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April 27, 2010

Dream Themes on American Idol


My mounting frustration with the ratings-juggernaut that is American Idol seem to grow exponentially week after week. When I found out that this week's theme is the Shania Twain songbook, I was positive that it was a sign of the apocolypse.

This theme week comes after Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Elvis weeks, all which seem super-legit (Rolling Stones was cool), but at the same time it seems that American Idol is way behind the times. They're known for having old themes like Rat Pack week, Grand Ol' Opry Week, etc, etc and a lot of these theme nights have been repeated. How about something new and refreshing? Below I have listed some awesome themes that I think American Idol should tackle that would be challening but workable for all styles of the contests. Now, I just wait for my phone call from Fox...

-Tom Petty (with or without Heartbreakers): Seriously, how has his catalogue been almost completely ignored for so long?

-Foo Fighters week: They have been around for almost 20 years and have quite a collection of nice rock tunes (Hero, Times Like These, Best of You) and ballads that everyone enjoys (Everlong...I love that song!).

-Songs chosen by your parents: How cool would this be?!

-Foreigners Appreciation Week: The list of songs would be from people not born in the United States


Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac Night: I put this on the list with some trepidation, just because no one has done 'Landslide' justice on that show. But I'm always open to the idea of redemption.

Break-up songs: A chance to show vulnerability for the contestants because they can either go the hurt route or the angry route. Both would be great.

90s week: Sure, some people say the decade was a bum one as far as music was concerned, but every dark cloud has a silver lining. After all, isn't this when Madonna did 'Ray of Light'?

(Speaking of Madonna, I will not put on this list a Madonna theme week because I don't think American Idol can top Glee when it comes to the Queen of Pop. )

Super-group week: There are bands and then there are super-groups. This week would offer contestants a variety of songs from The Eagles, Dave Matthews Band, U2, and many other groups that sell out arenas and light up music charts.

Music-critics choice: I'm sure that any music critic with an ounce of pride would steer clear of this show, but maybe if they came in and chose songs for the contestants it would open up a whole new avenue for them and the show. People like Rob Sheffield would maybe be open to doing it.


Woodstock Week: Songs by bands that rocked Woodstock way-back when

Protest songs: Nothing like a little political and social drama to make Idol relevant and interesting

Any others?





*Editor's note: It seems that Sir Michael Slezak at EW has done something similar and I agree on a few of these themes. P.S. He is awesome.

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