My gut feeling is they're trying too hard. I don't know how else to say it, it just seems too contrived and forced. What is so hard about making this show interesting? If there are good contestants, if they're good singers and musicians, then, it's interesting. Pick good people and let them sing and give them some choice of what to sing and how to arange it, and give them enough time onscreen to sing a decent amount of music (instead of cutting back on their screen time and songs) - and you have the essense of AI, a simple show and a great show if people stay out of the way of the talent and the competition.
Yes, I completely agree! They're clueless really. They think the public wants this big spectacle and controversies and stuff, while we just want good music. It's like they can't accept that it should be that simple.