What is it that I am most excited for when it comes to this year's American Idol?

It's instrumental, my dear Watson.

For the first time, Idol contestants are going to be allowed to play instruments. Just imagine... not one, but two chances for contestants to prove their musical abilities. And two chances for them to royally screw up.

Actually, I'm excited because I think this is going to elevate the talent pool. I think it's an opportunity to see some really special performers.

I mean, let's be brutally honest. It takes talent to sing, but it takes a lot more talent to play an instrument too. Unless you play a tamborine or a moonshine jug, you need dexterity, coordination, rhythm and a good ear.

And even if you do play a tamborine or a moonshine jug, you need dexterity, coordination, rhythm and a good ear.

Most of all, you need to be able to read music! Ever try that? I have, and let me tell you -- unless you learned how at an early age, it's about the same as translating hieroglyphics. It's like solving a math problem, intepreting art and doing a crossword puzzle all at the same time.

That's why I think performers who sing and play an instrument are better than those who just sing. Why I believe Michelle Branch or Vanessa Carleton are both a thousand times better than either Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. Why I think John Mayer or David Gray are a million times better than Justin Timberlake or Nick Lachey. Why I'll always be convinced that Sheryl Crow or Dave Matthews are a billion times better than Madonna or Michael Jackson.

You get the picture.

Even some past Idol performers prove my point. Can you doubt the talent of Daughtry, who just cleaned up at the American Music Awards? Compare his post-Idol career to, say, Justin Guarini or Clay Aiken.

Look... you can make anyone's voice sound good in a music studio. Just listen to Blake Lewis' latest CD if you doubt that. But there's no faking playing a guitar and singing live to a packed arena.

So I'm really looking forward to A.I. Season Seven. I know it will be music to my ears.

Ethan Morris: "Not always right, but never in doubt." Go ahead and write me.

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