Now that American Idol is down to the final 24, it’s about the time we write about it here. This season, however, may be a little different. First, last season’s guest recapper, Princess Midwest, recently joined a local alt-country band as a singer/bass player. So, she’ll be spending more time making music than evaluating it. I have a class on Wednesday nights too, so our coverage will be spotty at best. That said, some of us may get more involved if there are some really great (or really horrible) contestants this year.

We’re not the only ones that are less excited about Idol. After the last dull season, the show needs to improve. Here are five humble suggestions from yours truly:

1. Make sure we have great contestants. The producers and judges can bitch about the talent last season, but they’re the ones who put them into the top 24. With three musical superstars and an Oscar winner under their belts, we know they’re capable of spotting diamonds in the rough. They’ve got to do it again if the show is to remain somewhat relevant.

2. Openness and honesty. First, be honest about the contestants’ backgrounds. Not everyone is a simple country girl or boy who only sings for their cows. If they, for example, had a major label recording contract before but failed, tell us. The audience only cares about who can sing and connect. We do, however hated being lied to. Along those lines, to avoid any accusation of shenanigans, Idol needs to start releasing the vote totals. Put them up on the website immediately after the results show. It’ll drive traffic and drive talk as superfans will have a full week to plot how to best support their favorites.

3. Speaking of the web, Idol needs to actually use it more. For a show that has audience interaction as such a key element, Idol doesn’t do much with the interactive possibilities of the internet. Why not do a web poll to determine contestant song choices or wardrobe or a future week’s musical theme?

4. Kill the finale song. “A Moment Like This” was a big hit, but the subsequent finale songs have been big duds. What’s worse is that the very format of the syrupy songs can determine the winner. Blake was probably going to lose last season anyway, but the finale’s big ballad single made a victory almost impossible. Why not take the time to produce a single for the winner that best suits them, instead of trying to fit them into a terrible song?

5. Finally, after seven seasons, it’s time for a big twist. How about giving early boots a chance to compete for a spot back into the competition? Or what about counting Randy, Paula & Simon’s votes? The show is too predictable – so shake it up, I say!