photo: ap
Finale
Original Air Date: May 26, 2010
Patricia Morris Buckley – Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com
For whatever talent the two finalists lacked compared to previous winners and runner ups, the concert that was the S9 finale was certainly worth tuning in to. And knowing that tween girls chose the winner made me glad there was far greater talent on the stage to cushion the results.
Did you hear how many times that Ryan noted that there were DISCOUNTED tickets available for this summer’s Idol tour? That says a lot, doesn’t it?
And yes, Lee Dewyze, the guy who has major fidelity issues with pitch, is the new American Idol. Even though Crystal Bowersox out sung him this week. Even though he gave under-energized performances himself. Once again, a white dude took the title, the third year in a row.
Just proves again the immense power of the female tweeners and their votes.
Luckily, we were treated to some fun performances in the two-hour finale. Alice Cooper sang “School’s Out” with the Top 12 and a zombie chorus. Kris Allen performed his new single, “The Truth” (despite a snafu from Ryan’s mic). Siobhan Magnus and Aaron Kelly harmonized with the BeeGees. Big Mike sang “Takin’ It To The Streets” with Michael MacDonald.
The ladies introduced Christina Aguilera. The guys had fun with Hall & Oates (did you see Daryl Hall shrug when he couldn’t hit the high notes?). We even got a peek at Top 24 Janelle Wheeler who was introducing the viewers from Toledo, Crystal’s home town.
Crystal sang with Alanis Morissette, then Carrie Underwood took the stage with “Undo It.” Casey had a duet with back-from-the-edge-of-death Bret Michaels. Lee sang with Chicago, another group of rockers who can no longer hit the high notes. General Larry Platt came back with an overproduced version of his Idol song, “Pants on the Ground,” which wasn’t as good as his original.
In a lackluster season, the producers decided to play up Simon’s last show before he becomes the competition. Dane Cook came on with a rather fun song made up of Simon’s worst insults. Previous audition victims also came on stage with Cook, and the camera cut away quickly when one took the mic and started berating the British judge.
In a nice touch, Paula came back to wish Simon well — although she took her time doing so. Also, it made me sad when she didn’t get the same treatment when she left (it’s all about timing, Paula). Then seven of the eight previous Idols came on stage to serenade Simon (what happened to Cookie? Didn’t he get the memo?). Others from previous Top 10s also came on. Very touching.
Then Janet Jackson came on for no apparent reason and performed two long numbers. Both Crystal and Lee sang with the great Joe Cocker. A few minutes past 10 p.m., a rep from Telescope delivered certified results to Ryan. They’ve never done this before. Wonder if it’s because of last year’s voting scandal?
And then the ticker tape rained down on Lee, who looked close to collapse before hearing his name.
We’ll have interviews with both Lee and Crystal this weekend. Watch for them.
Do you think the right person won? Which celebrity singer was your favorite? Will you purchase a DISCOUNTED ticket to the summer tour? Give us your TwoCents…
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TheTwoCents 
I’ve said it for years and I still believe it … America doesn’t choose the winner. FOX/Nigel/Simon/whoever puts the money into the music does. They choose who they believe is the most marketable and Crystal is not who they picture on the cover of their CDs. Like you said, tweens love to scream for Lee, like they did for Cook and a few others. If you noticed, Ryan didn’t say how many votes were cast and “how close” the race was. None of that this year because it doesn’t even matter any more.
As far as the show, I was bored to tears. It’s the first full episode I’ve watched all season. The only thing I liked was Bret and the Simon tribute with all the past Idols (a few notes on that: What has happened to Kelly?? She’s a hot mess. Where was Cook? Ruben looks awesome. Fantasia needs to stop screaming. I miss Taylor! He had such potential. And who were half of those other people?? They needed name tags. LOL). No need for the show to have been 2 hrs and 7 minutes long. OH. And Chicago? I LOVE them. But that’s not the real Chicago. They replaced half the members because they got too old and these guys … well, let’s just say my mom, who cries when Chicago comes on the radio, cried last night for a different reason … her ears were hurting! LOL.
There is no reason for a tour. They haven’t sold out for years and they should just STOP.
For a show I didn’t watch I had a lot to say. SORRY! 🙂
Farrah, the tweens cheer for Cook? You do remember who the other guy was with him in the finale, right? 😛 But overall, I agree. I gave into Idol for four seasons, but have been off it the past two, and I’m not going back.
Little girls cheered for Archie. Tweens cheered for…well…both. LOL
Great recap! Although I have to say I’m glad I only half-watched that madness.