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

Rascal Flatts opened the night with his song “Unstoppable” then Ryan divided the remaining six American Idols into three groups of two: Siobhan-Lee, Aaron-Crystal, Mike-Casey. How three would come out of this grouping was a mystery. Ellen looked at the groupings as if she were going to cry. Ryan asked Simon to explain again what he meant when he called Mike’s performance “wet” and Simon answered to Ryan, “Imagine you singing.” We were left with that.

Ryan asked Ellen about Crystal’s chance of being in the bottom three and Ellen didn’t believe America was that fickle as Crystal didn’t normally have an off week. Ryan then went over to Siobhan and asked her to follow him to Casey’s group and announced the new grouping to be the bottom three. So Crystal Bowersox, Aaron Kelly and Lee Dewyze went to safety while Siobhan Magnus, Michael Lynche and Casey James awaited the news as to which would go home.

Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood introduced Sons of Sylvia who she actually recorded a song with on her third album. Sons of Sylvia sing with an intense, almost fanatical seriousness. I was surprised that they weren’t a country group as Carrie is predominately country.

Lady Antebellum performed next with her song “Need You Now.” I was expecting some sort of Southern Belle from the name but she was simply a pretty girl singing with no mark of the South upon her.

Rascal Flatts and Shakira performed her song “Gypsy” together. She offered up a whisper of her belly dance moves but only a whisper. My favorite of her songs is “Whenever, Wherever” followed by “Hips Don’t Lie”.

Shakira’s advice to the Idols was to “keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” We caught a glimpse of Shakira’s bare feet before Ryan asked Mike about being in the bottom three. Mike answered that there was no shame in being in the bottom three at this stage. Ryan rewarded the answer by sending Mike to safety leaving Siobhan and Casey sweating their fate.

After 33 million votes, the verdict finally fell and landed on Siobhan who sang “Think!” as her parting song. I thought it was an excellent choice. She hugged Simon (at Ryan’s insistence) while Randy told her, “You’ve got an amazing career in front of you. Do it!”

Ryan announced that next week would feature Harry Connick, Jr. with the theme of Frank Sinatra songs.

Tags: aaron, aaron kelly, american idol, bowersox, carrie underwood, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, degeneres, dewyze, ellen, ellen degeneres, frank sinatra, harry connick, kara dioguardi, lady antebellum, lee dewyze, lynche, magnus, michael lynche, rascal flatts, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, shakira, simon, simon cowell, sinatra, siobhan magnus, sons of sylvia

Category: American Idol 2010

Ryan Seacrest announced that over $45 million was raised last week for Idol Gives Back, an amazing feat during these tough times. He then announced the judges and called Simon “the fountain of youth”. He did not explain it further. Ryan reminded us that the finale was one month away and that one of these six would be our next American Idol.

Tonight’s theme was pop country from the Shania Twain songbook. Shania is so cute! She said she felt responsible because the Idol’s would be singing her songs. She hoped they wouldn’t hate her if they didn’t make it through to the next round after singing one of her songs.

Lee Dewyze

Lee was the first to tackle Shania, singing “You’re Still The One.” I didn’t know that was a Shania song. It seems much older and I remember it being sung by someone else. So for me, the comparison was of the echoed memories of the song, not Shania’s version which I’ve never heard. Lee obviously poured his heart into it but I did not feel the connection. I did not feel the emotion. If I heard it on the radio I would have changed channels. Not a good Lee week for me. Randy rode the Yo bus saying, “Yo… yo… so alright, so yo…” Randy said it was one of his favorite songs of all time and that Lee started out a little pitchy but that he found a way to make it his own. He called it a “pretty good job”. Ellen said it was better than a pretty good job. Kara said that the sound of his voice on every song makes the song relevant and… good job! Simon agreed with everybody and added that it was the perfect song out of Shania’s catalog for Lee. Simon started to add more but Kara cut him off. He asked, “Can I actually finish talking?” She said yes but too late, his time was up and he never got to finish. It is irritating when she cuts him off. She already outtalks everybody as it is and I’d like to hear the other opinions.

Michael Lynche

Big Mike sang “It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing.” He’s gotten too predictable and all his songs sound the same. It didn’t move me. Randy thought he’d found his zone and called him a “great balladier.” Ellen compared him to Luther Vandross. Kara thought he’d changed it just enough and that he’d put his mark on it. Simon agreed with the Vandross comparison but thought the performance was “a little bit wet.” When asked what “wet” meant he answered “the opposite of dry” and finally said that “wet” meant “girly”.

Casey James

Casey sang “Don’t!” adding that it was a “singing song” and he didn’t think he’d sang yet (in the competition). I totally disagree. Every song he sings, he sings, and I love his voice. I always feel the connection between Casey and whatever song he sings. Randy called it one of the best Casey performances ever. I hear echoes of Tim from when the judges called something a good Tim performance. I don’t think that’s what Randy meant, though. Ellen thought he sang it like that’s where he really belongs and made reference to his Bob Seger sound. Do they read my blog or do we all just hear the same thing in his voice? Kara said if he kept doing that he’d be at the front of the competition. Simon agreed with Randy and suggested that Casey come down and give Shania a kiss (for her part in his success tonight). He came down but instead of a kiss, Casey hugged Shania. You could totally hear the love from the audience.

Crystal Bowersox

Crystal, who’d already gotten Shania to sign her guitar, said that Shania glows, that she has an aura of positive energy. I see it too. Crystal sang “No One Needs To Know” and said that the song was a message to her boyfriend. Crystal said she was dropping hints here and there and that sooner or later he’d surely “man up”. The song was about marriage and she sang it sweetly but I missed her edginess. I missed it last week, too, when she sang the gospel song. I fear for Crystal going down this road so far away from her fan base. Randy said it was not his favorite performance but that he loved seeing her try something different. Ellen echoed Randy and so did Kara adding that it was impossible for Crystal not to be good. Kara still thought she was amazing. Somehow it came out that the song wasn’t a big song like she would normally take on and Crystal answered that “bigger isn’t always better.” Simon said, “Shocker… we don’t like Crystal this week” echoing the other judges. He added that this was the only week he did not like her performance. I can think of at least one other for me… last week’s gospel tune.

Aaron Kelly

Next up was Aaron faring better than he had last week but like Big Mike he has become very predictable. It works better on Aaron, however. He has a more harmonious voice and he’s definitely got that country twang going for him. Randy said this was definitely Aaron’s wheelhouse and that he was our country artist this year. Ellen said this was going to be tough (implying a tough week to vote on). Kara noted that he really felt the words and said he was smart to change a lyric. It wasn’t clear what he’d changed and I wish she’d been more explicit for the rest of us. She’s usually overwordy but this time she wasn’t wordy enough. Simon said that the last two or three weeks he’d reallys struggled but that tonight he was like a different artist. Simon said this was the kind of record he should make and called him sincere and believeable.

Siobhan Magnus

Siobhan got to finish it out with Shania’s first number one country hit, “Any Man Of Mine.” I hoped that today was the day she’d reconnect and pick a livelier song. It was definitely livelier. I’d call it hillbilly country. Siobhan sang it well but I didn’t connect with her. At the end she hit the note, minus the screechiness, which was a first for her. I thought it was a very nice ending. Randy loved the whole punk country look with the boots. Ellen thought it was the way “to pull the Shania Twain into the station.” Kara said, “Guess who’s back! Siobhan!” I’m noticing that they didn’t really comment on the singing itself but talked all around it. Simon thought the song was perfect but that the screaming at the end was almost like she was giving birth.

My take on the night is that it’s time for Big Mike to go as he was already slated to go before the Judge’s Save. I think the Save has run its course. Of the six left, he’s the weakest link. That said, nobody is weak at this point it’s just that some stand out more than others and he stands out the least. Crystal could end up in the bottom three for swerving from her fan base again. It’s getting harder and harder to pick the bottom three. I think surely Lee and Casey won’t be in it.

Tags: aaron, aaron kelly, american idol, bob seger, bowersox, casey, casey james, cowell, crystal bowersox, degeneres, dewyze, ellen, ellen degeneres, kara dioguardi, lee dewyze, luther vandross, lynche, magnus, michael lynche, ryan, ryan seacrest, seacrest, season 9, shania, shania twain, simon, simon cowell, siobhan magnus

Category: American Idol 2010