The American Idol Finale
An inside-look at this season's last two shows
By TFK Kid Reporter Claire Epting
The season nine American Idol finale was a spectacular two-day event held at the Nokia Theater, in Los Angeles, California, from May 11-12. The first night featured the singing competition between the two performers that made it to the final round: Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze. After their performances, both singers seemed tired and relieved that it all was over, and they both offered their thoughts on what the last night was like. "I'm pleased with my performances, and I had a good time, so that's what really counts," Bowersox told reporters.
DeWyze felt the same way. "I'm proud of what I did," he said. "I had a really good time doing it. Everything up to this point has been amazing. I'm really appreciative of the whole thing."
The Results Are In
The next night, it was time for the final results show. On the red carpet before the show, several former American Idol contestants gave their opinions. Michael Sarver, the tenth-place finalist last year, said: "It's tough to say, but I'm thinking Lee might have a little bit of an edge. They're both wonderful and both will no doubt have great careers, but I'm thinking Lee."
William Hung, who became an American Idol sensation on season three, had a different opinion. "I think Crystal is the favorite," he said. "They are both wonderful performers, but I still have to say that Crystal is the favorite." Hung also reflected on how being on the show had changed his life. "I went from being a regular college student to someone who is now recognized wherever I go. It is amazing."
Lilly Scott, a top 24 finalist from this season, agreed with how powerful the show is. "I can't believe how many people watch!" she said. "My life has changed so much because of it, all good. I'm touring this summer, singing, living this dream, having lots of fun." And whom did Lilly think would win? "I'm rooting for both of them," she said. "Both Crystal and Lee are my buddies, they have been since day one, so I couldn't be more proud of them, and whoever wins, I'll be happy."
Many Idol contestants from years past paraded down the red carpet, along with the two finalists from this year and judges, Simon Cowell—who was taking part in his last American Idol show—Randy Jackson, Ellen Degeneres and Kara DioGuardi. There were also appearances from many of the people who would be performing later in the evening.
At the end of the two-hour episode, host Ryan Seacrest revealed the winner. The new American Idol is: Lee DeWyze!
Everyone loves singing and dancing competitions shown on TV. Like most people in America like “American Idol”, British people like “British Got Talent”, and many more people in many more countries like other competitions. I don’t watch American Idol, but I watch “So You Think You Can Dance(or called SYTYCD in short)” on AXN. You can see many competitors dance, and good judges, but also some competitors feel sad or anger when they are being eliminated. After the Top 20, the contestants (paired) started to dance music made from some musicians, and some teachers taught them. At this competition, you can see many kinds of dance, like hip hop, tango, etc. After every episode of elimination, judges choose the champion in the Top 4, and get a quarter of a million dollars. I also like such competitions that attended in Taiwan. I especially like Super Idol, which is on the 4th season, tests the competitors’ singing and dance (if needed). In this competition, you can see a lot of great contestants that get a high score, sure, this needs singing to do this job. I know, many people get famous by competitions, like Susan Boyle. I really like this kind of show!
