A.I.: The Answer

No, not Allen Iverson. The other A.I. in our lives, American Idol. TV Guide channel clearly thinks it is the answer to getting some better ratings (could their ratings get worse? Who watches this channel?). As if there isn't already enough Idol, what with three shows a week (although starting this week, we are back down to two), the TV Guide Channel has decided we need more, and is going to air a "pregame show" an hour before each Idol show.

Don't get me wrong--I love Idol. But I love the performances. I do not love Ryan Seacrest's "jokes." I do not love the pre-taped segments. I do not love the interviews with the contestants. I just like the singing and the judges' comments. But two extra hours of Idol a week (which I will not be watching) is not the worst of it. Oh no. The host of this new show (appropriately titled "Idol Tonight"): Kimberly Caldwell.

You might remember Kimberly. She of the eternally surprised eyebrow. She of Idol "rocker" status. She who didn't seem to understand "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" consists of two parts--Billy Joel singing for his detractors and also singing his responses--but rather sang it all continuously, no inflections, no question marks, no pauses. She of the screechy voice and no talent. She of the short denim skirts and ankle boots. She is the host on this show.

Why doesn't she go away? What has she done to deserve any more airtime?

And this week's Idol guest judge? Stevie Wonder. At least he won't be bothered by Taylor's tics and mannerisms. I hope he hates Taylor as much as I do. That would be the ultimate validation for Taylor's singing voice being sub-par. Actually, it is unclear if Stevie is a guest judge or if he is just making a special guest appearance of some sort.

And this week's theme? I bet you guessed. Stevie Wonder songs. Because we haven't heard those enough. I guess the only questions are who won the fight to sing "Ma Cherie Amour" and "Isn't She Lovely" and who had to settle for "I Just Called to Say I Love You."