Wednesday, May 24, 2006

let's rock the house: a finale simulblog...

It's all come down to this night and with two hours of surprises, music, dancing, it's probably going to be anti-climactic to watch the confetti fall. But we'll love every moment of this tradition cheese-fest known as the finale.

Because THIS is American Idol.

And this is a final simulblog, written as I'm watching, unless, of course, I'm crying, in which case I will have to wait until I stop doing that, so ignore the typos and the misspellings, forget you saw the misplaced commas or the poor grammar and, if you're in the west and you want to be surprised, this is not the place to be, because I'll be clicking the send button at every significant break in the action.

Hold on to your goudas, folks, the cheese is about to begin.

[personal note: we've got thunderstorms headed our way. if I lose power it better be after Elliott or there will be hell to pay.]

Carrie Underwood starts the show, joined by Taylor and Katharine with I Made it Through the Rain and they're joined by all the kids, dressed in traditional Brady Bunch white and the choir from last night, only tonight dressed in all black, as the show cues the traditional opening credits. Short but sweet song, just the way I like them, especially when there are about 50 people are singing together.

Ryan says they estimate 200 million folks all over the world are watching. We get to go to Birmingham with the O'Donahue twins. (Remember Becky?) And we get to hear from Tamyra Gray at Universal City in Los Angeles.

Paris starts off with Al Jarreau and they're terrific with We're In This Love Together. The whole song! It's not going to be a medley this year! YAY!


Paris and Al Jarreau

[how appropriate that they are running Super Bowl commercials, considering advertisers paid nearly the same price...]

Time for Chris and Live. Oh my goodness. They really do look alike! I don't know if I'd know who was who 'cept Chris has that wallet chain thing. I think this song is called Mystery (correct if wrong, please). Very nice harmonizing. The crowd goes crazy. They won't shut up.

Shut up crowd.


Chris with Live

The comedy break is a food mentoring session for Pickler with Wolfgang Puck, entitled Puck and Pickler. I'm telling ya, this girl needs to forget singing and hit the sitcom circuit. Forget calimari, she's eating escargot. Very appropriate remembrance of the Pick.

It's Meatloaf!! I love Meatloaf. And he's with Katharine. And the two would be completely at home on a Broadway stage singing It's All Coming Back to Me Now. I gotta be honest, Kat is great, but Meat is scaring me a little.

But Kat's mom's dress is scaring me more.


Kat with Meatloaf

[break]

We return with the traditional revisiting/humiliation of the crappy auditioners. (Damn, and here I had wiped the memory of that over-tanned, over-lipsticked girl from Chicago. Damn this show!) And yes, I was afraid Crazy Dave would be back. And he was.

Alas.

[break]

It's the BOYS! And they're taking care of business, complete with harmonica. I am loving this. Loving. This. They were FAB!


The Boys...

Kat and Taylor get their Chevys. Uhh, I mean Fords.

Claudette Yamin gets the award for best parent moment and introduces "her" Elliott with Mary J. Blige. Elliott sounds good. Mary J. Blige sounds good. Unfortunately for Elliott, she pretty much drowns him out until the end of One, but an awesome performance nonetheless. Anything Elliott does is awesome.


Elliott with Mary J. Blige

Carrie Underwood performs her new single Don't Forget to Remember Me. Gosh, she is pretty. I like her much better now than I did last year.

I don't even want to talk about Rhonetta, the silver tube top twit. I swear if they bring out the Brittendumbs, I may go over the edge.

It's Taylor's turn, and he's with Toni Braxton with In the Ghetto. Uh, very nice, even though it was too short. But Taylor's got more singing, so he's saving his voice. I don't know what the hell Toni Braxton was doing.

Time for the Girlz Rule number, featuring all the girls, but overly starring Katharine.

And the Clay Aiken moment is, without a doubt, one of the best moments I have ever seen on a finale. That does it. This is the best finale ever. Best. Ever.

Time to drag out Burt Bacharach with the kids as they do a promising medley of his greatest hits. Taylor/Katharine pair up. So do Ace/Melissa, who is gorgeous! Pickler gets to solo, followed by Bucky. And I understand every word! Go Bucky! Mandisa gets Supreme-like backup from Paris, Pickler and Melissa and reminds us why she was a finalist. Lisa gets to hang at the piano with Burt and sings a fraction of Alfie better than she sang the whole time she was in the competition. Elliott gets A House is Not a Home and I think I'm going to melt. Seriously. Poor Kev has to follow that, but he's surrounded by the girls and looks so cute that nobody cares. And he sounds great too. He's having a blast.

Kevin is joined by Chris and Ace for The Best that You Can Do. And Paris channels Karen Carpenter with Close to You. Gosh these guys are tearing up the stage. And to think we were robbed of group numbers all season.

Paris introduces Dionne Warwick. Now that is an artist. Take notes kids. This is how it's done.

Best finale ever.

The next "Idol Award" is for best male bonding. Nominees: Ace and Chris; Ryan and Taylor and the Brokeback Cowbodys. Oh, Garet's gotta get this next award. Garet's just gotta be there. Pleeeeeeze.....

YAY! YAY!! The Brokenote Cowboys, starring Garet, get to perform. YAY! And they sound pretty good too.

Ryan does some time-eating nonsense, promising no more surprises, so we know "the surprise" is coming. But I did not see that coming.

It's Prince! The man who hates this show! And it's a great performance too! Bonus! (But, of course, appearing on this show for 90 seconds is worth about a million dollars in CD sales, so if given the choice between integrity and bucks...) And while the performance was great, it was kinda gratuitous, not tied in with the kids in any way. I like Prince, but I would have preferred another surprise.

[break]

Taylor and Kat (in a stunning gown) join up with The Time of My Life, the traditional duet. Now, of course, I'm wanting to see some dirty dancing, complete with overhead lift. I think Kat can hold him up. Well, okay. They do their best little poor-man's imitation of the dance. And on a duet scale of bad to good, I give it a meh.

Ryan says 63 million votes were cast last night. Well, none of them were from me, I don't think, cause I couldn't get through. Ryan says that's more votes than have ever been cast for a U.S. president. True, but unfortunately we're not allowed to vote a gazillion times for the prez.

Time for the announcement. And it's....

TAYLOR, like anybody had any doubts.

Aww. David Hasselhoff is weeping. And Taylor's acceptance speech consists of two words.

Soul Patrol. He looks so happy. There are tears in his eyes.

One more time with the crappy coronation song, soon to be coated with confetti.

Way to go Taylor.

114 Comments:

Blogger lorguru said...

This has been GREAT so far. I loved Elliot and Mary J. Blige. I loved Paris and Al. I loved the boys medley. And ya know what? I'm actually liking this Carrie song.
Blog on, Jennifer. I'm trying to savor you, too.

9:06 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

A gazillion dollar production and Toni Braxton's mic doesn't work. I can't flipping believe this. That woulda, coulda, shoulda been awesome. DO OVER!!!!!!

9:11 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Toni Braxton is such a hussy! What are these "stars" trying to steel the show from our very own idols? Al Jarreau was the only well mannered musician so far!

IMHO

9:13 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

Why didn't somebody comb Lisa's hair?

9:18 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

Al Jarreau has class.

9:21 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh my Clay Aiken and Mike best of the night!!!

connie

9:24 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you on Katharine's mama's dress. I think the middle-aged boobage was a trifle unnecessary, don't you? Other than that, it's been a pretty good show. Loved Paris and Al Jareau. Really, really loved Elliot and Mary J. Blige. And I agree: the Taylor/Toni Braxton performance was too short.

9:25 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken and Mike the funniest thing I've seen on T.V. in a long time!!! Way to go Idol!

9:25 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree! That was awesome...and poor Mike thought that everyone was cheering for him!

9:28 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

This Mike guy must have been living under a rock!

Even I knew that Clay would be there.

I must say that I never liked Clay, but I find him very attractive at this moment.

9:28 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

@alicia:

There is no such thing as "unnecessary" boobage.

9:29 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Touche, Dave.

9:33 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

Dave, when I'm in my 40's, I'll remember that "there is no such thing as unnecessary boobage."
LOL

9:35 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Elliot's singing "A House is Not a Home!" He needs to hurry and put his album out. I'm going to miss my weekly Elliot fix.

9:35 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

I would have liked for there to have been more singing and less filler. The whole "Golden Idols" thing is cute and set up a couple of segments (like the Clay/Mike thing and the Elliott's mom introducing Elliott), but all that aws unnecessary.

If they had used this show as a launching pad for the Idols Tour, it would have been much more effective. Instead it just smacks of an excuse to gouge advertisers for $1.3 million for 30 seconds and draw out the suspense of the results for two hours.

9:36 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes Alicia - I wish Elliot could still win - - I thought Kevin sounded better than any of the girls

Connie

9:36 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I thought we could get through the night without hearing That's What Friends are For...NOOOOOOO!!!!

9:39 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did you see that wonderful little hug Elliot gave to Taylor during the finale of That's what friends are for? It was so sweet.

9:41 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Connie, I wonder if Kevin's had some voice coaching since he got the boot, because I agree with you. He did sound pretty decent tonight. Dionne's final note was pretty bad. I guess she couldn't hear the music with everyone else singing? I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt since she's an Oprah-certified legend.

9:42 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was typing and I missed the hug! Damn!

9:42 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

I noticed Elliot embracing Taylor, too.

Elliot is such a great guy.

9:43 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even at my age - I am such a dreamer - still hoping for Elliot to be presented with some great amazing prize or contract deal - Because he deserves it.
Connie

9:44 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

What's Garrett going to sing tonight?

9:46 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I can do without the Brokenote Boys.

9:48 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

See - even the Brokenote Cowboys sound good to me tonight - and I hate country music
Connie

9:48 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is Prince the surprise??
C

9:50 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm screaming my head off right now! Prince!

9:50 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

Did Prince just diss Ryan by turning and walking off the stage?

He is such a diva! Brilliant musician, but a Diva to boot.

9:55 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

Originially posted by Jennifer:
Ryan does some time eating crap, and we know "the surprise" is coming. But I did not see that.

Seriously, I didn't expect a kind of Spanish Inquisition, either.

I didn't know Prince hated the show, but Seacrest didn't mention a CD, so how much money do yout hink they had to throw at him to get him on the show?

9:55 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

somebody update i dont have tv

9:55 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

@frances:

Did you notice that Mary J. walked away from Elliott after their duet, too?

9:55 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

I just updated, anonymous.

9:56 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

Dave, No I didn't see that performance yet because I was driving home.
I'll look for that when I watch my recording, though.

9:57 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

lmao, I need Oxygen!!

9:57 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave, I noticed Mary J. walking away from Elliot, too. I think Prince was getting his dis on tonight. But that's ok. I'm sorry, but I've loved Prince since I was a little girl. I'll cut him a little slack.

Hearing Taylor and Kat singing together just makes it more obvious that Taylor needs to win this thing.

9:59 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's TAYLOR!! haha

10:03 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I rest my case!

10:04 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

And Birmingham Celebrates!!!!!!!!

SOUL PATROL SOUL PATROL SOUL PATROL

10:04 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Way to go America for having good taste. Taylor Hicks rules.

10:06 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hasselhoff was crying like Katharine's daddy, wasn't he? Yea, Taylor! Had fun, y'all. Good night.

10:09 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger Frances said...

Well, it's all over.

Jennifer, do you keep the blog year round or is this t.t.f.n. for us?

What will I do on Tuesday and Wednesday nights?

I feel so lost.

10:12 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Once again, Jennifer, thanks for putting great words together each week. I will miss coming to your site. Will visit again in January 07! Congrats to Taylor!

10:12 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jennifer thanks so much for this blog, it was GREAT!
WAY TO GO TAYLOR!!! I picked him from the start!

10:13 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry it's over, will miss you Jen

10:14 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

great blog...thank you so much. I live in California and just had to know before I saw the show!

10:18 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

10:18 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was that an awesome show or what?? Way to go, Soul Patrol!

Jennifer, you've done a great job throughout the season and of course this was the first place I came to online. Kudos to yudos!

10:20 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

I'm still high. That was fabulous. The Clay Aiken moment was beyond beyond.
I don't know if I'll be able to sleep tonight. My mind is just reeling. Prince...now that was a very, very good surprise. Dionne. Al. Mary J. Blige. But best of all, the top ten were abotootinlootly awesome tonight. What a show. WHAT A SHOW! Wow. What to do now?

10:33 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

TAYLOR TAYLOR HE'S THE MAN

CAN HE WINT IT??????????


YES HE CAN

RAH RAH RAH

10:34 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

One thing that kinda irks me...
Ayla and Giddeon should have been in on some of that. C'mon, we even had that cowboy trio. Not that I didn't enjoy it. It was one of those moments that ya love just because you know it's making their dream come true...but really, I would have loved to see the whole top 12 and maybe even 24...thought that may be pushing it just a tad.

10:35 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am speechless!!!!! SOUL PATROL BABY!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Lisa

10:38 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This really was the best finale ever!!!!! Jen, I don't post often, but i do read your blog every day. I feel like you're a friend now, and I'm gonna miss this so much! I changed jobs last year and lost my Idol buddies, so this blog has filled a void for me. THANKS!

10:41 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Update: Los Angeles

It has been reported that Cedars Sinai has admitted Poppa MsPhee for a broken foot, apparently Katherine stomped on it after learning he couldn't buy the competition for her. When asked for a comment, Mr. McPhee, speaking in a strangely falsetto voice was too choked up with tears to utter a word. Momma MsPhee just glared as she shepherded her apoplectic daughter into their stretch Hummer.

Stay tuned

10:41 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How do you program TIVO to go longer? Mine cut off before he sang :(

SOUL PATROL SOUL PATROL SOUL PATROL

10:46 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

Has Jennifer left the building?

10:55 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

I'm still here! LOL Was just rewatching what I missed. Still cracking up over Clay.

10:57 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm in CA- but through the magic of mistakes by directv, I get East Coast networks - so I saw it early. Now I will watch it again!! I loved the Clay Aiken moment!! Wow what a transformation!!! Go Taylor!! I never got even 1 vote through for him last night. Truth be told, though, I thought Kat was dynamite tonight!!
Jennifer - you are terrific - will you be back next season? I read your blog before I even check my email!

11:01 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

I can't believe I didn't tape it. I'm trying to replay that Clay part in my head. I love it and I really don't know a thing about Clay Aiken. This is really the first season I followed it. That moment was just priceless. That kid was really shocked. Did you notice that Clay looked just a tiny bit scared of him? Not that it wasn't justifiable! hehe

11:05 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

Clay's hair is gonna take some getting used to. LOL

I will be back next year. Will be my 4th season blogging. Actually I will still blog, keeping up with the kids, the sales, etc. so please check back!

11:06 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have so much to say about tonight. First off....by far and away the best finale EVER.

Paris and Al Jarreau were as great as I expected. Loved it.

Chris and Live totally rocked. Chris and Ed sound amazing together! They totally need to record something.

I was looking forward to Meatloaf, but he just didn't sound good at all. :(

Both the boys and girls medleys were awesome. Taylor with the harmonica! love it!

Elliott's mama getting the award was so cute! She is adorable...I loved it!

Elliott and Mary J. Blige...my first issue with tonight's show. "One" is one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time...I did not like Mary singing it with U2 and I don't like her singing it any better tonight. I've got nothing against her as an artist, she's done some great stuff. But she oversings the crap out of it and ruins the essence of the song. Plus she totally overpowers Elliott which just makes me mad because I think I would have really enjoyed him singing that song by himself or with someone a little bit quieter.

Jennifer...gotta completely agree with you on liking Carrie better than last year. I hate country music, but she sounded really good tonight.

On to my second issue with tonight's show. Toni Braxton. What the heck was that? Did she even read the lyrics of the song? Did she think that it was a good idea to try to get all up on Taylor because In the Ghetto is such a sexy song? I was just completely puzzled by that.

Clay moment was totally awesome. I haven't followed his career at all because he just ain't my cup of tea...but he's got one hell of a voice. And he was looking kind of cute...and saying that freaks me out a little bit. Okay, a lot.

Loved the Burt Bacharach medley.
Elliot singing A House is not a Home...OH MY GOD. I screamed, I melted, I cried. He *needs* to record that song. Absolutely beautiful. I don't even know what else to say.

And then we get PRINCE! Unbelievable. Cue me squealing. I love love love Prince. And he was great, as always.

Elliott. Prince. Taylor winning. Best. finale. ever.

SOUL PATROL!!!

11:18 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for making this season enjoyable for me. I haven't even watched since season 1, but your blog kept me interested. I didn't really watch much of the finale--it was on opposite LOST, but I caught bits of it during commercial breaks, so I esp appreciate your simulblog.

11:19 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

it was a terrific show!!! dionne warwick is a really gracious lady.

and the best part for me was seeing GARET again! oh, how i love that little cowpoke. too bad they couldn't rassle a turkey onto the stage.

good for you taylor!!!!! i wish you all the best.

everyone - buy his cd!!!!

11:21 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

paris and al sounded great together. in fact all the top 12 sounded really, really good. i still can't believe mandisa went out as early as she did.

and bucky, oh bucky. he was great.

11:23 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"It has been reported that Cedars Sinai has admitted Poppa MsPhee for a broken foot, apparently Katherine stomped on it after learning he couldn't buy the competition for her. When asked for a comment, Mr. McPhee, speaking in a strangely falsetto voice was too choked up with tears to utter a word. Momma MsPhee just glared as she shepherded her apoplectic daughter into their stretch Hummer."

Oh, Anonymous, that was HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!! Let me know here you blog! I want to read!! ROFLMAO!!!
Lisa

11:29 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a clip of the Clay Aiken moment? I am so ashamed... I haven't followed Clay's career since Idol2, but I didn't realize who he was with that hair-do until the end of his song... (Hanging head in shame) ...

11:32 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jen, I am SO excited to hear that you will still blog!!

Did you see that commercial with Simon for the show "Duets"?? That sounds great, can't wait for it!

Ok, McMom's boobage was scary, but for pete's sake, what about Katharine's during that song. Dude, we were CRACKING up through the whole song, they looked like they were about to pop or something.

Kat sounded great tonight, everything she did, but Taylor won, YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!

I LOVED all the group songs, liked most of the duets - Mary J. Blige... she freaked me out. With it was just Elliott on that one.

Those Puck and Pickler moments were GREAT. those and the Clay segment were the best parts of the show... other than Taylor being crowned.

BEST FINALE EVER.

11:35 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

clay looked like that james blunt guy. i think that is his name. the guy who sings your beautiful.

11:35 PM, May 24, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

I'll work on getting some video tomorrow. Can't promise, but I'll try.

11:37 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

From my Clay obesessed from Alison, here's a link to a clip...

www.measureofafan.com/web/

11:38 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

from my clay obsessed friend, that is. i need to proofread before i sumbit! lol

11:39 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HIGHLIGHTS of the show were: Elliott singing House is Not a Home, and the Clay Aiken/Mike moment. The Burt Bachrach medley was also awesome, I LOVED IT.

The rest of the show was.....meh. But the highlights made it all worth it.

Oh. My. Gosh! I love Elliott Yamin. I cannot wait for his CD.

-Betsy

11:48 PM, May 24, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another anonymous wrote:
Oh, Anonymous, that was HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!! Let me know here you blog! I want to read!! ROFLMAO!!!
Lisa

Thanks Lisa

Anonymouses of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your anonymity...then again, there is no such thing anymore, seeing as such the government knows exactly who we are and what we are saying.

12:34 AM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

Wouldn't that be anonymice?

Sorry, it's late...

12:37 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Los Angeles Update:

It has been widely reported that Ace Young is having a secret affair with Kellie Pickler, and Kellie has become pregnant. Harvard has offered to provide the lucky son or daughter with a free scholarship, providing neither parent raises the child. Behavioral studies are expected to commence at birth, to ascertain whether the two most ignorant people in the world can create an offspring with an IQ over 70.

Variety reports that Paris has been offered a commercial where she will be doing stand-ins for the Taco Bell dog, she has been quoted as saying, "Yo quiera Taco Bell," so convincingly, she may be nominated for next year's Cleo.

Mandisa, recently interviewed in OUT Magazine, denies reports that she has retracted her anti-gay remarks, and has offered her services to Melissa Etheridge. Oh get your heads out of the gutter, it was as a back-up singer.

Cedars Sinai, in an update, reports that Katherine has been given Ritalin, in an attempt to quell her tantruming behavior, she was told by Momma McPhee that because she lost the competition, she will have to undergo additional vocal training, and all the mirrors in her room will be covered in black, for proper mourning. Daddy McPhee has been placed on life-support after breaking into the song, "Cry Me A River" for the fourth time.

Wolfgang puck has been banished to Hell's Kitchen where he will become Chef Ramsey's new whipping boy for shamelessly embarrassing the culinary world, and culling the wrath of PETA supporters in allowing Kellie to poke a lobster with a fork. Someone should have explained to Kelly that you have to cook the lobster FIRST before eating it. What was Wolfgang thinking?????

It is rumored that Kevin has been facing indictment in a sex sting operation, apparently 13 year old girls are not beyond his evil reach.

Stay tuned

12:52 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for your blog! I didn't find it until 2 weeks ago. Clay Aiken and Mike....were the best. Does anyone else think that Mike really may have been an actor? Either way, great job Idol.
Tonight's finale was the best of all five seasons. There was so much star power between Mary J., Live, Prince, etc. Between the celebs, group songs, and skits, seems to me Idol was able to cover up the fact that the strongest singers didn't make it to the top 2. (Elliott, Chris, Mandisa, Paris) Having said that it was a great show and I'm dreading next Tuesday night. Thanks again for a great blog!

1:48 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHAT?! No confetti?! Disappointed!!! Jennifer, thanks for the memories...

6:25 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

By the way, someone should tell Meatloaf that you don't sing vibrato by shaking the microphone.

6:36 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jennifer said:

"Wouldn't that be anonymice?"

LMAO!

6:41 AM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger DrillerAA said...

Kevin's appearance's only proved once again that Gedeon went home long before his time!!!

7:39 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, wasn't Daniel Powter supposed to be there?

8:02 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daniel Powter was there at the end of Tuesday's performances.......

8:07 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Did you see that commercial with Simon for the show "Duets"?? That sounds great, can't wait for it!"

I didn't see it. Probably one of my kitchen runs and I missed it. BUT......I have the WHOLE show and the commercials on VHS. I'll be playing it back later this morning to check it out.

8:18 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Puck & Pickler was priceless comedy! When that lady came out with the lobster and Kellie went flying sideways outta that chair I was laughing so hard! The networks could do well with her on a comedy on TV!!

8:21 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, what can I do???

SOUL PATROL!!!!

or even better

SOUL TRAIN!!!! :)

Wow, Aiken was HOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTT!!!!

-Sheila

8:24 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Prince stole the show! Friggin' amazing wasn't he?

Leave it to Kat to put on her best performances of the season,at the finale....she blew Taylor away in my opinion. She was amazing.

When Elliott first came out he was awesome and then MAry came out and stole the spotlight from him....I noticed that Elliott is alot like Taylor and Kat...he can't sing the low notes that well either. What's with that?

Congrats to Taylor, he's a good guy.

Can't wait to see who's still in the spotlight a year from now ;)

~V~

8:27 AM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger lorguru said...

Thanks to the person who left the Clay link to the big moment last night. I watched it twice again already and saved it to my favorites.
Whoever thought it might be an actor...I really don't think so. It seemed sincere to me. And if it were, I wouldn't want to know about it. It would ruin it for me!
Last of all, the person making the funny little scenarios for the top ten...
those are cute, but as an advocate for those with ADD, I must correct you with your comment about Ritalin. Ritalin has absolutely nothing to do with calming tantrums. AS a matter of fact, tantrums are not a common symptom of ADD anyway. Ritalin is a stimulant, btw. I know it was just a joke, and it was funny, but I feel I must do my part to clear up some of the public misconceptions of my people!

8:53 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ditto, what JR said....he was great and never got to show it!

10:51 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Jen, when I try to play the songs in the finals blog, I'm hearing the songs from top3 week. The Chris w/ Live link was playing Elliott's OPen Arms. strange huh :)

JJ

11:03 AM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for this blog all season. I found it about three weeks into the final 12 and enjoy yours and others comments.
The finale was probably the best Idol show ever. I am so glad I TiVo'd it.
As for the winner, IMHO, the best "performer" won, but not the best singer. I have never been an Elliott fan, but after listening to the Encores CD, his studio recording of Moody's Mood was excellent. In my book, he was the best male singer. I think Kat was probably the most versatile of the final 4 though.
When it comes down to CD sales, which is how success is really measured, I don't believe Taylor will win the title. In fact, he may not even be second. I think Kat will win the war, with Elliott second and Taylor third.
I also hope that in Season 6, the eliminate the Judges comments on the last performance show. I feel their comments skewed the voting tremdously.
Oh well, we are each entitled to our own comments, and these were mine. I can't wait for Season 6!!

Congratulations to Taylor.

12:10 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

I am struggling with the audio this week, of all weeks. But the Chris link works fine for me, so I don't know what's up with that.

12:15 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

In response to Dave's "There is no such thing as "unnecessary" boobage. ", I simply say, wait until you have a adolescent son watching with you. You may then, understand.

Jennifer, I wish you blessings!

12:32 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Jennifer! Great blog. I've been reading it religiously all season. I just finished watching the finale. I had to work last night so I recorded it. I already knew that Taylor had won. I wasn't surprised by that at all. He had been trouncing the others in the polls all season. I wasn't terribly emotionally invested in the show yesterday because my favorite this season was Elliott. Love him. And I was actually glad that he didn't win. Maybe now, he'll have a chance of making a decent album. And his first single won't be the crap that they make the final two release.

The truth is I haven't gotten too attached to a contestant on AI since season two. My friends and I all wanted Clay Aiken to win. And it was a complete emotional let down when he didn't win. (He so should have won)There was yelling at the tv and everything. So I was off the wall excited when this happened when he came on stage last night.

I think that he's touring in the fall...if he is, my brother's girlfriend and I are going to go see him... After last night, I can't wait to see him. I think that he has really grown up and grown vocally since he was on the show.

All in all, I think that it was one of the best AI finales. The only thing that made me a little mad was how some of the "guest" performers overshadowed the contestants. Hello? You are the guest. This is the contestants night. In American Idol world they are the stars* ...not you...complement them...don't steal the spotlight. I'm talking to you Mary J....very rude and divalike of you to out-sing your host for the night. Get over yourself. I've never bought one of your albums, but you can bet your bottom that I will be buying Elliott's. So There!



*(for that matter most of them are bigger names right now in the real world too)

12:39 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger angelof_mercy81 said...

BEST. FINALE. EVER. I really enjoyed it last night. The Puck 'N' Pickler skit was just too cute, and I have to say: anybody that can make fun of themselves on national TV deserves major props. She should definitely look into doing some TV works, on comedies especially. Something tells me she'd be a natural at it.

I loved the duets--well, most of them. (What was up with Toni Braxton, anyway?) The Paris-Al duet was great, as was the Chris-Live one. (Scary how much they looked alike, wasn't it?) And Elliott...swoon. He sang beautifully, he looked really nice, and I only wish they had "shared" the duet a little more. But still, can't wait for him to release a CD.

Other favorites: the Ace-Melissa duet (surprisingly good!), the Taylor-Kat duet (gotta love that song), and Elliott's mom getting the Golden Idol for Proudest Family Moment. For some reason, I really like that woman. She seems incredibly sweet.

And of course, the biggest news of the night: GO, TAYLOR! You "made us proud" that you're the new Idol.

12:44 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

And the ones who didn't hog the stage, seemed to be a little on the impaired side, I noticed.

It's funny though. I wonder if MJB and the others knew that we consider THEM lucky to be performing with our idols? After all, it was Elliott and Chris we wanted to see, not the guests.

12:46 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jennifer, I am already suffering withdrawals. I must have been back here to check for updates at least 5 times. Thanks for all you do!

12:49 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jennifer said... "It's funny though. I wonder if MJB and the others knew that we consider THEM lucky to be performing with our idols? After all, it was Elliott and Chris we wanted to see, not the guests."



Exactly.

12:57 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jennifer thanks again for doing an AWESOME job!!! I'll be sure to check back daily just for a little "idol fix".

I saw that they added the 15 more concert dates. Which is a great thing since they sold out where I would need to take my kids. I'll be able to take my kids to a concert for a joint birthday gift. They both have birthdays in September. The concert is 11 days after my daughter's birthday and is ON my son's birthday. How cool will that be for them??

1:04 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jennifer, thank you so much for this blog.. it was the only one I checked daily. You are one classy lady!!
As for last night, all I can say is WOW, I was entertained from start to finish. I would have loved if the judges had made an assessment of all the returning idols and their performances. I thought each of them were wonderful!! Even Kevin :) He's probably the best of the guys at hitting the lower registers. Bucky loved sweet and lovable as usual. I'm looking forward to hearing what he comes out with. Though I've never been a fan of Elliot's style of singing, he's made me love it and I too wish his performance hadn't been drowned out by his "guest" and Taylor's guest must have been on something!! good grief.. she made a show of herself!!
I thought Lisa sounded amazing... she was a fave of mine from the get go and I knew she had it in her. I guess the stress of the competition was too much for her. But boy, can that girl sing.. I'm predicting we'll hear more from her in the years to come. I have to admit, when I saw Chris perform the I couldn't help thinking he should have been in the final two.. but oh well!! I also thought Taylor was a little off his game last night and Katharine was totally on top of hers.. she looked amazing and performed beautifully. She'll definitely go far. Also, I thought she handled herself well at the end and seemed genuinely pleased for Taylor. I absolutely loved her dress for the final performance. Makes one wonder why she couldn't do that when it counted.. Still, Taylor is the man and will be a household name for a very long time!! Go Taylor! And, it was high time a guy one again...
What an amazing season it's been.. will we ever see the like again??

1:33 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know when the first singles will be released?

1:38 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great show last night.

Congratulations to Taylor.

I thought everyone sounded great last night and I wish them all the best for the future.

-- Allen

2:06 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Paris, Mandisa, Elliott and Chris all proved last night that they deserved to be in the final two over Kat. She has the talent, but has no clue what to do with it or how to perform. The only time she actually looked like she understood what she was singing was with meatloaf. She was really acting pained/scared. I guess I would be too, he was acting very freaky. ;)

2:39 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Regarding the singles release date: I read somewhere this morning that Kat's is due June 20. I would imagine with Taylor being the winner, maybe a week earlier.

3:22 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

That sounds right. The winner's single is always released one week before the runner-up.

Listen to Taylor's studio version here:
Do I Make You Proud

3:28 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know who wrote Taylor's single?

3:44 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger Dave said...

Why do you want to know, Maggie? I hope it's because you want to find that person and beat them senseless for writing that crap.

I want to know how Prince rates not only a solo performance (no idols anywhere to be seen) but he also gets to sing a full song and not a shortened version. I'm all for getting big names, but I tune into the American Idol finale to see the American Idols, not someone else.

I also think it's inexcusable for Fox to draw out the final results to two full hours and then run short on time at the end.

3:53 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger jennifer said...

Maggie, here are the people you can beat senseless (LOL):

"Do I Make You Proud," Hicks' first single for "Idol," was written by Tracy Ackerman, Andrew John Watkins and Paul David Wilson.

3:57 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dave if you are wondering who wrote Taylors song - it is probably the same person or as I see from above blog, people, who wrote Carrie Underwoods song last year - I could not tell the difference between the two - sounded exactly the same to me.
Connie

4:03 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

lmao. (swinging club) Thanks Jennifer. :nods to Dave:

4:05 PM, May 25, 2006  
Blogger DrillerAA said...

Next year they can do the finale on Sunday and make it like the Superbowl....five and a half hours of pre-finale stuff before the two hour finale/results show, followed by a one hour post finale review....and they will still run long on the results portion.

4:20 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Paris, Mandisa, Elliott and Chris all proved last night that they deserved to be in the final two over Kat. She has the talent, but has no clue what to do with it or how to perform. The only time she actually looked like she understood what she was singing was with meatloaf. She was really acting pained/scared. I guess I would be too, he was acting very freaky. ;)


Um, did you watch the same show I did? Wow, that's gotta be the most ridiculous thing I read all day about Kat. She shined like a star last night! I will agree, Meatloaf was um, odd but Kat performed beautifully the whole night, you would have thought the whole show was catered to her. She out sang Taylor by a long shot..

4:26 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've enjoyed reading your blog this season. Thought you might like to see today's newspaper covers from around the country:

http://www.erikjheels.com/2006-05-25-idol.html

-ErikJHeels.com

4:41 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh Dave...regarding Prince...he's a Prince after all! C'mon. You're just a sourpuss because your lady didn't win, nor did she have any wardrobe malfunctions! hehe

7:27 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great web site, Jennifer! I just discovered it a few weeks ago but it's been nice hanging out here for a bit. Especially since my man, Taylor, won. Is it just me, or have other people also noticed a resemblance between him and Clooney?

Until the next season,
Ray

7:57 PM, May 25, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I totally agree that Taylor looks like Clooney.. give him a deeper tan and they could be twins!!
I agree with previous posters that Katharine was a star on Wednesday night. I thought Paris had one good number and didn't cut it on anything else. I thought Lisa Tucker was terrific and Mandisa was weird.. did she forget her parts or what?? It seemed like she kept forgetting to not sing the back up lines!! Melissa sound fabulous too.. I love her voice.. it's like whiskey and cream.. Kevin surprised me because he sounded better than I remembered. Bucky's song didn't suit his voice but I love him anyway!! Elliot was, as always, brilliant except when he was over shadowed by the guest singer... Ace looked amazing and sounded great... I totally agree with the person who said he owned the stage that night. Even Kelly sounded good though I have to admit I was cringing, waiting for her to hit a sour note.. I'm so glad she didn't. I really agree her future is in sit coms.. Chris.. well what can I say about Chris.. the guy is in a league all of his own..
But in the end it was Taylor.. actually it was Taylor all the way.. never having been in the bottom two or three.. that should have told us all he'd take it all in the end.

10:55 AM, May 26, 2006  

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