Idol Chatter & Voice Views

And the theme for the first week of the American Idol finals is …

Music of the American Idols, which includes songs performed by any past winner.

I love, love, love this theme.

I could only love it more if Idol added a clause that read: Thou shalt not sing a ballad.

Wow, did we hear a lot of those in Vegas.

But back to the Top 10 theme, which is brand new on Idol. Let’s count some of the reasons why it works.

1. It will focus the finalists’ attention on more current music. The Vegas song choices included tired-old standards like “I’m Feeling Good” and “I Believe I Can Fly,” not to mention Perry Como’s “It’s Impossible.”

2. Contestants will have a wide array of music to choose from. They can pick anything from Carrie country to David Cook rock. From Fantasia R&B to Kelly pop. In other words, every Season 12 finalists should be able to find a song that falls in their wheelhouse.

3. It shows Idol really does know how to pay homage to its past. Considering how former contestants have sometimes been passed over by questionable guest artists choices (remember the Shakira / Rascal Flatts duet?), I’ve sometimes questioned that commitment.

Or else Idol producers didn’t want to have to spend much time in the coming week clearing songs.

Regardless of the reason, it’s a fresh theme, a welcome theme and a promising start to the Season 12 finals.