Complete with a red carpet reception, American Idol really kicked the hype machine into high gear with their final show of the season.  It was no surprise that Jordin Sparks won; she’s a fabulous vocalist with an award winning smile.  The atmosphere inside the Kodak Theatre was crackling with electricity from former American Idol winners and contestants, plus some great guest stars.

Kelly Clarkson was really rockin’ with her band and continues to validate herself vocally as the first American Idol winner.  Gwen Stefani appeared via video linkup.
Smokey Robinson and the male AI contestants did a way cool R&B Miracles backup group performance.  One of this year’s mentors, Tony Bennett sang with his usual classy style.

Melinda Doolittle singing with BeBe & CeCe Winans was the highlight of the show for me.  It was such a joy to see and hear Melinda in her element, so soulful and confident.  It just confirmed the fact she really was the best vocalist of all the contestants.  She is MY American Idol for 2007, and will no doubt appear on a great many more albums and tours in the years to come.  I believe she will be touring soon with the Winans.

I could do without the beat box Blake Lewis rapping segment, it’s more like shouting than singing, but at least he’s got rhythm.  You gotta admit he’s an original.

The Golden Idol segments were hilarious!  The looks on the judges faces were priceless.  Randy Jackson always tries to look so positive, Paula Abdul can’t help but laugh, and Simon Cowell just looks shocked most of the time.

The R&B segment with the ladies opening with “Heard it Through the Grapevine” was great, but got even better with the segway into “Midnight Train to Georgia” with Gladys Knight.  It was awesome to hear and see Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones next to Gladys Knight; they did a wonderful job and really complimented each other’s vocals. 

Thanks to Clive Davis who gave tribute to the very underappreciated songwriters and recognizing their importance in the overall music scene.  Then Carrie Underwood received a multi-platinum record award for 6 million copies sold of her debut album.

Surprises of the night:
Sanjaya with Joe Perry of Aerosmith  doing “You Really Got Me”
Green Day doing John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero”
Sgt. Pepper’s Beatles tribute (note Joe Perry’s cool gold sparkle Stratocaster)

The next installment of the show, where they audition for the best American band should be a hoot.  Now we’ll be dealing with 3 or 4 times the egos during those long auditions.  No wonder Simon says he’s quitting the show. 

Video:  Jordin Sparks  “You’ll Never Walk Alone”

Official Website: www.americanidol.com/