The producers of "American Idol," seeking to revive the talent show's fortunes as it begins its 10th season later this month, considered one truly radical revamp concept: an all-star "Idol" showdown.
On the heels of a sleepy ninth season, which averaged 24 million viewers, down substantially from the series' high of 31 million in 2006, the show's key players entertained all manner of out-of-the-box ideas.
One concept pitted "Idol" winners against former finalists who maybe deserved a second chance (or, some would contend, should have won). Thus, Season 3's resident divas, Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson, could have had another face-off.
Or how about the battle of the heartthrobs, David Cook versus Adam Lambert? Or the rockers? Or Chris Daughtry versus anyone? And perhaps finally, fans could have found a definitive answer to the age-old question: who is the most popular "Idol" of all time: Carrie Underwood or Kelly Clarkson?
Not surprisingly, the idea didn't make it very far since the few winners who were approached weren't at all amenable to a do-over, and without the victors, there wasn't much of a show.