Idol Chatter & Voice Views

As American Idol faces the prospect of losing Simon Cowell at the same time ratings are falling, I offer up 10 free tips for saving the show. We’re up to …

Tip 7: Mimic season seven

Wasn’t that a great year for Idol?

David Cook versus David Archuleta for the Idol crown. A top six that included Jason Castro, Syesha Mercado, Brooke White, Carly Smithson.

Tons of talent. Tons of musical diversity.

Even Kristy Lee Cook made up for her suspect vocal performances with spunk, torn jeans and a great sense of humor.

Early on that year, one of the big story lines was how Carly was “a ringer.” She’d already had a record deal when she was younger. No way she belonged on a show designed to give amateurs a break.

Truth be told, that season was hardly shy on musical experience. Brooke and both of the Cooks had independent albums in their past. Jason had appeared on a reality TV show with Cheyenne Kimball (now of Gloriana). David Archuleta had been a winner on Star Search.

Amateurs? Not really.

And haven’t we gotten past the notion that Idol is going to pluck someone out of a karaoke bar and turn them into a star in five months.

I mean, Simon keeps talking about Lee DeWyze, the part-time employee in a paint store as though he’s some sort of novice at this music game. Some novice. He has two albums under his belt.

So when Hollywood Week 2011 rolls around, I’d advise the judges to pay as much attention to the contestants’ musical resumes as their performances that week.

Haeley Vaughn types need not apply.

(Tip within a tip: If Mallorie Haley, Katelyn Clampett or Jacklyn North try out, DO NOT pass them up again.)

Give us a cast as talented and musically diverse as season seven, and I promise not to type the word ringer.

Not even once.