American Idol on Fox

By Ally Matteodo

The two-hour season finale of American Idol aired on Wednesday, May 21, at 8:00 p.m.  Every season American Idol combs the United States for singing talent, with the singers then being whittled down to a select group of semi-finalists.  Each week these individuals compete against each other, and most weeks are based around a specific theme.  Sometimes the theme is a genre of music, such as country music or hits of the 21^st century; at other times, celebrity musicians coach the contestants on how to sing in their specific style.  Dolly Parton, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, and Tony Bennett have all guest-starred on the show as coaches; after being coached, the contestants performed a song by each artist.  After every performance the judges give their critiques, but the decision of who stays and who goes lies with the American public.  Millions of viewers call in to place their votes for their favorite contestants.  In the end, the final two singers compete, and the winner receives a recording contract and the title of “American Idol.” 

The two final contestants for the most recent season of American Idol were David Cook and David Archuleta, with David Cook winning the competition.  Since this was a results show, the emphasis for this particular episode was not competition, but performance.  The former contestants were brought back and performed a variety of different numbers.  There were numerous appearances and performances by major recording artists, as well as recaps of the season.  David Cook and David Archuleta also performed a number of songs together and with celebrity artists.  Also shown were scenes showing the boys’ support groups in their home towns. 

American Idol is consistently a wonderful show to watch, but the season finale is the cream of the crop.  Since there was no judging, viewers were able to avoid Simon Cowell’s comments, which are usually acerbic and at times hurtful.  Instead, the finale was sheer fun-filled entertainment.  Everyone who performed was exceptional and the energy from the audience and the singers was running at full throttle.  The outpouring of support for the two final Davids was stunning, and even Simon had to admit that they were both very nice individuals.  For the first time, Simon remarked that he didn’t care who won the competition.  The two Davids worked and sang well together, performing an exquisite duet of Nickleback’s “Hero.”  Among the stars making guest appearances were Seal, Donna Summer, Jimmy Kimmel, Mike Meyers, Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, the Jonas Brothers, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, and George Michael.  Classic songs were performed such as “Last Dance,” “Freedom,” “Heaven” and “Get Ready.”  Even though the task of singing in front of so many people is a daunting one, even the less-seasoned performers crooned their hearts out.  The classic melodies, mixed with the overwhelming enthusiasm of the performers, created a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.  Even better, the final two Davids are ordinary people -- they didn’t have any connections to the record industry, they didn’t steal, lie or manipulate to get where they are.  Through good old-fashioned talent and hard work they ended up on the stage, reminding viewers never to underestimate those two core values.  American Idol proves that anything is possible, and that the wildest dreams can come true. 

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