American Idol--Proposed Guest Judges

In alphabetical order, here are my suggestions for guest judges on American Idol. From Latin, to pop/rock to country and back to jazz, these musicians would bring some great feedback to the American Idol contestants.

Marc Anthony-Latin flair, a talent for dancing, and an incredible music career all add up to one performer-Marc Anthony. With pop hits like I Need to Know, You Sang to Me, and My Baby You, Anthony has shown the music world what he can do. He would be a great guest judge on American Idol.

Garth Brooks-Garth Brooks could definitely show the American Idol contestants a thing or two about letting loose and putting on a good show. A well-known country singer, his long list of hits include The Dance, The Thunder Rolls, and Friends in Low Places. His recent agreement to do weekend concerts monthly in Las Vegas at Steve Wynn's Wynn Resort has yielded sold-out performances (see this link http://www.garthbrookslasvegas.net/). Note to American Idol: Why not Garth Brooks?

Dixie Chicks-With their signature mix of country and pop rock, the Dixie Chicks (see http://dixiechicks.com/default2006.asp )carved a niche in the music world several years ago. With Martie McGuire and Emily Robison singing back-up to Natalie Mains's incredible voice, the audience knows any song the Dixie Chicks perform is going to be good. The Dixie Chicks produced the songs, Wide Open Spaces, Without You, There's Your Trouble, and Landslide. They would be fun to watch as guest judges on American Idol.

Harry Connick, Jr.-How often does American Idol include a guest judge with real jazz roots? Harry Connick, Jr.'s style combines New Orleans jazz with a laid back, pop sound. He's well-versed in older style music and playing the piano. Well-respected in the music industry, he's received Grammy and Emmy awards. For more information about his career, see this link, .http://www.harryconnickjr.com/us/bio . Harry Connick, Jr. is also a successful actor. He would most likely be very kind and encouraging as a judge of the American Idol contestants.

Chris Daughtry-Wouldn't it be interesting to have a former American Idol contestant who didn't win be a judge? Chris would take great interest in the performers and give them honest feedback. As a past contestant on American Idol who didn't win, Chris ended up leading a great band and producing hits like, Home, It's Not Over, and No Surprise. For more information about Chris, see this link http://www.daughtryofficial.com/us/music/leave-town . America Idol fans would love seeing him back on the show as a guest judge and the contestants could only view him as an inspiring mentor.

Alicia Keys-It doesn't seem that long ago that Alicia Keys came on the music scene, playing the piano on the back of that truck in her first music video. She's blessed us with quite a library of soulful, incredible music. With songs like, Fallin', If I Ain't Got You, and The Element of Freedom, Alicia Keys has made herself quite a name in the music industry. She seems nurturing and the American Idol contestants would probably love being judged by and getting advice from her.

Madonna-Because of her enduring music and ever-changing style, Madonna is more on the cutting edge of music's evolution than anyone. Famous for songs in her early career like Borderline, Burning Up, Music, and her role in Evita when she sang, Don't Cry for Me Argentina, Madonna rocks. Plus, she seems the type who would give honest input/feedback as an American Idol judge.

Santana-A legend in his own right, Carlos Santana has been producing beautiful music for 40 years. From Black Magic Woman to Smooth, Santana continues to make his mark on the music world. Selling over 90 million records (see this link http://www.santana.com/carlos/default.aspx ) definitely qualifies him to be an American Idol judge. Quietly confident, totally cool, Santana's counsel could help each American Idol contestant perform at their best. His Latin influence would spice up the show and Lord knows it needs it this season.