American Idol Finale: A Night of Musical Moments
Another season of American Idol wound down to a close last night with little surprise in the ultimate winner. However, the 2 hours preceding the announcement of Taylor Hicks' victory was a wild combination of music and entertainment ups and downs. In a season in which viewers looked for breathtaking musical moments and saw relatively few from the contestants, the finale managed to produce them.
On the up side the duet between Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks seemed logical and pleasant. Perhaps, in a change from previous first albums, either one or both of them could include a duet or two. Paris Bennett had the opportunity to show off her stuff with Al Jarreau, a musical legend, and it looked like the 3 "brokenote" cowboys had been rehearsing in their time since "Hollywood Hell Week."
On the down side, Toni Braxton removed any passion from Taylor's performance of "In the Ghetto" and Katharine and Meatloaf were a distinctively uneasy pairing. Fortunately, there were 3 riveting moments in the extravaganza. Please click on one below to vote for your favorite (after viewing via the YouTube link if you missed it last night), and if you disagree about what was most riveting, drop a comment.
- Prince on American Idol - He turned down the opportunity during the season to coach the contestants, and he was the only guest performer in the finale who appeared on stage without any of the contestants. Despite refusal to share the spotlight, Prince is Prince. He's a 40+ male in spike heels who is the definition of musical legend.
- The Return of Clay Aiken - A new 'do, spiffy suit, and that amazing voice fully intact. Scandal? What scandal? We want the new record.
- Elliott Yamin and Mary J. Blige - Chills and goosebumps and the priceless image of Elliott totally blown away sharing the stage with the r&b queen. Imagine the pre-show planning - "You want me to sing what...with who?"
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Comments
Why did Mary J looked like she was in mad rush to leave the stage? And why oh why did she feel the need to upstage Elliott? The show wasn’t about her, did anyone tell her that?
Clay Aiken was stunning last night. Seems to be the talk of the town today.
Clay was the highlight of the night for me. He looked great and was no gracious to that fan.I want another album!
And Mary J should have really duetted with Elliott, since he’s the best vocalist of the season, instead of riffing off on her own. He still sounded great before she took over.
The show was entertaining but I was really surprised that the established well known guests didn’t sound as well as some of these idols IMO.I actually wondered how the judges would score them if they were hearing them for the first time. What surprised me most was I actually think Clay Aiken sounded better than anyone there last night.
I agree Clay was the highlight of the show. He was Hot looking. What we love most about him is he did this for this guy who was a big fan of Clay’s. Now, Clay does have a big voice but his heart is bigger. So, when he came out he never expected that kind of reaction from that guy and Clay gasped for a minute and then started singing. Clay was motioning to him to keep singing, because this is how Clay is he wanted this to be about the guy But, this turned out to be about Clay and one of the best moments in Idol History. Clay was just glowing, and you can see that the Lord is really working in his life.
We can’t wait to have your next cd Clay, and another tour.
I have been to many tours in 36 years, from Beach boys, Elton John, Tom Petty, etc, etc, 100’s of them, and Never was I so inpressed with anyone has much as I was with Clay. Clay is one mean lean touring machine, this must explain why his concerts sales are at 28 million and Kelly at only 25 and Kelly has one more year on Clay. For a more accurate figure and fairness we need to wait and see what Clay’s figures are next year verses Kelly’s this year.
I think Elliot was just having a great time watching an R&B legend perform. He was loving it. If he had started singing he would not have been listening and watching her and the crowd and loving every minute of it. He was loving the moment.
Doesn’t Clay just have the “it” factor. I think that he received a great reaction from the audience when he came out. He was so gracious to his “impersonator” and was willing to share the spotlight with him, as well as being a part of the Golden Idols gag. He hair looked different, but he had that same winning smile and sparkling eyes. You go Clay!!!
Debbie
I loved the Clay moment. His smile when he saw the fan’s reaction was priceless. I also think Elliott is terrific. Both nice guys with great voices! Can’t wait for their CDs.
What a night…the moment Clay walked through that backdrop…and finally returned to the Idol Stage where we first heard him sing. The judges can “continue” to bash him, but we the people have spoken. He is a star to say! I’ll buy anything he records! He simply is a marvelous human being with a beautiful God-given talent. Wow!! So glad to see you back Clay!
Comments by Karen
Elliot looked so happy-he should have been smiling that beautiful smile as the next American Idol, and Clay was HOT! but so cool to his starstruck fan. A great finale overall, except Katherine and Meat gave me the creeps!
Was that really a “duet” between Elliott and Mary J? It looked like she took over the whole song while Elliott stood in the background! Let’s go back to having the idols sing medleys and their favorite songs. Leave some of those guest stars out if they can’t seem to share the spotlight or sing! My favorite moment was, of course, Clay and Michael. That was just awesome and classic. I’m sure Clay enjoyed it as much as I and millions of others did! What a beautiful voice and the great new hairstyle to go with that voice. He was the best out of all of them! Funny how the video of Clay was removed from youtube and not Elliott’s. Hmmm!!
Iloved AI ,what a night ,good for Taylor And he is great. Clay Aiken what an amazing voice,AI must be so proud of him,He has it all,that was so great with his fan,good luck taylor,he also seems too have a good personally