What do we do now that American Idol is over?

Yes, I admit it. I’ve watched American Idol the last few years. It is a cultural juggernaut, but like everything else, it’s not perfect. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Amateurs only. America sniffed out Adam Lambert this year as being too polished, too professional, too good. From now on – nobody who has ever made a professional cent should be allowed in. No piano bar singers, no background singers, no previous record deals, no broadway experience. AI is at its best when it is discovering some new talent – not giving someone a second chance.

2. While Simon is talking the other judges have to shut up. I don’t understand why they’re allowed to catcall him when they disagree. It’s bad enough the audience is yelping like wounded dogs. He never says a word when they’re talking. We want to hear Simon – everyone else shut up.

3, No Mindreading. That’s not to say Simon is infallible. This year he did a little bit too much mindreading. We don’t really care if Simon thinks a performer thinks they can win. I thought his persistent negativity on Allison’s mindset (while praising her singing) got her booted. And yes, she was my favorite. We want the judges to answer one fundamental question – “How did they sing?”

4. Lose the instruments. Is it a coincidence that the last 2 winners stood up there with a guitar and beat guys who were “only” singers? If it’s a “singing competition” which they repeat over and over, then it can’t also be a “talent competion.” What’s next – dancing? (Hint – America loves a guy with a guitar – it will always be sexier. But it puts competition at a disadvantage.)

5. Change the order of the judges. We didn’t mind Kara, she’s ok. But most of the time she parroted Randy. Mix it up a little.

6. Give the judges a time limit. Pick up the pace – please. We really don’t care how proud Paula is of everyone. How did they sing?

7. No more comments on song choices. “Wrong song” is not really the issue is it? Bad interpretation, bad performance? When a golfer hits it in the woods, it’s not because he picked the wrong club.

8. No lip-synching. Let them make some mistakes.

Other than that – don’t change a thing. See you next year.