Personally, I don’t think “Idol” can do much to keep ratings from falling. It’s just a question of stemming the losses. I think they have done a good job this year by getting rid of the “Sanjaya” sideshows, providing us more personal info about the contestants and giving us better vocalists. The instruments were a good new addition. I’m not 100% sold on the mosh pit but I don’t think it’s a detriment. I wish the would keep the band closer to the singers on the new set. It was fun having them near by this past week - their presence really energized Syesha.

Fox is now doing market research asking fans about the show. More info here in Broadcasting & Cable, where you can download the survey.:

“We’re not in denial,” Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman told me. “It’s still the biggest show on TV, but that doesn’t mean there are things we can’t do. The feedback from this year you’ll probably see on the show next year.”

They have asked viewers if they’d like to see Hollywood earlier in the year with flashbacks to the auditions instead. That could be kind of fun, though there are people who only watch the auditions. In fact, “Idol” has consistently drawn more viewers, often 20 to 30% more, during the auditions than the actual competition.

They ask people for their suggestions on how to improve the obviously graying show. Throw yours out! If I get some good ones, I’ll post them and maybe someone can pass that along to Beckman!

Here’s other “Idol” news:

-Fresh theory on sliding ratings: not enough modern songs. MSNBC points out correctly that forcing themes upon the contestants during the semifinals was a mistake and that only four songs from the past decade have been sung. While this was common the first couple of seasons, more recent songs have become more the norm in recent seasons until this year.

-Fun stuff ousted “Idol” contestants get to do while killing time after being eliminated but before the “Idol” tour starts: I was in DC over the weekend, visiting friends and doing absolutely nothing “Idol” related. Yet I then find out Michael Johns was invited to the White House Correspondents Dinner — and I wasn’t! My friends and I did drive by the hotel where the dinner was held and saw folks in tuxes and fancy dresses but I missed Michael. He was the guest of sports analyst Tony Kornheiser.

-Jordin Sparks is recovering quickly and might be back to singing as early as next week and join the Alicia Keys tour, according to her mom.

-Here are executive producer Nigel Lythgoe’s comments from a TV Guide interview about Carly’s departure.:

“I was very sad,” he admitted. “I think Carly is extremely talented, a brilliant voice. I was sorry to lose Michael and I was certainly sorry to lose Carly.” He dismissed the idea that Michael, an Australian, and Carly, who is Irish, were ousted due to having been born abroad. Carly was in the top four last week,” he pointed out. “Most times, America votes for the best performance of the night. I think this week, we saw America getting behind people they’ve supported over a series of weeks.”*

-And Claymates, don’t worry. It’s coming: my Clay Aiken interview later this week! I’ll post it Friday and provide folks info about your May 5 album release party at Manuel’s Tavern that evening. For now, you can read this interview he did with Billboard magazine.