American Idol 2, May 21: This Is It!

Finally, Ryan is standing flanked by Ruben and Clay. Ryan recaps last night's judges' critiques, which you can read in detail here.

Ryan says the tally he got was off, the difference was really 1,335 votes! [Editor's Note: That number is still wrong! It apparently should have been 133,500 votes.] That's it! Oh, man... that could mean...

Ryan asks for judges comments:

Randy - "You know what, the best man will win, but you both are winners, I love you both, it was great having you!"

Paula - "It's been an amazing journey, you've both been great, follow your own path, the world is looking at you with different eyes, do what your mama's told you and remember; no one grows up wanting to be a critic!" (I cleaned it up, she fairly babbled)

Simon - "I still don't understand a single word she's saying! (Me neither) We said it will be image vs. talent, talent won. I think America absolutely got it right, now the real competition starts, both your singles are being released the same week. Congratulations to both of you!"

Here it is. Ryan says it is the closest vote in American Idol history (all both seasons!)... the new American Idol is... (all through this, Clay kept up continuous chatter in Ruben's ear!)

RUBEN STUDDARD!

Ruben looks like he may faint. Clay winces for just a second, and then hugs Ruben good-naturedly. In the crowd, Mrs. Aiken and an elated Mrs. Studdard are hugging, that's so classy! Ruben thanks America and family and friends. Ryan asks how Clay is doing. Clay gives a very gracious speech. Do not worry Clay Nation, Clay will be just fine. (And for those members of Clay Nation who sent the nastiest, silliest, most juvenile, insulting emails I've ever seen for saying Ruben will win, I expect to see concession emails from all of you, if you have a scintilla of the class your hero does! Clay would not approve of your behavior.)

A choked up and teary Ruben sings "Flying Without Wings" (why do they make him sing after he won??), as the fireworks go off and the other finalists hug Clay and Ruben, when he's done.

It all reality, there were two winners this year. Two extremely talented individuals will step out into the market place with more talent in their pinkies than most people on the charts today will ever obtain in their whole lives. For those like Justin Timberlake (weren't you in Mickey Mouse Club? Yeah, I thought so), and John Mayer (I like you, but you wouldn't even make the Top 32) who scoff at Idol, prepare to be stomped.

Wow. What a season! AWOL judges, three expulsions, two prior arrests, even through all that, American Idol posted the biggest rating it ever had. What will we do until Idol comes back in January? Well, we'll have deal with the copycats like American Juniors (I'm here for that), Fame, and so on, all dutifully covered here. But, when Idol returns, I'll be here. And, I know you will be, too. Let's all bask together for once; Ruben-ites, Clay Nation, your soldiers have served you well.

If you haven't ordered your copy of either single yet, now is your chance:

Clay's Single: "This Is The Night/On The Wings Of Love"

Ruben's Single: "Flying Without Wings/Superstar"

Sting7 can be reached at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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