"4) DO NOT FORCE 12 girls and 12 guys. Start with the 24 most talented
5) Get rid of the themes. Let them pick their own songs throughout the entire competition."

Geekboy, I agree 100%! Why in the world are they having people sing "prescribed" songs when the reason--at least in theory--that the contestant made the cut was due to their performance of a song of his/her choice?

If it means paying more for song rights, pay up! AI has made enough to do that.

It seems that the judges, mentors, and the entire program/format was just tired, stale, and blah this year. The poor contestants were given music that truly didn't reflect their talents.

We stopped watching AI in its entirety about half-way through the season and went to DVR to fast-forward 98% of everything; just listened to part of what they sang, which was mostly sad, blah, and bad.

Why, oh why, do they make these young people sing Sinatra or Elvis or Beatles? I know, those folks were "artists," but really, why do that? I flip stations if I hear songs like that; why would I ever buy a CD from someone who tries to imitate one of them?

Maybe part of the loss of AI's credibility and creativity was because the program was followed by "Glee," which had REAL talent!