I love American Idol - Every last note! I love the good ones and love to fast forward over the "I'm never listening to that one again"! But why must the mindless in the pit think every song deserves arms flailing in the air? Half of them are off tempo and someone is always going the wrong way.  Why is the camera's panning them anyway? It looks stupid and distracting!

Simon you are so good at critiquing the singers - quit trying to sway the vote by making blatant comments!  People enjoying listening to you because for the most part it's not personal - you are telling them what is in their best interests.

Next - if you're going to pick themes - help these poor saps.  The reason why they are on this is to #1 - get exposure, but #2 - they need direction.  Who in the world would encourage Kristy Lee into a knee slapping, jug hootin' rendition of her song.  Country as in Dixie Chicks, soulful music - definitely not hooten-nanny.

Lastly - cameramen... Pan back and let us see what's going on stage.  The singers yes but lose the side shots that make it hard to follow. You have a great show.  Quit trying to "mix it up" making it so hard to follow. 

All these people can sing.  If there is a pitch problem, it could be strained vocal chords but most likely the feedback.  Fix it guys - and quit turning the back up singers mic's up louder than the lead singer!  When the band and back up singers are louder than the vocalist - it's the music boards job.  Fix your show!