Season 5 Ploy Revived
AI8 Hoopla Finally Lures Fan
Frankly, my life has been way too busy to sample Season 8 of American Idol; but all the hoopla surrounding the final episode finally lured this Clay Aiken fan to turn on the TV for the last hour of Wednesday night's results show.
In that brief time, I got a handle on most finalists, enjoyed some of their performances with entertainment heavyweights, and was struck by a few AI2 similarities; many more differences; and, above all, the glitzy embellishments since the Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard showdown six years ago.
There was even a stab at the very successful AI5 finale filler during which Clay surprised Michael Sandecki, a preliminary contestant who had proclaimed the Aiken his hero during the auditions.
AI5 Surprise Appearance Recalled
Supposedly nominated as "best impersonator," Michael was invited to perform one of Clay's signature songs, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," on the results show.
In the midst of Michael's performance, the stage backdrop opened and out strolled the producers' best kept secret, the AI2 runner-up belting out the song that had secured his Wildcard position in the 2003 competition.
It was the same incredible voice, but the maturity and difference in Clay's appearance was so striking that the panel of judges didn't even recognize him.
The theater audience and television viewers, however, went wild; and the event became the next day's most discussed water cooler topic, even topping the buzz about a new idol.
Aspiegirl captured the AI5 moment in her What a Feeling montage, which can viewed in the above player and at YouTube.
The Season 8 version of the Aiken-Sandecki event was Katrina Darrell, whose audition in a string bikini, earned her eventual moniker. Wearing her trademark ensemble, she took the stage to sing and accept an award for "best attitude."
Her unexpected co-singer was judge Kara Dioguardi, who provided yet another surprise for Bikini Girl and the audience.
Congratulations to Kris Allen, the new American Idol; Adam Lambert, this season's runner-up; and the 2009 finalists who just may be embarking on a musical career because of the AI phenomenon.
Current fans can take heart from previous AI editions that Clay, Jennifer Hudson, and Chris Daughtrey have proved one doesn't have to win the title to enjoy a successful career in the entertainment business. Compliments of goldarngirl, here's the Insider video.
A continent away during last night's Idol confetti, Clay impacted yet another final show. Almost immediately, the debate about second place finishers began on Twitter and other social networking sites.
And the conversation continues ... in 140 characters or less!
RELATED POSTS:
American Idol Winner Crowned from Huffington Post
It's All About Idol + Blog at Clay Aiken News Network
Much Ado at The ConCLAYve
Clay Aiken Speaks Out About American Idol at mj's blog
'American Idol': The Triumphof Soft Rock from The New York Times
Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, American Idol 8 Finale, AI5 Finale, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, montage, Bikini Girl, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, runner-up, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation
0 comments:
Post a Comment