The ratings for the Fox talent show "American Idol" have plunged 26%, as the season opener brought in significantly lower numbers. Its illegal spin off "X-Factor" by former "American Idol" talent judge, Simon Cowell, hasn't fared any better, with half the ratings of its predecessor. It's time for these fake shows to go. 

They have spawned dysfunctional felons and thieving karaoke singers ripping off other people's preexisting copyrights. That is not an accomplishment, but a disgraceful travesty. Mark my words, it is going to go down in history in a bad way, especially when all the scandals start pouring out.