Idol Chatter & Voice Views

This weekend, I’m posting 10 tips on steps FOX and 19 Entertainment can take to save American Idol in the face of falling ratings and Simon Cowell’s departure. We’re up to …

Tip 4: Dump the coronation song

Does anyone out there want to relive “No Boundaries?” Really?

I mean last year’s finale was an epic showdown: the acoustic leanings of laid-back Kris Allen up against the flash and flamboyance that is Adam Lambert.

We get to the final performance of the night, and they’re stuck singing a turkey of a song about making it through the pain and surviving some hurricane.

Co-penned, of course, by Idol judge Kara DioGuardi.

If “No Boundaries” was bad, the season six coronation song was worse if only because “This Is My Now” suited the musical style of one contestant (eventual champ Jordin Sparks) so well and fit the other (Blake Lewis) so poorly.

Now if your show-ending number has been a show spoiler two of the last three years, isn’t it time to rethink the way you end of biggest performance show of the season?

Here’s my idea: During each year’s finale, the contestants get to repeat their favorite performance of the season. Why not end the show with those?

You’re guaranteed a good performance. Every time.

Earlier in the night, allow the contestants to sing one of their own originals that will be released as their first single.

And if a contestant can’t compose a song after 14 weeks of live performances, make them perform “No Boundaries” as a penalty.

Just joking.

Well, sort of. I think an American Idol should be able to write music too. Most great artists do.

And both of this year’s finalists have penned much better originals than Kara’s show spoiler from season eight.