American Idol Season 8 Wrap-Up

Among the many TV shows that I have season-passed on my Tivo, American Idol is at the top of my list (giving it #1 priority). I have watched religiously every season, ever since the days of Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini (aka Sideshow Bob) And *side note* I would like to point out that I am some-what close to the show, in the sense that I have worked on licensing music for the AI and 19 Recordings in some form or another, for the past 4 seasons, and would have again this season had I not been laid off... I even went to a taping a couple seasons back, in which my mom can be seen on TV dancing with Taylor Hicks (but that's another post altogether).

Anyways, I have to say that this season was by far and away my favorite yet. Not just because of the ways they tried to "re-invent" the show (new judge, new stage, amazing mentors, etc.) but because of the sheer raw talent that this season showcased. Yes, there were some contestants I new wouldn't win right of the bat (scott, anoop, megan, lil), but I don't think there has ever been a season when they would get to the top 5 and I would say "Wow, I really don't know who is going to win!", and nor did I care. Matt, Allison, Danny, Adam and Kris are ALL amazing and I would have been so happy for any of them to take home the title. It would take far too long to go over the highlights of the entire season, so I will just mention last night, the season finale:

- The musical guests and collaborations were great. My fave was Allison and Cyndi Lauper singing "Time After Time". And I felt like the guests were powerful, yet not over-bearing, and allowed the contestants to really shine.

- The Kara/Bikini Girl showdown - Anyone who has watched the whole season knows that "Bikini Girl" is basically a hot mess, and Paris Hilton wanna be. On top of that, she's not that great of a singer (which is why she didn't make it on the show)... So when she started to sing I was like "Ooooh great. Now we have to watch this train wreck"... But then Kara comes out to battle with her and blew her outta the water! I don't care how annoying Kara may have been throughout the season, for me she has totally redeemed herself.

- Tatyana - You're nuts. Nuff said.

- Adam Lambert singing with KISS was really a highlight for me. As creepy as Gene Simmons may be, they're still KISS, and I thought that the fact that Adam can be up there with them, in all their makeup, pyro-technics, star power and stage presents, and still stand out and shine through, just shows exactly how big of a star he is going to be. I was also totally stoked when Kris and Adam performed with Queen (one of the greatest bands EVER). The next Freddy Mercury, anyone??

- And finally, Kris Allen taking home title of American Idol was amazing. I think most people expected Adam to win, and I have to admit that he was my fave though out the season... But Kris is sooo talented and cute, and has the potential to be huge as well. Plus, he was the under-dog, and you know its always great when someone can pull off an upset. And I have to mention how adorably cute his wife, Katy, is. She was there in the audience week after week supporting her man, and I just love that about her. And at the very end when she pushed her way through to the platform to Kris and give him a hug, UGH! I seriously got choked up!

All and all I can't wait to see what happens next for everyone from this season, and I will be listening for them on the radio!

And don't forget...So You Think You Can Dance starts tonight, another amazing show! :)