Idol Finale

It was a star-studded event for the finale of American Idol, as it usually is. Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Gladys Knight, Bono and the Edge, even Tom Jones and Tony Bennett performed. In my opinion, there was a little too much emphasis on celebrities and not enough focus on the contestants. Interestingly, the two people who should have been the stars of the show were barely visible. Lauren and Scotty each sang with their idol (Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw respectively), Scotty was in two group numbers, Lauren was in one, but that was it for them. No one who placed lower than fifth in the competition was afforded the opportunity to sing a duet. So we only saw Ashton, Karen, Thia, Naima, Pia, Paul, and Stefano in the group numbers. There was one full group number, two girls numbers, and one guys number. In addition, last year's winner, Lee Dewyze, was not invited to perform, which I think was bad form. Lee was actually standing right behind Ryan at one point in the show, and Ryan didn't even introduce him. Ouch.

I didn't have to wait long for the person I wanted to see. James's duet was the first of the night. He performed two songs with the heavy metal band Judas Priest: "Livin' After Midnight" and "Breakin' the Law." Dressed in lead singer Rob Halford - style gear from the 80's, James entered from the audience and never let their enthusiasm wane. He and Rob worked the stage, taking turns on the vocals at times, and trying to outdo each other on the high notes. Judas Priest has been around for nearly 45 years. Rob Halford still has it, but this was James' night to shine. Although he tweeted earlier in the day that his voice was "half gone" after rehearsal, whatever he did in the interim must have worked. His vocals were strong and overpowered Rob's when they sang together, and his high notes were stratospheric. At the end, he stayed around for as long as Ryan would let him, reving up the crowd. What a joy it was to see him back on the Idol stage, doing what he does best. The image of the confident, joyful performer helps to diminish the memory of a tearful, broken James on the night of his elimination.

He also had a solo part in the boys Tom Jones medley, singing "What's New Pussycat." Those boys were having entirely too much fun with the corny songs and cheeseball choreography. There was also a funny skit where Casey and James argued over whose elimination was more shocking. The winner was...Pia! :)

Although Priest was never a band I was in to, I enjoyed their performance with James. But I must admit I was disappointed that James' wish to sing with Steven on the finale was not realized. When Steven sang "Dream On" at the end of the show, my heart started pounding. James had already performed, and no one else was allowed more than one duet, so I doubted that he would appear, but I feverently hoped anyway. It did not happen. Some people think that Steven mouthed "James" at the end of the song, but I couldn't tell. Was it Idol's decision to leave James' dream unfulfilled, or did Steven not want to share the limelight? We may never know. The verbal promise and handshake was contingent on James making it to the finals, which he didn't, so I guess that gave Steven and/or the producers an easy out. Anyway, the performance with Priest generated a lot of buzz for Mr. Durbin, so that's a good thing.

I teared up when Scotty asked James to hold his trophy for him, and James graciously took it, then later Scotty gave him a big hug and said, "I love you, man." Scotty is a good kid, and obviously talented. As much as James wanted to win, and I know he did, I hope it will turn out for the best that he didn't win.

Don't Stop Believin', James.

A Fan