Dear American Idol: Is It Time To Give Up?

We know who Kelly Clarkson is. We know Carrie Underwood. We may even know Kellie Pickler, with her ditzy blonde attitude. However, do we really know or care about Lee Dewyze? Not going to lie - I had to Google him to find out how to spell his name.

American Idol had its time - when it was new and fresh, and when bad singers were actually funny. (William Hung, anyone?) Now, the bad singers are just on it for the fun of some screen time. It's just not the same.

I think American Idol just needs to admit that it jumped the shark. With practically a whole new judging panel (Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez) and lots of new gimmicks (music videos and such), the show just isn't what it used to be.

The thing is, that's okay! American Idol doesn't have to be what it used to be. However, it probably shouldn't try to continue so far past its prime. Don't we want to remember American Idol as a great show? Why keep it going until our only memories are of some inappropriate judges and the same old gimmicks in shiny new packaging?

Jumping the shark isn't a shameful thing - lots of shows do it. However, it's important to know when to stop, and American Idol just doesn't know that. It's time to give up, American Idol.

We'll always have Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Constantine Maroulis and Simon Cowell. We'll remember Paula before she went crazy and Randy's love of the word "Dawg." We even remember Brian Dunkleman's short career on American Idol. I almost hate to admit it, but it's time to say goodbye to the show that thrust these people into stardom. (Well, except Brian Dunkleman - I'm not convinced that he ever really got famous.) Anyway, American Idol had a good run, but it's probably time to accept that the run should be over.