A Season Of Discontent
by dhayes
,
posted Nov 4 2011 12:52PM
|
No matter your opinion of American Idol, you gotta hand it to 'em, they know how to put on a show. Tonight’s Season 9 finale was a veritable cavalcade of stars, albeit some really old stars. From the show’s kickoff with Alice Cooper and “School’s Out”, to its final performance celebrity performance with Joe Cocker and “A Little Help From My Friends” it was basically one classic rock/oldies act after another. Check these out: Barry and Robin Gibb, Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, and Chicago. Janet Jackson made a rare appearance, but even she hasn’t had a hit in a long time. Christina Aguilera put on a stunning performance, which she always does. The best performance of the night was from Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood who blistered through her new single “Undo It.”
Dud of the night was Dane Cook’s lame segment.
The tribute to the departing Simon Cowell was poignant. It was very cool seeing most of the past Idol winners and top runners-up come back to honor him. (David Cook was conspicuously absent.) Paula Abdul’s monologue was a little awkward, but it added to the pathos of the moment. I, for one, am sad to see Simon go; it’s going to be hard to replace him.
Have to say that I was really disappointed in the outcome of this season. Crystal was clearly the more talented of the two finalists. Her performances the night before were leagues above Lee’s. But, as I’ve said all season, American Idol is a popularity contest, not a talent contest.
My final assessment of Season 9 remains unchanged from what it has been most of the year. This year was really weak. I began to lose interest when we got down to the Top 7 or so. Haven’t decided whether I’ve got the intestinal fortitude to blog about it next seasonm; but, January’s a long way off and by that time I might catch the Idol bug again.
|
