[Barefoot]

I think Crystal is more talented, and probably "deserves" to win. However, I think Lee Dewyze has a good chance of winning. He also has talent, and is humbly appealing. Remember, the voting is done predominantly by women. Most men don't multi-vote, in fact most men don't vote at all.

There is something very appealing about Lee. I think he is the kind of guy that a lot of women would like for a husband, or a son, or a grandson. Does that mean he should win a talent contest? Probably not. But I have to confess that I voted for him.

It will be interesting finale, especially with Simon saying goodbye.

[BritParrothead]

We saw it tonight here in England. Both I & hubby thought Chrystal was the best
From the first time we saw Chrystal & Lee, we said they were the ones to beat!!
We hope we are not wrong !!

[Barefoot]

YAY Lee is the new American Idol. I hope he does us proud!

[RichieLion]

I'm betting Crystal Bowersox has a Recording Contract in short order. She was great last night and tonight singing with Alanis Morrisette and Joe Cocker was nothing short of amazing. I'm feeling it's a result like last year where the bigger, but controversial, talent lost. Lee Dewyse will have a good career, I think, but I'm anticipating a star to emerge when Crystal starts her inevitable career.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by RichieLion

I'm betting Crystal Bowersox has a Recording Contract in short order. She was great last night and tonight singing with Alanis Morrisette and Joe Cocker was nothing short of amazing. I'm feeling it's a result like last year where the bigger, but controversial, talent lost. Lee Dewyse will have a good career, I think, but I'm anticipating a star to emerge when Crystal starts her inevitable career.

I agree that Crystal has a lot more raw talent than Lee. I think her star is about to shine!

[redwitch]

I don't think either one of them will ultimately shine. There's just a star quality missing. They both of talent but not idol-type talent.

I'm wondering what AI will be like without Simon. Simon at least was accurate in his criticisms and made sense if you really listened to what he said. Too much nicey-nice or "dawg" and they'll lose it all. Of course, that might not be such a bad idea given there was little true talent this year. It seemed, at least to me, that most of the contestants would be great at a karaoke bar, good bar/street singers, but no one with the power to sell the tix for a large venue.

Of the two, I think Lee has the bigger drawing power but he has a long way to go before he'll be much more than a warm-up act for a Vegas show. Crystal will always have a small, loyal following and will do well in small venues and intimate clubs. I did notice she tried to open up more on Tuesday night, shaking people's hands, walking around the stage, smiling more, but, to me, it was fake -- just not what Crystal would/should do. Here's hoping I'm wrong on both counts. They both seem like nice people and I'd like to see them do well.

[hoseman]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I don't think either one of them will ultimately shine. There's just a star quality missing. They both of talent but not idol-type talent.

I'm wondering what AI will be like without Simon. Simon at least was accurate in his criticisms and made sense if you really listened to what he said. Too much nicey-nice or "dawg" and they'll lose it all. Of course, that might not be such a bad idea given there was little true talent this year. It seemed, at least to me, that most of the contestants would be great at a karaoke bar, good bar/street singers, but no one with the power to sell the tix for a large venue.

Of the two, I think Lee has the bigger drawing power but he has a long way to go before he'll be much more than a warm-up act for a Vegas show. Crystal will always have a small, loyal following and will do well in small venues and intimate clubs. I did notice she tried to open up more on Tuesday night, shaking people's hands, walking around the stage, smiling more, but, to me, it was fake -- just not what Crystal would/should do. Here's hoping I'm wrong on both counts. They both seem like nice people and I'd like to see them do well.

I agree with this post in entirety. I wish Big Mike had won - unique style, talented and very likeable fellow.

Today is a day to celebrate as AI is finally over this season. Dancing was way better this year (however the wife saw it the other way around and of course she wins so now on Tuesday night, we don't have to fight on which to watch). Without Simon, AI might fall off the charts as he was the only person in the know on the entire AI program.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by redwitch

I don't think either one of them will ultimately shine. There's just a star quality missing. They both of talent but not idol-type talent.

I think most of the winners of previous years have also lacked "Idol-type" talent. When I watched the lineup of previous Idol winners last night, I saw few true stars.

The biggest star on the program, Simon, has left the building. They are really going to have to scramble to find someone to fill his shoes. Like him or not, he really knew the music business, and he kept us entertained. The contestants always really respected his opinion.

[sschuler1]

All of the previous Idol winners showed up last night except Kathryn McPhee. I wonder what happened to her? I disagree that none of them have become stars. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone on to be BIG stars! Fantasia is doing very well on Broadway and has made a few hit records. Reuben Studdard has made a few R&B records, and is doing very well.


I think this is another year that the second place person is going to outshine the winner in the real world. Unfortunately, there have been too many of those seasons!

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by sschuler1

All of the previous Idol winners showed up last night except Kathryn McPhee. I wonder what happened to her?

I think it was David Cooke that was absent..... and I have no idea why. Was a pretty good show using DVR to fast forward once in a while. Once again, my skills at predicting the outcome failed. Just before the announcement, I told my wife, no doubt Crystal won this.... to which she replied, I think Lee won....

Nice try AJ

I also notice I have this physical issue that I had forgotten, whenever Paula Abdul talks my eyes roll

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

I think it was David Cooke that was absent.....

That's correct. McPhee was the second pick behind Taylor Hicks (Daughtry was fourth). Good choice that year America!

Who would you stick in Simon's seat in next season's AI?

[collie1228]

The only rumors I've seen about Simon's replacement have been Howard Stern and Madonna. Either one would end my viewing pleasure, and I believe would be the beginning of the end for AI (if Cowell's departure hasn't already started the beginning of the end). Frankly, I believe that Simon was the soul of AI, and is probably irreplaceable. I was looking forward to Paula being replaced by Ellen, but I don't see where that has worked out all that well. I like Ellen a lot, but she hasn't added much to the show. Mostly platitudes, cliches and weak attempts at humor - to the point where I missed Paula, believe it or not. Maybe all the exposure for Harry Connick, Jr. this season was intended to measure his likeability with the audience, to be followed by a "surprise" announcement that he is replacing Cowell? Just a thought . . . .

[memason]

I agree with everyone here...Simon will be nearly impossible to replace. They will need someone with music industry credibility. Randy has experience, but he's just not a Simon.

Simon will be back on Fox with X-Factor. I have watched this on BBC and it is essentially Idol in the UK, with a bit of a twist. Near the end of the show, the judges "adopt" one of the contestants and assist with song choice, staging, arrangements, etc. When the elimination shows air, the judges are on stage with their adopted contestent. I predict X-Factor will displace Idol as the show to watch....

Anyway, I believe the wrong person won this year.....again.

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by memason

Anyway, I believe the wrong person won this year.....again.

Agree with you there. Crystal had so much more stage presence as well as talent than Dewyze who has NO personality at all; never smiles or connects with the audience.

I am somewhat skeptical about the procedure they profess to use for choosing the winner; very doubtful if it's the public response that chooses the winner. All that seems to be kept somewhat vague.

Doubt that Simon's absence will change anything. Most of the time he was too busy flirting to concentrate on the performance. Glad to see him go; Mr Ice Cube with no respect for people in general; just a "little" man with a "huge" ego who will be quickly forgotten by AI fans.