There’s something a little malicious in the way American Idol gets rid of its contestants. You got voted off, no one likes you - now get on stage and remind everyone why they hate you just one last time. Already these young singers are standing there with the world collapsing around them - in front of a live audience, no less, on the most popular show on TV - and now they’ve got to sing their final song. And we love -or hate- every moment of it.

Time and again, the Idol voting process has been called into question. It’s obvious the judges and producers of the show have their special favorites - contestants who get more camera time, kinder comments and lots of positive reinforcement even when they sing badly. For favorites, having an off night is no big deal. For those who are meant to be voted off, having an off night is a true death knell. It’s voter influence, and it’s a time-honored tradition that’s been a part of every single Presidential election this country has ever held. So why not do it for reality TV?

The formula works, the show is a success, and at the end of the season I’m always mildly disappointed with the winner. Honestly, none of my early favorites have made it past the Number Four position. For years now, I’ve pondered the only thing America Idol does not have: the anti-vote.

Sure, it’s all sunshine and roses when you vote for a contestant and that person remains safe, but don’t we all gnash our teeth a little when someone we don’t like sails through to the next round? Wouldn’t that be the perfect occasion to cast an anti-vote for those we no longer wish to see? Instead of voting for someone to stay, what if we could vote for them to leave? The hellion in me would love to see a show like that.