American Idol 4, May 24: The Finale - Bo vs. Carrie

Bo Bice, "Inside Your Heaven"

Randy - "You know what? What can I say, you’re forever in my dogpound... you made me love the song. That was amazing. Amazing! Great range, great vocal, great tone, that was hot baby!"

Paula - "You went outside of your range on that one, I just fell in love with the song on that one, I really did. You really gave it your all on that one. My props to you."

Simon - "This is the only time I’ve seen your nerves throughout this competition. It shows how much this competition means to you. I think you did outsing Carrie on this song. And Bo, this is the may be the last chance I get to say something to you in the competition and it has been, for us, an absolute pleasure having you on American Idol."

Sting7 - What I will remember most about Bo is the look of utter relief in his eyes right after he finished that last note. He knew it was the last song he will ever sing in front of judges, but I doubt it will his last before humongous crowds! Bo’s rendition of this song is still ringing in my ears. There seemed to be some problems in there, flubbed a lyric or two, but somehow, it was more sonically pleasing. He connected with the song, he understood it. While Carrie sings beautifully, you wonder if she has the experience to emotionally connect with some of the songs she sings. That has been my problem with her all season long, and it just dawned on me what the problem actually was. Carrie, I think, is nowhere near as great as she is going to be with some maturing.

Carrie Underwood, "Angels Brought Me Here"

Randy (voice also cracking) - "You know what... it’s the first I’ve given this this season, but you got the dogs standing up, that was amazing!"

Paula - "Carrie, what you’ve been able to accomplish in this last six months is a lifetime of achievement. You’ll never face anything more scary in your life. You’ve done a wonderful job."

Simon - "You have a lot of guts. You’re competing against someone who is older than you, had more experience. Again I felt your emotion in that song. Ah, Carrie, I think you’ve done enough to win this competition."

Sting7 - Now that was something! That was beautiful. That last note, that last "here" was broken because she got emotional, and the shy smile that came with it was absolutely adorable. It may be her most emotional and beautiful vocal of the season. Is Simon right? Was it enough to win?

We get a montage of the entire season. Nice to see some of those faces again. Ryan asks Randy to sum up the season. Randy says it has been the best season so far and is happy to see a southern girl and a country rocker still standing. Paula says it has been the best season with the best talent so far. Simon thanks America for listening to him this year. Full o’ pithy, isn’t he?

Ryan implores with us to vote. He says less than 2% separated Bo and Carrie last week. I have to echo that it is so important to vote. Do so, do it often! If you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain!

The competition is over! What a season! This is my third and a half season of Idol. The lovely Dana Walker had the chief recapping duties in season one, and I did a companion piece once the Top Ten started. I’ve never seen a season like this. Controversy, yeah, there always is. Shocking eliminations? Yep, knew that. But, this is the first season that I can think of that the Top 12 was so talented! We’re down to Bo and Carrie, but look who lost along the way? Constantine, Nadia, Anwar, Anthony, Vonzell, Nikko, Jessica – any of them could have been in a finale with Kelly, Ruben, or Fantasia in earlier seasons! Who knows, they may have even won! This year was the first year singing ability was really not a question. All 12, yes, all 12, are absolutely recordable. I have no doubt that all of them will have recording contracts by 2007.

The line of demarcation this year was star-quality. Likeability. Look at the top five – scrappy Scott Savol who was brave enough to tell the public to shove it in his own way with all the false stories floating around about him, Anthony who seems to be devoid of ego, he absolutely took every day of his Idol experience as a blessing and a gift. Hard not to like him. Vonzell grew from a pretty good singer to a powerhouse. I think she surprised herself with all she could do. It’s like she discovered a new toy and couldn’t wait to show us what she could do with it! Carrie, I think, really battled some confidence issues. I think Carrie was very used to being the prettiest fish in the pond, and found herself surrounded by others who were just as pretty. Carrie may have found some strength that she had long overlooked. Bo raged against the machine. He was true to himself. No, he wasn’t cutting his hair. No, he will not be made a monkey of on national television. Bo showed us who he was because there was no sense in trying to be anyone else – let America decide if it’s good enough.

Who will win? That is the question. It’s been about ten minutes since the show ended, and I’m still hearing Carrie’s song in my head. And, Simon’s prediction. Was it good enough to win? I can’t say no. I can’t say yes, either. I’m thinking Bo. I’m sticking with Bo. Hard to disagree with Simon, but my gut says Bo. I’ve gotta stick with it.

Based on what we’ve seen all season, Bo has been the most consistent. There were three nights I can think of when he commanded the show! Carrie has never been in the bottom three. She’s been solid. The only other two contestants who can say that are Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. She’s definitely in good company. Her future is secure, and it will be fun to watch her grow and mature as a performer. However...

The next American Idol will be:

Bo Bice.

Join me tomorrow, let’s see if Stinger can be four for four!

While you’re waiting for the finale, be sure to relive the performance that earned Bo a Hall of Fame Moment!

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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