Remember the days when Kelly Clarkson and Justin Gaurini were the top contestants on American Idol? When Randy was still a fat-ass and Paula didn't look and act as if she was a stroke victim or sauced up all the time? Those were the days. American Idol is now in its 68^th season and not much has changed.

Sure, they allow the contestants to play instruments now, but they shouldn't. The original premise of the show was to find America's top singer, not musician. If they wanted to find America's top musician, they should have done that show, and done it full strength. At least it would be entertaining! The only other thing that has changed is the fourth judge, which is a good change, but only because she is attractive and fun to look at. Other than that, Randy still says, "Yo Dawg" and has generally positive things to say about each and every performance. The new chick praises every single one of the contestants no matter how ridiculous they sound. Paula rambles on incessantly about nothing related, on the brink of tears and stumbling over her words. And Simon hasn't changed his tone one bit.

BUT...at least Simon has the balls to call it like he sees it. Most of the performances are just mediocre and he isn't afraid to tell them that. He is right in everything he says, yet he is still booed. Anyone with any ear for music will have to agree with him, but the hundreds of audience members hoot and holler at him every time he opens his mouth. They haven't the slightest clue. They are simply lemmings following in the footsteps of the thousands that aimlessly walked off the cliff before them.

I do have to admit that I am only basing my opinions on a handful of viewings since the first season. I have only had the inconvenience of watching this show a few times here and there during its extensive history...until tonight. I received a text message informing me that one of the contestants was playing the cajon, a drum I know and love to play. I decided it was worth a look, and after flicking to the channel I was far less than surprised to see that it wasn't actually the contestant playing the instrument, but a professional musician. I was then coerced into watching the remainder of the show, to which I was absolutely disgusted.

The songs they sing, the clothes they wear, and the way they present themselves is an embarrasment to our country. They look like absolute fools! I will admit that a couple of them have the pipes, but I have no respect for the way they carry themselves. It is time to call it quits American Idol! Let the people of our country return to actual reality and steer clear of reality television. Its a waste of time, and has no added value in our society. Why do you think we are the low man on the totem pole in education?

But I guess if I had a google-plex of viewers each and every week of each and every year, I wouldn't shut the show down either.