AI picks winner, preps for exit
The big news, the day after the season closer should be, Nick Fradiani is the new American Idol. And he, indeed, is after that suspenseful finale show that saw two of the most talented finalists ever to grace the Idol stage in close contest. It was one of those rare instances wherein there was no obvious winner up to the last minute.
But poor Nick. His moment of glory is not shining as bright as it should. What fans and even casual observers are now talking about is the announcement that American Idol, one of the most successful shows ever created for television, will soon be saying goodbye. The show will have its final season next year.
This is very sad. But it cannot be helped. TV shows, even the most popular, do come to a close. Dwindling viewership, diminishing support from sponsors and the plain-old law of averages, you know, what goes up must come down, have combined to bring American Idol to its end.
Which is really a pity. Idol remains enjoyable. I have to admit though that these past few years, I was guilty of those irritating judges’ intramurals and of the lack of exciting contestants that of course led to forgettable winners. Do you remember who won last year? However, this season saw the show with its most exciting and most talented batch of finalists ever.
I have always believed that every finalist in any contest should deserve to be the winner. Not just one or two. And it happened in Idol this year. It was hard watching them get booted out one after another. Qaasim Middleton, Daniel Seavey, Quentin Alexander, Rayvon Owen, Adanna Duru, Jax, Joey Cook, Maddie Walker and Tyanna Jones are not only singers.
They were all deserving of the prize. They are young artists who deserve to be seen and heard. Their performances were so good, it was such a delight watching them grow in confidence and artistry every week. I am hopeful that we will continue to hear great news about them soon.
And this brings us to the finalists, Nick and Clark Beckham. There are many similarities between these two. Both are working musicians who are the sons of professional musicians. Clark is in college studying history and physical education. Nick has a degree in history and was in the basketball team. They both play the guitar, piano and other instruments.
They are also both very attractive heartthrobs in their own way. Clark, 22 years old and from Tennessee, is tall and striking with the good looks of an all-American boy. He brings to mind a wholesome Elvis Presley. Nick, 29, who is from Connecticut, has a George Clooney smile and Rob Thomas vocals. If I am not mistaken, he is also the first
Idol with an Italian sounding name.
Nick is an excellent choice. I have a feeling that he will bring back the word star to the American
Idol title. It was amaz- ing seeing him improve every week and how despite years of experience as a musician, he allowed himself to be mentored in the show. He was also very fortunate to get that song Beautiful Life to be his coronation anthem.
Nick’s song made for a great closer to a most enjoyable finale. The show was a blast with stellar performances by guest artists and this season’s finalists. Steven Tyler came to sing with Jax. Ricky Martin put on his famous moves backed up by the Idol guys. Clark’s turn with Michael MacDonald really showed off his vocal chops. And Nick was just wonderful in a duet of Home with Andy Grammer.
The judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban took their turns, too, on the Idol stage and they were great and J.Lo looked her most beautiful. It is just too bad that Fox has decided to pull the plug on
Idol now that the show has found this trio of judges after a lot of misses in the recent past. They are not only famous, incredibly watchable stars. They are also knowledgeable of their craft. They are genuinely nice people who love discovering and nurturing talent.
Of course, host Ryan Seacrest was his usual competent self. He has been around since Day One of American Idol and must be feeling the show’s approaching demise more strongly than anybody else. A lot of people will feel sad when Idol goes. But if that superb finale is any indication, then it will be going out with a big bang next year.