This Will Work

Ok, I've got this great idea to extend the life-cycle of American Idol. Let's introduce a giant gong behind the three judges. During the earlier (more than ten contestants) shows each of the judges can use the gong without limits to end a performance that they think is bad. But once there are only ten contestants or less, each judge can only use the gong once per show to cut short a performance and that judge would not be able to use the gong on the next show. This would prevent Simon from using the gong every week and cause him to only use it for an exceptionally horrendous performance. The phone voting would still take place and contestants that were "gonged" can still receive votes but 25% of their vote is deducted as a penalty. I think it would be great to see Simon dancing behind the table holding that thing to hit the gong with and teasing the performer before pounding on the gong and all the while Paula fighting to prevent him from doing it. I'm laughing just thinking about it. :-)