• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, October 25, 2011

Fox’s first promo for the 11th season of "American Idol" is a happy affair. Premiering during the World Series, the spot shows "Idol" stars walking down a street. You first see judge Randy Jackson, then Jennifer Lopez, next Steven Tyler, and finally host Ryan Seacrest. Each walker seems to bring out musicians and singers on his or her stroll -- kind of like the mentors on Fox’s "The X Factor."

Of course, the key difference between the two shows is the happy nature of the promo.  The “American Idol” spot is in direct contrast to the more gritty initial promos for "X Factor" where Simon Cowell awoke from a dream and started doing what he does best: doling out ruthless criticism of singers and singing groups.

For "Idol," there is an “I'd-like-to-teach-the-world-to-sing” theme going on. "Together we can fly," sings the backing music track, "in the sky where anything is possible." "American Idol"'s promo ends with a big message, "The Incredible Journey Begins," as thousands enter a theater to begin auditions.

Now, in year two with its current lineup of judges, "Idol" continues to keep its new "nice" attitude. It isn't a terribly grabbing want-to-see promo. But considering it's "Idol," Fox doesn’t have to hit the panic button. It doesn’t have to oversell. Even with last year's declining ratings, "Idol" is still way ahead of everyone else, still garnering the top prices from advertisers.

For the better part of a decade, come January, there has been some prime-time singing to look forward to. Now perhaps, others have not only recognized that but have done something about it.

NBC's surprisingly high-rated "The Voice" from Mark Burnett is returning -- also for the spring (but not against "Idol" directly). It will premiere right after the Super Bowl -- a big launching pad -- the first week in February, a little over a week after "Idol" starts. 

"The Voice" didn't seem to slow down "Idol" a year ago. But one wonders if "The Voice" may grow, as most second years show seem to do.

The incredible journey may have some company.