IT'S ON!!!

In searching for the answer why the American Idol Season Eight was such a dull affair was like searching for your eye glasses and you can't find them because they're sitting on your face.

We've previously commented how boring the show was this season since there is too much of a focus on the judges who have too much to say and less time is spent on the contestants. The judges also implemented a SAVE RULE which put more of a focus on them. We complained and complained and complained but still couldn't figure out what was wrong with the show but now it all comes clear.

The addition of the fourth judge is the problem. The new judge Kara DioGuardi is not the problem. She is more spot on with her critiques than any of the other judges but she is very talkative and challenges Simon Cowell as being the wordiest.

Paula Abdul takes up a lot of time searching for something clever to say and ultimately says nothing of substance. You can't eliminate Abdul that would be comparable to taking a Teddy Bear away from a child. Being that what she says amounts to practically nothing she is an integral part of the program.

Randy 'My Dog' Jackson is the least of the problem. This season he seems to have toned down his dog comments. You can't take the DOG out of Jackson it's somewhat blasphemous.

When you do the logic and the math the problem comes down to the judges and the time and attention they consume on the program. . A fourth judge results in more camera time for them and less time for the contestants performances. . It is safe to say the majority of the television viewers tune in to see the contestants perform and not to hear a lot of hot air from judges. The solution could be the same as they implemented in the NBA put a time limit on their critiques.

When the season begins and there are 12 contestants four judges making critiques for a minute takes up 48 minutes of a program. When you ad in the advertising time, network and station promotions at a minimum of 12 minutes per hour there is an hour spent on everything but the contestants. When there are 12 contestants the shows run about two hours in length.

The SAVE RULE also added time to the show. After the public voted someone off the show the judges would huddle and make a decision if they would save the contestant from elimination. The judges decision making takes a lot of time and again the camera is focused on these apparently insecure narcissistic judges resulting in the program losing its momentum.

After they reach 10 contestants the program can finish within an hour but is rushed along by host Ryan Seacrest who in part has a job to keep the show on schedule.

A time limit of 30 seconds per critique with 12 contestants would take up 24 minutes of a two hour show and more time could be devoted to what the show is supposed to be all about... the talent.

The time limit should most certainly apply to Simon Cowell.

A time clock could be super imposed on the screen when the critiques are made. This would ad a dynamic to the show by putting the judges in a position of qualifying their remarks in a concise manner. It could eliminate the unnecessary remarks about an individual's attire or hair which has nothing to do with their vocal prowess.

Beat the clock? No. But our suggestion to the tune of John Lennon's Give Peace a Chance is… Give the contestants a chance.

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