seamlessly into the show. This is one of the few programs that we actually don’t mind rampant product placement for.

According to Variety, it was Coca-Cola who decided to end the partnership, and they had the following to say in a statement:

“After 13 years, we feel it is the right time for the Coca-Cola brand to venture into new spaces and pursue other opportunities to connect with teens and leverage music as a passion point.”

The implication here is simple: Teens are not watching “American Idol” anymore. It may be true, despite whatever attempts the show is making at getting that market. We don’t blame the sponsor for saying farewell, and we’re sure that Fox will find someone else to put on their beverage cups. For a time “The X Factor” used Pepsi front and center, and “America’s Got Talent” has Snapple. Basically, it is an easy way to have advertising space on a live show without being that annoying.

What do you think about this change, and is it more of a sign to you that “American Idol” is soon to go the way of the dodo? Share with a comment, and if you feel like a good laugh this morning, head over here to listen to judge Harry Connick Jr. performing “Chandelier” in a new promo for the season. Also, sign up to get some other TV news worth a song or two sent right to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter.