I love a parade...

Last night's American Idol was quite a production. Not only was it chocked full of nearly every musical talent from the late eighties/early nineties that one could ever hope to see gathered on one stage. It was also an elaborate mix of Brady Bunch family style musical numbers that had me wondering, "How can people feel so comfortable wearing white pants?"

I have to say, I didn't care for it. I especially like Ryan's comment to George Michael about going on his first tour in seventeen years. Way to make him feel like an old geezer, Ryan. You never know with Seacrest whether or not he's trying to be genuinely informative or if he's just sneaking in a heartless jab disguised as some sort of journalistic interviewing technique. That's why I love him.

I'm also genuinely disappointed that my David didn't win. We all know that he was the most talented between the two. Frankly, I'm surprised David Cook made it to the finals. I just didn't like his style. But, like Simon Cowell always says, it's just an opinion.

Of all of the night's performances, I thought Carrie Underwood did a bang-up job on her song, Last Name. Not that she isn't always great, but I was surprised at how much energy she put into her performance. You'd have thought she was in the competition herself.

Syesha Mercado was another singer who had a great night. Although she hadn't made it to the finals, she showed up and sang her best. She even handled herself gracefully when Donna Summer handed her an extra microphone during her medley. I was very disappointed that Syesha wasn't in the top two, but then, I'm usually disappointed by the show. Yet, still I watch.

One thing I could have done without was the migraine-inducing screeching of Angela Overmyer. She looked like she was having alot of trouble with the choreography and when she took her turn to sing, she nearly threw the whole number into chaos...twice, I think. I hate to criticize someone who is brave enough to get on stage and sing, but it was absolutely one of the most unpleasant sounds I've heard in a while. Had she not stopped singing, I might have had to turn off the television. Even my dogs were covering their ears.

I've been pondering, as I do every year, whether or not I will continue to watch American Idol. They really seem to have gotten to a point where they think quite a bit of themselves. They throw a bigger party than the biggest of the industry awards shows. Has this competition really become that important? Is this show worthy of a night where 97 million votes are cast to crown a winning singer? 97 million? Good Lord, if only we could get that kind of participation where it matters.

That's my take on things. Until next time...

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