The “Save American Idol” Telethon

On a night when Blake and Jordin were supposed to be the focus, our attention was, instead, pulled all over the place!!!

Wow. I needed a full night’s sleep to recover from last night’s two hour finale of American Idol. At one point, I began asking myself “why have they made it two hours and filled it with this crap???” The parade of celebrities and those cheesy Golden Idols Awards were so pathetic, I almost felt like I was watching a desperate “raise American Idol’s ratings” Telethon.

Sure, there were the former Idol winners like Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks (Fantasia could not be there due to her Broadway commitment), but the real weirdness came from the many celebrity guests. When in Idol history have things been like this??

First, Gwen Stefani phoned in her performance via satellite. Why? I mean, if you’re gonna have someone perform from far away, shouldn’t it Fantasia or something?

Smoky Robinson and Gladys Knight were forgiveable because the Top 6 guys and girls did great group performances with them – especially the guys.

Doug E. Fresh performed with Blake Lewis and it was completely relevant considering Doug’s status as a beatboxer.

I know that Tony Bennett called in sick on the night he was set to perform but tough titty. The only time he fits the show is on a “classics” theme night and the finale was no time for him to make up his appearance. Maybe they paid him and he didn’t want to return the moolah? (I love Tony Bennett, so don’t get cranky).

Bebe and Cece Winans performed with Melinda Doolittle and, while I can see why it is cool to have the backup singer become a co-singer, there really was no need for it tonight. I loved it but I didn’t need it.

The African Children’s Choir was great and I have nothing to say about that. Given the Idol Gives Back stuff, it was totally acceptable to remind people why we should help in any way we can, but…

GREEN FREAKING DAY???? Okay, now we’ve just gone crazy! And does everyone have to sing their most boring song? There are so many energetic Green Day tunes – why this one? Sure, people like to promote their new singles on shows but we already have two people who are trying to prove themselves – Blake and Jordin!!!

Bette Midler is one of my favorite “adult contemporary” singers. She is great. Loved the movie “Beaches.” But, dude, she was singing pretty rough there. YIKES!!!!! Plus, why was she there? I mean, most of Idol’s key viewers probably don’t even know who she is. It made no sense!

Okay, I’m done. Rant away.