there's a lack of raw talent on the stage this season...i don't see anyone who could be turned into a star, i wish i did it'd be one more person to pitch to...ha...just not there...i have to disagree with ya on the judges being idiots, all have achieved a good deal of success and have put in their time and effort to get where they are, you might not agree with them but idiot is a fairly derogatory term to sling at someone who has over 650 songs BMI is tracking airplay on...(i'm in Jeffry Steele's corner if you hadn't guessed yet :)), John Rich, i don't personally call myself a fan, but i know he's got some and has actually helped alot of new people break into the biz, Jewel, well she's sold enough records to pick up checks at the mailbox, i would love to be an idiot with any of those credentials...everyone's a critic including moi, i'm just more apt to be a critic on the raw talent rather than on the proven...JMO...moker