The Recession Comes to American Idol

For the second week in a row, American Idol/Ford (are they even still a company?!?) have hijacked an awesome song ("Energy") by an awesome indie artist (Apples In Stereo) and had their remaining contestants "sing" it for a 30 second car commercial. This is getting down-right embarrassing... seriously. I know that AI's ratings are down, but don't they still routinely crush their competition? Didn't Ford just get their hands on some of that sweet federal bail-out money? Can they not afford the rights to cover songs that the majority of their viewership would actually recognize? I hear that Lady GooGoo gal has a song out about poker that all the kids are digging. Couldn't they do a version of "Dead and Gone?" Wouldn't that work on multiple levels? I realize I basically just said this, but it would be nice to see Apples In Stereo get even a fleeting mention. I have a feeling a lot of people would actually like their version of "Energy" and the rest of their pretty great New Magnetic Wonder. Listen to the original version and then jump here to see the commercial.