Dear ‘American Idol’: How About Some Road Tunes?

I’ll admit it: For the first time since Clay Aiken came in second and got all the glory anyway, I’ve been following “American Idol” this year. I’m a pretty halfhearted viewer—I tend to browse the recaps the next day, and then find the performances that interest me on YouTube—but I’ve still managed to take note of the various theme nights the “Idol” producers have come up with. Opry Night, Idol at the Movies, Rat Pack Standards, even Disco: the diversity of American musical eras and traditions represented is admirable.

Nonetheless, I’m left wondering about one great American tradition that “Idol” seems to have overlooked. Where’s the homage to road music?

There’s certainly no shortage of material—just check out our list of the top 40 travel songs of all time, or our recent pair of road-tripping playlists, for proof. I can picture the show playing out: Allison Iraheta could do a slinky, growly version of “Proud Mary,” Adam Lambert could rock out to Highway Star or “Ramble On.” Kris Allen could croon “Leavin’ on a Jetplane,” Ben Affleck-style—the girls would love it—and Danny Gokey could… Well actually, in my vision of Road Trip Night, Danny has already been voted off. Paula could wax incoherent about the journey and the destination. It would be a perfect fit, don’t you think?

Any “Idol” fans out there who’d like to see a Road Trip Night? What would be your song choices for the remaining contestants?

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