Straight up! Losing Paula and other 'Idol' mistakes

There's so much off-season upheaval in "American Idol" that it's hard to keep it all straight.

Jennifer Lopez is in as a judge, then she's out. Steven Tyler's out, then a sure thing. Shania Twain? Chris Isaak? Harry Connick Jr.? Is Kara DioGuardi really fired? What about Randy Jackson?

But judge musical chairs aside, "Idol" (the show, not the voters) has made its share of mistakes. Here's a look at the Big Three idiotic "Idol" moves:

1. LETTING PAULA ABDUL WALK

Not only did Abdul's unpredictable nature make her must-watch TV, but her knack for picking unexpected talent and nurturing it was sorely missed this past season. The lack of a strong champion for the unusual is what led to this year's relatively bland class of finalists.

2. CUTTING JOSIAH LEMING BEFORE THE SEASON 7 SEMIFINALS

The judges had shown him so much love after strong performances of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" and Mika's "Grace Kelly." He certainly should have made the Top 24. Heck, he would have likely gone further than Top 12 finishers Chikezie or Amanda Overmyer. Of course, Leming has a major-label deal, and Syesha Mercado, who came in third that year, does not.

3. "THE SAVE"

Why not just say you think Americans are too dumb to handle the voting themselves? Sure, sometimes they get the voting wrong, as Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson prove, but doesn't that happen because the judges weren't clear enough with their guidance?