Idol Sound Off, Final 2

It was about as good as it was going to get. In a season chock full of so much talent, it was Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee who were left standing at the finale. Both deserved to be there and to be honest, I couldn’t even pick one or the other. This is one season in American Idol where nobody can say that there were people who didn’t deserve to place where they did. People might complain about Kellie Pickler or Bucky Covington (myself included), but even they were pretty good singers who were eliminated right around where they should have been. For now though, let’s talk about Taylor and Katharine.

The Performances

Katharine:I had a pretty good feeling that Katharine would sing “Over The Rainbow” and “Black Horse and Cherry Tree” again. Let’s face it – besides “I Have Nothing,” they were probably her two best performances this season, and if she had any chance of beating Taylor, since his fan base was so big, she was going to have to sing them both again – and nail them. I do think the judges were a little biased against her and in a way, I do believe that they didn’t want her to win. Of course, I have no proof of this and it’s merely speculation. I really did like Katharine’s performances this week, even though she had some issues with “My Destiny.” I didn’t think she was going to win though, even though I still believe that she is more marketable than Taylor.

Taylor:I can’t explain to you how badly I wanted Taylor to sing “In The Ghetto” or “Dancing In The Dark” again. Oh well! His performance of “Levon” was just as good as it was originally, but I wasn’t too keen on Taylor’s first performance – of the song that he sang for Stevie Wonder week. It was good, but didn’t do anything for me, yet the judges felt that he won “round one.” I’d have to disagree with that. I didn’t really like his Idol single either, but I never like any of them, besides “A Moment Like This,” so I really have no legitimate complaint there, and it’s no fault of Taylor. He probably hates it just as much as I do. All in all though, Taylor was consistent this season, had some great performances, never stunk up the joint – even though his dancing made me a little nervous at times, but I don’t feel that anyone could harp on him because of his singing ability. His performances this week showed that he was the real deal.

The Results

So Taylor is our new American Idol. I think everyone saw that coming right after Chris Daughtry was eliminated. I feel like everyone thought it was going to be Chris and Taylor in the finals, but look at the way Katharine held on. This was not a predictable season at all. There was nobody really hanging around outlasting people they shouldn’t. When people were eliminated, it wasn’t a controversy since everyone was good and deserved to be there. That’s why I loved this season so much – the talent was amazing!

If Katharine came out on top would I have been happy? Yes, I would have. Although, I’m happy that Taylor won as well. He deserved it! They all deserved it. I don’t think that anyone from this season could have won and I wouldn’t at least be happy for them. Even if Bucky or Kellie won, I’d be happy. Not as happy as with Chris, Paris, or Elliott winning, but happy nonetheless. The results this year are really going to challenge people in the future. I can only imagine what kind of talent we are going to see next season, especially if they want to come close to what we saw this year!

The Gripes and The Praise

What a finale! I can’t believe what American Idol has become. To rope in so many great acts like Prince, Dionne Warwick, Meatloaf, etc. is a huge feat. It’s showing that even if you don’t like Idol, you better start respecting it. Artists are realizing that it’s not a fly-by-night reality show and the people who win do go on to huge things. Look at Kelly Clarkson right now, and Carrie Underwood won two awards this week, to add to her other awards that she has already won!

The finale also reiterated to me how great everyone was this season. I wish we had a chance to hear more of Melissa McGhee. Paris is simply amazing, and I will be first in line when she releases a CD, and I know she will. Kevin Covais is simply one of the most charming kids that has ever been on the show and while as much as Ace used to get on my nerves, the guy can sing!

Yes, this was a great season. The judges were a little loopy at times, and I question that Paula’s contract was renewed, but what am I going to do about it? Absolutely nothing, that’s right! Simon was a little harsh this season, sometimes more so than I think he needed to be. I actually think he’s been nicer to people that were worse than the group that we had this year! Randy? Well, I don’t really have an opinion of him, but he sure is getting cocky – and is it me or has he gained all the weight back that he lost after the surgery he had? Okay, that’s just random, I know.

I had a great time sounding off this season, and thank you to all the readers who sent me mail telling me that I was getting it right, that I was getting it wrong, that I hate Taylor, Ace, Kellie, and anyone else that I ever said anything bad about. Thank you to those who supported my love for Paris and Kevin. Another year of Idol wraps up and another season that I’m signing off. Until next season!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent American Idol articles on Foxes On Idol and RealityNewsOnline:

Phil Kural is an office manager at a law firm, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. You can send feedback to him at pkural@gmail.com .

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