IDOL...Too much like the original? or not?

What? Can someone please explain to me the judges on American Idol? First of all, I love Ellen and watch her show as often as I can; however, this season, these judges are ridiculous! If I was on the show, I wouldn't know whether I should sing Amazing Grace or some obscure version of a 1980s ballad. They are giving the most ridiculous tips and criticism.

"you didn't change it up enough" & "It was nothing like the original" (conundrum for our contestants? I think yes)

"I want to see you be 17. I want to see you play and be current and be fresh and be modern" followed by the precious Katie Stevens singing a song including the lyrics "Summer came like cinnamon so sweet, little girls double-dutch on the concrete." What is more childish than that. And they told her it wasn't young enough. Who cares how old you are? Just sing....and when did you have to start playing 10 instruments and be able to arrange all this music. I thought it was a singing competition. Not anymore, Idol, not anymore.

If I were on Idol, I guess I would need to sing something kind of funny, kind of young, creative and that has to do with liking to decorate my apartment for the holidays....but it couldn't sound too much like anyone else, but you'd definitely have to know who the original was! ARGH! It's ridiculous.

Let them sing! Puh lease