Carrie Underwood is the new American Idol

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

(Copyright © 2005 by Reuters/Chris Pizzello)

Another woman has won the American Idol title, and I couldn’t be more pleased. Much as I like Bo Bice, I had little doubt that Carrie Underwood would win. She looked like a goddess with her permed hair and Grecian-like outfit, even when she sang “Inside Your Heaven,” that less-than-heavenly song, at the end. Too bad that’s going to be her first single.

Today’s show, though a little underwhelming, was much better than yesterday’s. It’s a treat to see the finalists together again, performing and having a great time. Lindsey Cardinale looked hot. Mikalah Gordon was a hoot at the red carpet. Nice to see Constantine Maroulis, Jessica Sierra and Nadia Turner strutting their stuff. And how Vonzell Solomon sparkled! It’s worth noting that she’s the only finalist, except for Bo and Carrie, who has a guest musical artist all to herself. She’ll definitely go far.

It’s also nice to see LaToya London and Matt Rogers again. LaToya is normally a class act, but how come she seemed drunk when Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest checked in on her in one segment? And Matt may not be a great singer, but he sure has a great personality. He and Mikalah should hook up and host a showbiz program. Their banter would be priceless.

The best thing about the finale, though, is that it captures what American Idol is actually all about. It’s a show that aims, not only to search for the next singing sensation, but also to entertain, even at its own expense. It never takes itself too seriously. Look at the host and the judges poking fun at themselves via a mock-exposé. Some of those who didn’t even made the first cut were good sports while everyone else in the audience were laughing at their audition clips. That would be cruel in another context. And everything felt so calculated to a considerable extent, but no one seems to care. All these are reflected in the finale.

Much as I’m happy that Carrie won, I seriously don’t see myself buying her CD, especially if it’s going to be dominated by country-music tracks. I’ll probably reconsider if it has her versions of “Alone” and “Crying.” As for Bo, his runner-up status practically assures him of his own CD, and I hope it contains his covers of “Time in a Bottle” and “For the Love of Money.” But strangely, I’m more excited at the prospect of Vonzell having her own CD.

As long as they keep on improving themselves and are managed the right way, Carrie, Bo and Vonzell should enjoy fulfilling—and lasting—singing careers. And as for American Idol, I’m sure I’ll be glued in front of the TV again once it comes back next year, most probably in January.