Is Bob Dylan the greatest American songwriter ever? I don't know, but it is certainly arguable. What I do know is that no one who's ever appeared on American Idol is even in the running. But, in a world where substance takes a back seat to watered-down, least-common-denominator dribble Simon Cowell might be right, if the quote is true, that ten Bob Dylans in the Idol finals wouldn't draw 30 million viewers. I don't know if he is right, but man I'd sure like to see it. Give me someone who can craft their own songs over karaoke any day.

Meanwhile, Dylan topped the readers poll at Rolling Stone for artist of the year. I'm wondering if Bob would prefer to be recognized by Jan Wenner or Simon Cowell? I think that's an easy question. Indeed, I'm betting more than a few Idol finalists would actually vote with Bob on this one.