In the wake of Tarmageddon, or more appropriately the breakup of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that other celebrity news is still fodder for the machine.
Understandably, as the summer heats up, much of Tinseltown cools down a bit as the rich, famous and almost famous leave the Red Carpet behind and trade in couture for the more casual dog days of summer.
But, thankfully it is not completely quiet as the iconic American Idol brand has given us something to talk about.
Ironically, only months after what was arguably one of the most talent-packed seasons of all time; Idol fans are now faced with the shocking news that Steven Tyler, that hard-core rocker with a heart, has chosen not to return next season and instead go back to making music.
Tyler's comment said, "After some long ... hard ... thoughts ... I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress, American Idol before she boils my rabbit," a reference to the movie Fatal Attraction in which a fanatical woman slaughters her lover's daughter's pet rabbit in a fit of revenge.
Tyler was again a man of words, as he explained: "I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I'm back -- but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass -- the ultimate in auditory takeover."
He added: "On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, Music from Another Dimension on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars. Idol was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it ... Now it's time to bring rock back."
American Idol co-creator and executive producer, Simon Fuller, released a statement saying, "I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America's greatest-ever rock band. American Idol will miss him!"
Add to this reports that Jennifer Lopez has also said she will not be bringing her loving support back to the judge's panel next season and the question is: American Idol ... what's next?
Most interesting is the fact that, in an industry where reality television has justifiably made a place for itself as consumable, commercial and at times simply crazy, many shows lack the longevity that American Idol has managed to sustain.
Let us not forget that with the departure of Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, even industry experts were questioning if American Idol would survive. Yet, like the mythical Phoenix it rose from the ashes again -- bigger, better and with an invigorated sense of purpose.
What makes the show work? Does it have more lives than a cat? And if in fact the two powerhouses of the panel will not be returning, is there a future for American Idol? Of course, speculation abounds as to who may fill the empty seats with Adam Lambert, American Idol alum reportedly in the mix.
From its inception, this show has redefined the music industry, creating megastars in a matter of months. It is a cash cow with undeniable brand recognition, offering contestants unprecedented opportunity, and has equally taken the likes of Ryan Seacrest, a virtual unknown, and allowed him to flourish and become a powerhouse across the media continuum.
American Idol has been many things to many people, from pure escapism for those who watch from home, to dreams realized or crushed by those who have had the courage to stand up and be judged not only by some of the most powerful people in the music business, but ostensibly by all of America as well.
Whether a fan of the show or not, it has made its mark on pop culture with very little negative backlash. So as the fate of next season's American Idol is still accented by a huge question mark, a bigger question remains. If we don't have American Idol to tune into each week are we really ready for what just might take its place? Be careful what you wish for as we might be better off with what we know, rather than the likes of those not so memorable shows including Amish: The City, The Littlest Groom, and the scantily clad cast of Temptation Island.