The big night, the grand finale, and the final goodbye for Simon Cowell, it was a big night for American Idol fans. Only 2% of the votes separated Crystal and Lee and the audience seemed to have more Lee fans than Crystal fans in it. Could this be an omen?

With the opening reminder of Simon’s farewell, Randy stood up to give Simon a standing ovation followed by Alice Cooper singing “School’s Out.”

Last year’s winner Kris Allen sang his song “The Truth.” It was a fitting start for the tribute to Simon. They showed clips of Simon’s journey on Idol and I was amazed to see Simon with longer hair, having missed the first two seasons. Simon was so moved by the clips he laughed until he had tears in his eyes. Yes, Simon with tears, pigs do fly! Even Ryan was “feeling a bit weepy” as he put it.

Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly sang a love song for Simon. “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees, who came out during the song to join the singing. There were only two of the Bee Gees brothers, Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb, both of the original Bee Gees group. The other brother of the original three, Maurice, died in 2003.

This turned out to be just the beginning of the many big singing stars that would grace the stage of the Season 9 finale. Big Mike Lynche sang “Taking It To The Streets” with Michael McDonald, member of the Doobie Brothers band from 1975 to 1995 according to Wikipedia.

Dane Cook sang a tribute to Simon which I think may have been called “Simon Said” but that’s just a guess. Dane said that Simon had the honesty of Abe Lincoln and the charm of the guy who shot him.

The top six Idol girls came out singing Christina Aguilera’s song “Beautiful”, joined by Christina herself, who went on to sing another song. It was a bad girls night with Christina and all the female Idols in black leather. Siobhan’s stockings took it, though, being some strange variety of fishnet that wasn’t fishnet.

Comedian Ricky Gervais paid tribute to Simon calling him the “king maker.” Hey, what about queens? (No, we’re not going THERE.) Ricky claimed that Simon threw away old wrinkled money and you could get rich digging thru his trash cans for it. I kept thinking that past Idol Chicken Little was named Kevin Gervais and wondered if there was a relationship. My memory was close but not close enough because Chicken Little of Season 5 was actually Kevin COVAIS. Okay, so I was close.

The top six Idol dudes came out singing “I Can’t Go For That” and “Maneater” by Hall and Oates who joined in. I smiled to be reunited with Teflon Tim if only for a song or two.

Crystal Bowersox sang a duet with Alanis Morrisette. It was an amazing duet, the two were such a perfect vocal match. We got to see almost the entire giant sunflower tattoo on Crystal’s back.

Carrie Underwood, winner of Season 4, came out singing her song “Undo It.” Carrie continued the bad girls theme wearing black leather pants. Carrie is one of the biggest superstars ever to come out of American Idol winning several Grammy awards, CMT awards, Billboard Music awards, a host of other awards and induction into the Grand Ole Opry.

Crystal and Lee were both surprised with Ford Fiestas sporting the designs each had created for the cars earlier in the season. Crystal’s had sunflowers to match her tattoo. I’m not sure how surprised they were as this seems to be the tradition for the top two Idols.

Then came the biggest surprise of the night. The surprise that brought me to tears. It was a huge moment, full of emotions on so many levels. Casey James started the song “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”. My heart stopped, this is the signature song of Bret Michaels, lead singer of the band Poison. Bret was just crowned the Celebrity Apprentice by Donald Trump just a few days ago and he’s had quite a journey these past weeks.

Bret was the underdog on Celebrity Apprentice who everyone expected to bomb out early, assuming him to be just another airhead druggy rocker. Bret, however, turned out to be the biggest surprise of the year. He’s intelligent, hard working, an excellent team player, and he’s got a big heart, especially for his daughter.

I’m not a fan of the band Poison but I’ve definitely become a fan of the man, Bret, who I’d never heard of before The Apprentice. Not only did he win the title, he did it in spite of a series of life threatening medical issues that started with appendicitis and ended with a brain hemorrhage, warning stroke, and the discovery of a hole in his heart, all while he was competing on Celebrity Apprentice. He won $390,000 for his charity, the American Diabetes Association. Bret himself has diabetes and takes four injections a day for it. During his Apprentice competition he had the scare that his daughter would be diagnosed also. He’s been on quite a ride and I was amazed to see him join Casey in the song on stage. I knew that his doctors didn’t think he should be doing anything but resting yet here he was, performing. I’m sure I’m not the only one who cried.

One thing I’ve got to say about Bret, no other contestant on Celebrity Apprentice did a better job of making sure their charity got top billing. Throughout every single episode, Bret made sure to talk about diabetes and his charity. Most of the contestants I couldn’t tell you what charity they represented but Bret, he got it out there and he kept it out there week after week. Great job, Bret Michaels!

Bret exited saying, “You rock my world!” and Lee came on with the band Chicago. Lee finally mastered the art of looking into the camera when he sings.

Enter Paula Abdul to join the Simon tribute saying that Simon is a flirt if you’re a mirror. She added that he actually really was a flirt but that his hands always ended up on his own chest.

One of the more memorable Idol wannabes was brought on to perform. Larry Platt performed his hit “Pants On The Ground”, made famous during his unsuccessful Idol tryout. He was backed by a group of dancers who ended the song literally by dropping their pants to the ground, dancing with their pants wadded up at their ankles and sporting boxer shorts.

Another Idol wannabe from a season long past made a brief appearance. Try to remember William Hung, the strange looking Chinese fellow who sang the Ricky Martin song “She Bangs.” His unusual looks and bold but horrible audition catapulted him to instant fame, a small record deal, several TV appearances and even parts in several movies.

Paula offered a long farewell full of memories and said that the judges had become America’s favorite dysfunctional family. She said that after years of sitting between two men with boobs bigger than her own, she knew she’d had enough and finally left the show. Paula blew Simon a kiss, drew him a heart in the air and said, “To sir, with love.” They played a special song for Simon: “I did it my way.” Simon responded by saying, “It’s been the best 10 years of my life. I genuinely mean this, thank you, and I’m going to miss you!”

Every American Idol winner came on stage after Paula’s farewell with the exception of one: David Cook. The rest were there: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Kris Allen.

Simon said a few words and talked about his replacement judge. He said that the judges of American Idol were the voters who watched the show, motioned to the Idol winners of seasons past, said that the voters had done a great job and that for himself, “It’s been a blast.”

Another superstar came on stage to perform, Janet Jackson. It was a bittersweet performance with the shadow of Michael Jackson dancing thru my memory. I was reminded of how genuinely talented the Jackson family is. The death of Michael Jackson was one of the biggest losses of the music world. I consider Michael to be one of the greatest entertainers of my lifetime.

American Idol really pulled out all the stops for this finale and for most of it, I forgot what we were there to witness: the crowning of the new American Idol. Crystal and Lee sang “With A Little Help From My Friends” with Joe Cocker. They looked so free. That’s the only way I can describe it. They sang happy and free, no more judges to impress, no more votes to contend for, just the music and the song. They both totally let go and enjoyed the moment with the knowledge that win or not, their journey was just beginning.

I was reminded of a wise old saying: “The time to worry is before you place your bet. After that, the result is out of your hands so just sit back and enjoy the game.”

The moment of truth was fast approaching and Lee appeared ready to cry regardless of the outcome. He could barely contain his emotions. Crystal Mama Sox stood by him in an attempt to give him a shoulder. The verdict was read and Lee DeWyze was declared the ultimate winner of American Idol Season 9.

He was so moved that he could barely speak. His first words were, “Oh my god!” Ryan asked how it felt to be the new American Idol and Lee answered in a shaky voice, “I don’t know! It’s amazing! There are no words to describe the feeling. Oh my god!”

I have no doubt that both Lee and Crystal will go on to great success. Not every Idol achieves big success but I believe that these two will. Lee has the heat, the drive, the desire, and the voice. Crystal has incredible talent and the ability to inject the clearest crystals of soul into her songs, which become “Crystallized” by her voice. I don’t know how much drive she has being divided between her child and the road to success, but we’d surely miss out on a rare songbird if she didn’t take the road. Good luck to you both, Crystal and Lee! You both truly have earned it!

Tags: aaron kelly, alanis morrisette, alice cooper, american idol, andrew garcia, barry gibb, bee gees, benami, bowersox, bret michaels, brown, carrie underwood, casey james, celebrity apprentice, chicken little, christina aguilera, cowell, crystal bowersox, dane cook, david cook, degeneres, dewyze, didi benami, doobie brothers, ellen, ellen degeneres, fantasia barrino, garcia, hall and oates, james, janet jackson, joe cocker, jordan sparks, kara dioguardi, katie stevens, kelly, kelly clarkson, kevin covais, kris allen, lacey brown, lee dewyze, lynche, magnus, michael lynche, michael mcdonald, miles, paige miles, pants on the ground, paula abdul, ricky gervais, robin gibb, ruben studdard, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell, siobhan magnus, stevens, taylor hicks, tim urban, william hung

Category: American Idol 2010

Ryan came on announcing that last night had the highest votes of the season. This will give us our top three, who get to go home for a visit. I’m not sure why that’s such a big deal because the one voted off also gets to go home, although with much less fanfare. They showed photos of past Idols going home to crowds of adoring fans and Lee Dewyze said, “I want that to be ME!” He got his wish because he made it into the top three.

Fantasia, winner of Season 3, performed her song “Bittersweet”. That was the first season we ever watched American Idol. I remember who my favorites were that season: Diana DeGarmo, Fantasia Barrino, George Huff and John Stevens. George was a particular favorite for his joy and happiness. You couldn’t help but smile when George sang. I thought John would do well as a Vegas performer as he sang the old Rat Pack songs. That was the year that Jennifer Hudson got voted off causing a big hooha. I wasn’t a fan of Jennifer, not liking that style of music or voice.

All of the Idols were asked what they most looked forward to during a visit home. Mike looked forward to seeing his puppy. Crystal wanted to play a gig with her bass player and Casey was missing the southern term of “y’all”. Crystal was dressed to the nines in a hot, slinky black rocker chick outfit. The look actually suited her and she looked incredible. Casey got the news that y’all better be ready for him in Texas because he was in the top three and heading home for a visit.

That left Mike and Crystal waiting for the axe while Chris Daughtry of Season 5 sang “September”. Chris has been one of the most successful American Idols ever and he didn’t even win. Hours after he was voted off American Idol he was offered a chance to be lead singer for the group Fuel. He turned it down hoping to forge his own path. His success far exceeds that of many Idol winners. I saw him in concert opening for Bon Jovi and here they were together again as Bon Jovi came on shortly after singing “Superman Tonight”. Jon Bon Jovi has weathered the years well, his career spanning several generations of fans.

The moment of truth arrived and it was Big Mike to be sent home without the fanfare while Crystal Bowersox rounded out the top three. Crystal hugged her boyfriend in joy while Mike’s wife cried in sadness. So Crystal, Lee and Casey will be battling for top dog. They are three very talented singers.

Tags: american idol, Bon Jovi, bowersox, casey, casey james, chris daughtry, cowell, crystal bowersox, daughtry, degeneres, dewyze, ellen, ellen degeneres, fantasia, fantasia barrino, jon bon jovi, kara dioguardi, lee dewyze, lynche, michael lynche, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell

Category: American Idol 2010

Jamie Foxx offered the Idols his advice this week in his strange, eye to eye way. The theme was “Songs of the Movies” which left a pretty big playground to play in. Jamie brought two sets of t-shirts to hand out to the contestants depending on how they did. The shirts said either “Contestant” or “Artist”.

Lee Dewyze

Lee started the evening with “Kiss From A Rose” by Seal. Jamie had given him an “Artist” t-shirt but I don’t think he lived up to it. The song choice was a huge mistake for Lee. It was totally the wrong song for his voice. “Kiss From A Rose” wasn’t meant to be sung in a gravelly, gritty voice. Randy said he’d done nothing with the song and that it was pitchy but okay. He suggested that Lee should have gone with “Blaze of Glory” by Bon Jovi. Ellen complimented him gracefully. Kara said he had a great week last week (here comes the Kiss of Death from the Rose.) She thought Lee got a little lost, that he had out of tune issues, but said he was still great and she could hear him on the radio. Simon disagreed with the song choice as well, noting that there were so many brilliant opportunities to find a song and that Lee was verging on karaoke. He said Lee should be wearing a “Contestant” t-shirt.

Michael Lynche

Michael Lynche took on the Michael Jackson song “Will You Be There.” I didn’t think even Big Mike would be big enough to fill those iconic shoes and sequinned gloves. You’ve really got to have something big to take on a Michael Jackson song, like Season 7 winner David Cook when he took on Billie Jean. That was a memorable performance. Big Mike wasn’t quite so memorable. He didn’t do half bad with it but it just wasn’t something you’d remember a week later. Jamie was flip flopping with the t-shirts and in the end, I don’t think Mike actually got one. Randy didn’t love it and wished he’d chosen an R&B song. Ellen said, “You can’t go wrong with the sound of a choir behind you.” She said Mike was consistently good but too predictable. Kara reminisced about songs Mike had done previously that left her with goosebumps and said this performance didn’t leave her with goosebumps. Kara thought Mike was playing it too safe. Apparently the song was from the movie Free Willy which came up in conversation and totally confused Simon who asked, “What’s a Willy?” He couldn’t connect a whale called Willy with the song Mike did. Simon did note that Mike obviously gave it 100%.

So far none of the contestants offered up the wow factor. It was the perfect opportunity for both Casey and Crystal to shine brighter than they had been. Before moving to Casey’s solo performance, Lee and Crystal sang a duet from the movie Once. They sang “Falling Slowly”. Lee sounded totally karaoke, it was really rough. Crystal in contrast rang clear as a bell. Randy called it a great song by two great singers. Ellen called them the new Captain and Tennille. Kara called it one of her favorite moments of the entire season and Simon called it a fantastic song. It was odd that he used the word “song” rather than “performance”.

Casey James

Casey took on the classic “Mrs. Robinson” from the movie The Graduate. It was reminiscent of Jason Castro of Season 7 with a ukulele sound (I don’t think that’s what Casey was playing but it sure sounded similar). It made me smile. Great job, Casey, except for one thing. It’s time to get back to where you started with the jam band type songs. I can’t help but wonder if the judges overblowing the softer songs he did caused him to stay with that genre. I think it’s a mistake and that sometimes you have to be really careful about following the judges too closely. It can get you voted off.

Jamie gave Casey an “Artist” shirt. Randy wanted to know why Casey had chosen that song. Casey answered, “A lot of things…” and Randy took the opening and ran with it, giving a big guffaw of rowdy laughter at the unsaid explanation. They keep insinuating that there’s something going on between Casey and Kara which we know obviously there isn’t but no doubt it boosts the ratings to fuel that rumor. Randy called the performance cool and laid back. Ellen wished they’d given him a big boy guitar and that he’d gone further with the song. She then turned the commentary over to Mrs. Robinson, aka Kara, who said, “For me, this is you fighting to stay in the competition.” I don’t know if she meant that in a good way or a bad way but somehow I don’t think it was good. Simon didn’t think the song or the performance had the substance needed for such an important night. Simon commented that all the song choices so far had been very strange.

Crystal Bowersox

Crystal Bowersox finally broke the strange songs spell singing “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins from the movie Caddyshack. Jamie gave her an “Artist” t-shirt which Crystal totally earned. She changed the song so much that it was unrecognizable. Radical changes normally end up with a bad review but she basically created a brand new song which was by and far better than the original. Great comeback, Crystal! This is where she needs to be. As far as I’m concerned, she took the night, she owned it and put the other three to shame.

It wasn’t Randy’s favorite performance but he said it was a nice job and called her an “artist”. Ellen said, “That performance just got Crystallized.” Excellent phrase! Ellen said Crystal took the song and made it better. Yup. Just what I said! Kara agreed with Ellen and Randy, calling Crystal an artist. Simon said she was back in the game. We were treated to a shot of Crystal’s boyfriend dancing in American flag pants. He looked really sweet.

Casey and Big Mike closed the show with a duet, singing the Brian Adams song “Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?” They both sang with feeling but of the two, if you put both side by side on the radio, I think Casey would have taken it. He’s more distinctive. Mike is good but he’s so generic. I prefer distinctive. Someone in the audience flashed a “Casey, You Move Me!” sign.

Randy said Casey’s guitar playing was excellent. Ellen said, “As a matter of fact, yes, I have loved a woman!” Kara said that the duets were both incredible. I hate when they combine their comments with other performances as it dilutes the one being commented on. Simon and Kara both thought the duets were better than the solo performances and Simon wanted to give “Artist” shirts to the duets.

Jamie Foxx closed the show with some advice to the final four American Idols. He said next week, to let go. He said he’s looking for that person who will turn from a caterpillar into a butterfly. Ryan announced that the results show would feature Bon Jovi, Daughtry and Fantasia. Fantasia was the winner of Season 3 and Daughtry, who’d been the favorite in Season 5, was voted off much to everyone’s surprise but went on to become one of the most successful Idols ever.

Fantasia could be scary. She returned once and performed a song straight out of a voodoo ceremony. I don’t know any other way to put it. She’d dyed her hair bright red and had it piled up liked a rooster comb. She jerked around the stage like a rooster and her demeanor was something you’d expect from a voodoo witch doctor trying to scare a curse out of someone. That performance was quite memorable, even after all these years.

Tags: american idol, Bon Jovi, bowersox, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, daughtry, degeneres, dewyze, ellen, ellen degeneres, fantasia, fantasia barrino, jamie foxx, kara dioguardi, lee dewyze, lynche, michael lynche, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, simon, simon cowell

Category: American Idol 2010