When you sell out to the networks, then they get to decide who is on the stage. No connection to Boston or even New England necessary. F tradition, it's all about the Nielsens, baby. Rascal Flatt? I want zombie Arthur Fiedler to rise up out of his grave and rip the heads off these carpetbagging no talent media creations. Craig Ferguson? Could we find someone with less Boston roots than that? Maybe some Mongolian wheat farmer who speaks no English at all. Hey, if he has a prime time slot on CBS, he's got a shot.

Oh, and Neil Diamond sucks. He has alway sucked. He will always suck.