American Idol Season 8

Kris Allen/Adam Lambert

Just some random thoughts about the Season 8 finale last night.

First, I am not an avid fan (not like DeeDee, my fiancee).  I am a casual observer who prefers to watch the Orlando Magic come from 15-point halftime deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers by one. Rashard Lewis!!

As a casual observer, I think this was a good season.  After all, the show is called “American Idol” and, without question, a few of the past winners do not qualify as very “idol-like” (Taylor Hicks… are you kidding me?).  Honestly, I think the final two contestants were deserving.

If I had to pick a favorite, it was definitely Kris Allen.  He is a more tasteful singer in my opinion.  In fact, he was the most tasteful singer on the show.  I am not a great vocalist myself, but I have performed as a singer/guitarist onstage in Ybor City.   Adam Lambert is a powerful vocalist.  He has unbelievable range, but … do you have to show your range every single song?  I have the same issue with a lot of singers that have sold millions of records.  For me, it is a personal preference.  I prefer Lyle Lovett over Mariah Carey.  Yes, stylistically I am equating Kris Allen to Lyle Lovett and Adam Lambert to…uh… Mariah Carey.

Anyway, here are some other observations about the show last night.

• The fact that I recognize that Justin Guarini is in the house is a personal embarrassment for me.
• How uncomfortable did Steve Martin look last night?
• Danny Gokey and Lionel Richie were cheesy, but any reason for Paula to dance is a good thing.  **wink**
• Keith Urban was an appropriate duet with Kris Allen, and Kiss with Adam Lambert was glamtastic (is that a word?)
• Bikini Girl and Kara Dioguardi – funny!
• Was it my imagination or did Rod Stewart appear to be a few cocktails ahead of the after- show party?  Either he had a few or he acidentally left his walker at the retirement home.
• If I never hear Megan Joy sing again, it would be a blessing.
• Simon Cowell has only one year left on his contract.  Fox needs to make it a priority to extend his contract.
• I thought David Cook was outstanding. The single “Light On” is donating proceeds to Cancer Research.

Here is a video with Kris Allen that I saw on vimeo.  It is from the New Life Church in Greater Little Rock.  Take a peek.  Just so you know, Kris is not seen until about 7 minutes and 40 seconds into the video.