Billy’s Blog: ‘Idol’ Thoughts (May 25, 2006)

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Quick thoughts on Idol…

The power of this show astounds me. The quality of this finale was supreme…when ‘Idol’ debuted in 2002, the music industry shrugged it off as amateur and beneath them.  That has so clearly changed. Mary J, Blige, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach…and, believe me I was floored, Prince!Bow to the Idol one and all …This show is the brightest light in Music and TV.

Taylor’s win was no surprise. After watching him live last night, I got it.  (Nancy is loving this from her perch…i.e.. Heels, shhh.) I am finished underestimating Taylor.

Seacrest is a fantastic host. He operates this thing better than anyone could.  He owns it.

Bucky Covington surprised the heck out of me with “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”…you know he was dreading that, as it could not be more opposite to his style. He over delivered.

Puck ‘n Pickler was cute but I kept wrestling with whether or not she was acting…she MUST know how to pronounce these menu items at this point?Either way, Pickler is the new Jessica Simpson…my advice is to get married and let the cameras roll.

Finally, Simon makes a reported $36 million per year, more than anyone else on the show…combined.  He was an audience member tonight.  The show just realized its depth on the roster, especially its production team…they took countless former contestants who have never been in a production larger than a town parade and made Prince, Dionne and Mary J. look like they were in familiar company.

Great night.

Kelly Clarkson was on our show yesterday…it was a quick “arrival” interview on the red carpet at the ACM Awards…she downplayed “American Idol” as she usually does, confusing Taylor’s name as only someone who rarely watches could.

Also on the red carpet was Carrie Underwood, who made sure to race back to L.A. in time for the “Idol” finale, where she put on a tremendous performance.

If it’s good enough for Prince, it has to be good enough for Kelly.  I can’t imagine who, in her camp, is advising against a continued association with “American Idol.”  It’s a mistake in my opinion.

Finally, if it’s good enough to put Hasselhoff in tears, its good.

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