MEMO

9 May 2007

To: American Idol producers

From: American Idol blogger

RE: Theme nights

As I'm sure you have realized by now, Bee Gees night was a bad idea. It got me thinking. Have we begun pandering to artists with new albums to promote? Are we compromising our audience by creating theme nights around such artists and events? Perhaps next year, we should consider revising our methods to create a more enjoyable viewing experience.

I have compiled a list of theme nights we should consider. This may be advantageous, but if we begin working with those that control the rights now, we may find some success by the time next season rolls around.

The best artist theme nights seem to be those that have flexibility (i.e. the artist's voice isn't extraordinarily unique - think Bjork - that the song can't be manipulated for another voice). Also, artists that have weathered a few decades seem to provide the richest material with which to work.

For your consideration:

Nat King Cole - a nice breadth of standards adequate for both genders

Simon & Garfunkel - with bonus points to the contestant that sings "Cecilia."

Neil Diamond - One of the greatest songwriters in American music history. No one can resist belting out "Sweet Caroline."

The Beatles - This one will be a toughie to get the rights to but with such a massive catalogue, contestants will only struggle with which song from which era to sing. "Yellow Submarine" please.

Madonna - Even Madge has a little something for everyone - pop, dance and showtunes (Evita)! Plus her songs have great flexibility (as the remix queen would attest to herself). "Like a Virgin" would be entertaining as would "Dress You Up" and "Vogue."

Elvis - Maybe we already had an Elvis night, but honestly, can you ever have too many?

James Taylor - Another great songwriter whose songs would give the contestants a chance to show their understanding of music.

Van Morrison - "Moondance," "Crazy Love," "Brown-Eyed Girl" all too good to resist.

Other thoughts:

Television theme songs - Could be quirky and really fun. My fingers are crossed for the theme from "Laverne and Shirley" but "The Wonder Years" would also be a good choice.

One-hit wonders - Let's face it. We should be preparing the contestants for what the future could hold anyway.

--30--

Tell us: What theme night would you like to see the AI contestants tackle?