The Next: American Idol

I confess: I'm a fan of American Idol. Not religiously like some people. I cannot name spouses, or bands, or children of the contestants. I don't even think I could tell you how many contestants there are. But I'm excited for The Next: American Idol.

In general, finales of this nature are typically heavy on the cheezy side. I seem to get a little uncomfortable when ten "almost stars" sing together new, poppy rendentions of old classics in their own scale-manipulating ways. And just because one can sing- don't mean thay can dance, even if it is horribly choreographed with overly simplistic sways and side-steps. The live audience seems to have even been coached when to hoo and holler, clap, sway, or maybe they were just following suite from the idols, whatever the case, it the choreography was still ba-a-d.But I know I am not alone when I say this cheese-bit keeps me hanging on for the next act, even if at times they do resemble circus performers. Perhaps that is why the largest audience since the SuperBowl is tuning in to watch who will be The Next: American Idol.

I think one of the most engaging aspects of American Idol is the contestants seem really humble about their fame. (In my opinion could have been the biggest downfall for Paris. Ah, she'll be fine. I'm pretty sure her career was set after the first note she sang for American Idol.) But especially the two finalists come across as being honestly genuine about their ability to entertain literally billions of people worldwide. Even their head shots depict this.

American Idol makes dreams come true. Tonight, it did it with the help of stars from across many genres of music- though without the help of the First American Idol, Kelly Clarkson. All the guest appearances were amazing. Stunning performances from Prince, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Clay Aiken, and others.

To keep it fresh, American Idol initiated a few new traditions like the Golden Idol Award, where they recognize and publicly re-humiliated some of the worst auditioneers they came across during auditions. Most, as Ryan Seacrest noted, were smart enough to figure they'd actually had their fill of fame and respectfully (or not) declined to accept such an honor on live television. Some, however, did gleefully accept the award and American Idol showed viewers that, yes, they did have a heart for the poor souls. Especially moving was the chance one contestant got to sing on stage with a guest appearance from his own idol, Clay Aiken. (who by the way looks as if he has added a few pounds and shed his distinctive spiked hair for a dark and shiny, long, layered and very sexy European do. Dark looks good on you, Clay.) The recipient of the award was given a second chance during the audition to pee, and I thought it was going to be an issue again, when he turned around to, by surprise duet with the former idol star.

And I just can't help but mention the hilarious bit with Wolfgang Puck and North Carolina Chick, Kellie Pickler. Watching a deep, southern, white girl

a) try to pronounce words such as calamari and escargot

b) scream in utter fear of live lobsters

c) blantantly refusing to eat such things from a world-renouned chef

was seriously one of the best segments of the entire show. They were having fun (or at least he was...)

As the above picture of Hicks and McPhee illustrates, it was all about fun for the participating contestants. Many times during the season, I was having fun with the performers- the music choices, personalities, and on-stage chemistry lasted until the finale. This was when true colors were revealed on-stage with singers paired together in duets, trios, all guys, all girls, solos, etc. I may even say that should Alaska ever get the chance to bring the American Idols up here, I would most certainly go. I think everyone will. Though even if the whole state showed up to the concert, it would still be a measly comparison to the fan-base this show continues to create and foster. Note the 63.4 million people who exercised their right to vote- more than any other president vote. Of course, the presidential vote really isn't based on popularity anyway. The president probably is not having a lot of fun these days and certainly is not The Next: American Idol.

I am genuinely excited to see what the Soul of Jazz, Taylor Hicks, will create as The Next: American Idol.