…and the winner of American Idol is…

So another season of American Idol has come to a close.  How would I wrap up the season?  Well, there were a few good moments, and many boring ones.  I myself was a huge Crystal fan, and thought the final two were the perfect choice.  America got that part of it right.  Crystal deserved the win for sure, having many more great moments during the season than Lee had, however I don’t think she needed it as much as Lee did, so the winning choice still made me happy.  Now I know there are many out there that did not prefer the fawning over Crystal that the judges seemed to do, I myself thought it appropriate however since in my opinion she was that good.  Last year though, I was on the other end of that statement, thinking Adam did not deserve the fawning, so I know it all comes down to taste.

The finale:  Now I don’t know if it’s my age, my taste, a little bit of both, but I personally thought this was one of the best finales AI had ever had.  It almost felt like they called me, and asked who I would like to see perform.  Christina was amazing as usual and I loved her new song, Janet was a terrific surprise although that first song she sang sounded eerily like Michael to me (Plus I would have loved to see Paula out there dancing during “Nasty Boys” seeing as she was a choreographer on the video.  I wonder if they made up yet?  I know they had a major falling out years ago), Michael McDonald was awesome (couldn’t believe he was there since he is noticeably absent from the Doobies ALWAYS), Joe Cocker was great, the Bee Gee’s, Hall and Oates, Chicago, all wonderful, and the surprise visit from Bret Michaels was real neat, although I’m not sure he should be doing things against his doctors orders, probably not smart… I have to say though my favorite moment was Alanis.  The notable change in lyric on “You Oughta Know” (from “Would she go down on you in a theater” to “would she go down with you to a theater”) made me chuckle out loud.  I just wish that segment would have lasted longer, although I know (since I know the lyrics to that song) that there wasn’t too much further they could have gone with that song without getting crazy with the changes or the sensor button!

Simon leaving:  Really, I can’t imagine what this show will be like without him.  It will certainly be interesting to watch, at least the first couple of airings next January.  I really think that unless they find someone fresh, bold, and not afraid to say how they really feel, then the end of AI we got to watch was it’s last hurrah.  I love Ellen, but I do really wish they had plopped her in the first seat so she could have her own thoughts, and not rehash what Randy said.  Never cared much for Kara at all.  I just can’t imagine what this show will be like.  It’s the “end of an era” so-to-speak I think for American Idol.  I just don’t know if they will be able to pull it off without him.

It was also nice to see the past winners and runners up show up on stage.  Notable’s missing: David Cook (I think his tour didn’t allow the time), Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken.  Neat to see though.

So to sum up, bests of the night: Alanis, Bret Michaels, Janet, Christina, Michael McDonald, Joe Cocker, Lee’s win.
Worsts: Simon leaving, Crystal’s loss,  missing previous Idols.
Most Awkward: Paula’s speech, those that didn’t make it through (who was that guy who grabbed the mic… I don’t think that was supposed to happen), William Hung coming out on “Pants on the Ground”

I give the finale a most definite “A” – What do you think?  Did I miss something?  Come join us in the forum to discuss!