I only watched one season this show, but I know how you feel. Needless to say, here in Northwest Ohio there was a lot of disappointment with the results. People were assembled at local bars where she's performed and at a large venue in downtown Toledo cheering Crystal Bowersox or "Mama Sox" as she's fondly called here at home.

But by far the most hopeful was the assemblage at a church in Elliston, Ohio, with a population of 75, where Crystal and her family live. Despite the disappointing results, her family and friends still celebrated Crystal and her amazing accomplishment.

However, last night's results affirmed my decision not to watch this show where mediocrity wins more often than night and those results are determined by young girls who vote for the cutesy guy. If a talent show isn't based on talent, what's the point?

I won't be watching AI, but I will be watching Mama Sox becausr I think she's going to be another successful runner-up. Her success shines a light on the talent pool here in Northwest Ohio, and, believe me, she's just the tip of the iceberg!

Thanks for your wonderful recounting of last night's show and your support of talent over mediocrity. You rock!

You grabbed me with this title. I thought you were about to make a confession! Still, I read on and enjoyed your summations. No need for me to watch all the in-between actions.

I was annoyed last night when a thunder storm shut down my satellite reception.

However, given the line-up of antique acts (it was my era, but I've moved on) and the outcome (no surprise, but still...), I'm glad I wasn't able to watch. Instead I went to bed early and slept blissfully in air-conditioned comfort (first time in a couple of years that AC was necessary) and looked on the web this morning...

I'll watch again next year, but in the desultory way I did this year, using it as background for household chores...

Thanks for your great service reporting - and for an interesting if somewhat disheartening attendance at the finale.

(Haha, Diva seems to feel strongly...or maybe there were storms down there too...)

I'm not a fan or a watcher, but did happen to catch one show at a friend's house where I saw Ms. Crystal distinguish herself from the flock very early on. I can recall saying out loud 'There's the winner', before moving on to the dessert round that evening. Winning this show isn't any predictor of her future and being #2 won't matter one whit. A talented individual will be picked up faster than a $100 bill. Ppppffftt on the AI 'winner' status because as you inferred, the past is prologue. (Taylor who?)

Wonderful post, Mary.

Lee wins? Not surprised. Happy about it? No! Crystal was clearly the much better talent.

Now that AI is over, I will not miss it. However, I will miss your posts!! Your posts have been even better than the show!!

http://open.salon.com/blog/rarobertsjr/2010/05/26/lee_wins_yep_with_a_lil_help_from_his_friends

Honestly, Mary, all I could think last night was how much it was like Thunderdome--Ryan Seacrest as Tina Turner--two men enter, one man leaves--and how much of a thirst we have in our culture for this sort of thing. Prop up the single mom and dangle a career in front of her, then feed her to the lions. I'm glad you were able to be there front and center to witness Barry Gibb going for the high notes, Darrell Hall missing them, Lee missing whole lines, Janet Jackson channeling her dead brother, and the 99 44/100% pure Idol reunion, with Simon's teary farewell. That's a keeper.

I missed the finale show -- well, on purpose -- but when I woke up this morning and heard the news my WHHHATTT!!??? sent the dogs into panic mode and they started gathering water jugs and canned goods in preparation for a hurricane. I agree with everything you've written here. Lottery indeed. Poor Simon who keeps trying make it into singing competition.

"Great perfomers like the Bee Gees, Michael McDonald, and Hall & Oates"??? REALLY????? Because they all SUCKED in the '70s and the SUCK NOW!

"Is mediocrity the new “cool”? Is bland the new “spicy”? Are off-key notes the new “melody”?"

YES! Ugh. Perfect analysis. I felt the same thud of disappointment, again. Thanks for your reporting, Mary. I'll miss my Weds. and Thurs. morning fixes!

This was such a thoughtful analysis and recap. I honestly would have been surprised if Crystal won - perhaps not a reaction that bodes well for my future involvement in this show. I really think the appeal of this show is the rush of Simon saying what you are thinking when in polite society you are not allowed to say what you are thinking. And once that is gone we won't have that magic moment anymore, so why bother? There are a gazillion other talent shows, and why wouldn't I tune in to the one where I get that adrenaline fix and satisfaction of having my darkest thoughts spoken out loud? I think A.I. is finished; I really do.

As I emailed you while it was happening, on TV I thought this finale sucked. I was amazed at the producers for packing a show that relies on tween support with musical acts that are almost before MY time - and I'm 42. They all sounded horrible on TV. I was struck by the fact that the one Idol runner up who sounded good was TIM URBAN in the one line that he got to sing from that one song. I couldn't hear the rest, or they were off key. And who ever thought "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall and Oates was a good song when it WAS popular?!

Loves seeing Paula again. She was the other adrenaline rush that we got from this show that was taken away. I actually breathed a sigh of relief when I saw she and Simon back together again. It felt like somebody you missed terribly had finally come home. Ellen was a big mistake. This is the wrong show for her.

I hope Crystal goes on to do great things. I don't see the same happening for Lee - unless they can make his voice sound so much better in the recording studio. Tween support is like a volcanic eruption - powerful but unsustainable. I don't know what he's going to do when they forget about him in a few months.

Thanks for the weekly banter every week, Mary. It was a bumpy ride this year, but would not have taken it with anyone else but you.

I enjoy your write ups more than the show (which I rarely watch)!

Glad you got to be there, even though you were disappointed.

Where do I begin, Mary? You basically took the words right out of my mouth AGAIN! I swear, we're separated at birth! And even though I predicted this gloomy climax a few weeks ago, I felt as if someone punched me in the stomach when Ryan announced Lee's name or as if (God forbid) someone said "Sarah Palin is the next President of the United States." When put it into context, could it get any worse than that?

I also said the same thing I said last year, "That's it! I'm done with this show." As sure as I said those words last night, I know I'll be back next January. Please, please, please, Simon Fuller and company, pull it together next year. I'd much rather listen and watch a half-dozen unattractive contestants than listen to a group that's cutesy but doesn't know the difference between a B-flat and a flatbed Ford.

I'm thrilled for your experience of seeing some of the great musical legends...and even Paula's non-edited rambling of Simon Cowell's charm. The show, with the exception of the winner's results was fun and fast. Since when has a results show been this entertaining?

Thanks for the wonderful recap of last night's events and for the entire season.

Thank goodness I found you by poking around OS a few weeks back. You have made "American Idol" worthy to discuss, engage, enrage and share the bliss with, with your outstanding reviews.

Season 9 of "American Idol" gets a D minus overall, but you, Mary, deserve a gold star and a well-deserved A-plus! Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am stunned. I am in shock. I don't even know what to say.
YOU are quoting Bart Simpson???????
Wow, I think I need to go lie down. The end of the world must be near.

I suppose Mary, that I now know all I ever needed to know about American Idol. Thank you for sparing me the agony of watching!
As usual, it would appear your critique of the show is better than the show itself! - [R]

I posted this as my Facebook status this morning, and after reading your terrific recap, I'll share what I posted with you:

"Riddle me this, America: you'll vote a bland, safe, boring that sounds like a Jack Johnson/Dave Matthews/Jason Mraz wannabe (over a far more interesting and more dynamic singer with a ton more personality) because he's bland, safe, and boring, yet you'll elect a racist moonbat in the primaries because he's "edgy" and "different?"

Oh, and I forgot to mention my favorite moment of the night - when Crystal changed the lyric of "You Oughta Know" to "...will she go down with you to the theater." Classic. Laughed out loud.

I never watch the show, but I do enjoy your commentaries. Thanks.

Well I am kind of shocked. Then again, I have to wonder how much support they would have given Crystal if she won anyways. This show seemed to all be about Simon. And to be honest, it really had the feel of a funeral, with all the past winners, except David Cook, coming back like angels.

Best tweet of the evening. "It's Janet Jacula."

And I can't believe they brought poor Bret Micheals back from where he should be, in bed, just to make poor Casey look like a man whore.

As for Lee, I guess it's just a good month for Illinois. Yes, I care more about the Stanley Cup than American Idol. As I think I should.

Mary you are such a devoted and deserving recapper. I hope I hope AI becomes a better show for your sake.

I was doing an early morning commute when I learned the paint store putz pulled it off. It had me conjuring up my 22 year-old son's constant refrain to me during the year of, "Dad, the show is called American IDOL, not American SINGER."

Crystal got robbed. She will kick some bohemian ass, though. That brown and gap-toothed, dredlocked pudge bucket can sing.

It's never really been about talent...it's been about marketablity Dewyze will earn Fox more money than Bowersox. I guess they are still trying to make up for their "Soul Patrol" debacle.

I don't even watch the show and I hate it. I hate that it makes the front page of Open Salon as if this site were the equivalent of People Magazine. I hate that the fact that Simon Cowell is leaving the show makes for bigger news than the BP oil spill. I pray for the show's demise. I hate the fact that people say they hate it but still watch it. I appreciate your providing me with the opportunity to vent about how much I hate this show. Rated for hatred.

Thanks for bringing us along for the long, dull ride which you made more fun. May I suggest the best talent show of all, which starts tonight? "So You Think You Can Dance." This one has heart and some authenticity and incredible, incredible talent. It makes me cry from the sheer joy of it. And Mary, you could just relax and watch.

I enjoyed your piece, although I've never watched a single episode of AI, nor ever will I. Homer had a last name, and played the lottery? Wow! Learn something new everyday. ;o) Rated.

Decent looking guy with commercial appeal or patchouliesque mom? Gay rocker or teen idol (last year). What a tribute to America's diversity in the results. Dumbsh*ts.

Why, America, why?

Mry, Mary, Mary. I thought last night's show was par for the course of the whole season - it stunk! But now that I k now where you were sittin, I'll have to scroll back through my DVR. I must have missed the "trilogy" sign you were holding up!
Glad you had fun with it though. GREAT recaps and I'm sure your second trip to Nokia was a memorable event. I'm with Lea - can't wait for "So You Think You Can Dance"....doing no recaps though!!!
Thanks for all your fun write-ups. Take a break - you deserve it.

I'm not worried about Crystal. She will be free from the constraints of the winner's contract, and will make a great career for herself. We're all going to buy her music. Loved her and Alanis together. LOVED it . And she was clearly excited to be singing with Joe.

I watch for the ordinary-people singers, not the celebrities or Simon or Paula.

didn't watch the finale, knowing that once again the wrong person would be picked the winner. in fact, i didn't watch much of the season because what i did see was cringe-inducing, with the exception of Crystal. but Crystal has a better chance of making an album true to her artistic self by not winning. one of the few contests where you win by losing.

HATED IT. NOW MOURNING ADAM AGAIN.

but love you, sweet Mary! xoxo

Two years in a row they picked the wrong winner. I probably won't watch next year without Simon.

Finally posted my ideas on my blog. Read all about it: How to Fix American Idol.

http://open.salon.com/blog/kikstad/2010/05/27/how_to_fix_american_idol

Neither will sell many records - especially after their first. But I do not see Bowersox being better than Dewyze at all.

I bet the skinny blonde kid with the guitar does the best.

At this point what really seems to matter is how contestants take their AI experience and use it to their advantage after they leave the show. I'm not sure who said this - maybe it was even Simon Cowell -- that AI is like this big protective "bubble" but once it's over the bubble bursts and that's when they really have to prove themselves.

That being said, I'm not disappointed in Crystal's loss for two reasons: 1) she's an amazing talent who will have a career regardless, and 2) not being the winner means she will probably have more flexibility when it comes to putting an album together.

I mean really, how many winners have actually hit it big? The only two that come to mind are Kelly and Carrie, with a few others - Reuben, Fantasia - achieving a respectable level of success. Then there are the finalists who finished 2nd or further back in the pack - Clay, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, and very likely Adam Lambert - who have been doing really despite where they finished.

Which isn't to say a contestant's goal should just be finishing in the top 10 just so they can record an album - I mean, I could really care less about most of the finalists this season (and actually more about the semi-finalists - Lilly, Katelyn and Alex, to be specific - who I feel got eliminated way too soon). And I have plenty of favorites from previous seasons - Bo Bice, David Cook, Alison Iraheta - who I still like regardless of where they finished in the competition or how successful they've been since.

The best thing AI does is open doors; it's still about talent and hard work.

Excellent wrap up, Mary. Though I wasn't a loyal watcher of AI this season, I am intrigued by challenge of replacing Simon Cowel. So, until then, I will be happily satsfied to read your reviews, peppered with wit and stylish writing. You were quite the lucky duckie for being there, up front and personal last night. Way cool.

The ideal candidate has commercial appeal - Lee is the best choice on that front. As much as I enjoyed Crystal and appreciated her talent, she doesn't have the same marketability. As long as viewers or fans of the show expect the best singer to win, they will be disappointed.

I do, however, want to add how saddened I am at the media and other public declarations of disappointment - Lee didn't cheat his way into a win...he was voted in to this position. I really don't think this young man is enjoying his win much...unless he's been able to avoid all media today. Not really fair folks...the time for sour grapes is over - and time to congratulate the winner...

FrogTown: Thanks for your comment...I loved it and loved hearing about the reception and celebration Crystal was enjoying (as she should). Because of my good fortune in being there and so close to the stage, Crystal's voice was beautiful, powerful and strong. And she exudes such confidence and joy. I love her. Thanks again for your supportive comment! So appreciated, really.

Dear reader: Thanks for reading! I changed the title (not because of your comment) but it was too negative. I'm a sucker for AI and who am I kidding, will most likely continue to be, mediocrity, no Simon and all.

Myriad: Your house sure has gotten clean because of "American Idol"! Honestly, being at the finale was fantastic...the show was great and I had resigned myself to the fact that Lee would win...there was only a 2% difference so it was close. Thanks for your faithful comments...I always enjoyed reading them.

Gabby Abby: Crystal and even the other nine contestants have had their lives changed because of AI and will continue to. It will be fun to see how Lee and Crystal do when they release their first albums.

RA: You are so kind! Thank you...but to be honest, I'm not going to miss my AI posts :) I'm exhausted...just got back from LA and heaving a big sigh of relief that next Tuesday and Wednesday will be free (and my husband appreciates it too!). Will read your blog when I get caught up here. Thanks again.

Kathy: I have to say that I loved the show last night. I really did. The sound system was amazing, the crowd was exciting and I enjoyed each and every performance. Janet Jackson was phenomenal (and be careful when it comes to her brother...I'm a HUGE fan, still depressed about his death and have seen, "This Is It" 15 times! And did you see Crystal's confidence and huge smile? That woman is going to be more than fine. Thanks for your comment.

Bellwether: Your comment made me smile. I don't know about "poor Simon" (cuz you know he's not!)...but it's one of the things I've always loved about him...his straight shooting style. Simon did emphasize the "singing competition" but he also was promoting Lee. I got confused.

AmyVet: I guess that's all a matter of personal opinion. Thanks for reading, I do appreciate it.

Deborah: Thanks again for reading...it feels good to know you will miss these posts (even though I won't :).

Elisa: Again, I think being there in person made a big difference. I enjoyed every second of that show. We were on our feet constantly dancing away...7000 people who were in a great mood. And yeah, Paula was her good ole Paula...there were a few awkward moments there.

knightwriter: I would have been surprised if Crystal had won...I just couldn't see those tweens and many others who got more caught up in Crystal's looks (I think she's beautiful) than her talent. I did notice that Tim Urban did a great job on that one line...seriously, I wanted to hear more! And he's got a really great stage presence with that broad smile and relaxed way he moves around. Wouldn't it be funny if he got some serious coaching and became more famous than anyone? I loved seeing Paula and she really was hysterical. Her cute adorable slurring her words, creating awkward moments self. She got quite the standing ovation. I love Ellen in her show, but not this one. Thanks for all your support...it's been fun doing our weekly recaps and helping each other along the way. Thank you!!!

Denise: I really wasn't as disappointed as I may have sounded. Honestly, it's been such a crazy interesting season, and I was disappointed, but ever so slightly. Now Adam Lambert, I'm still trying to recover from that one! Thank you!

Steven: What can I say? Great minds think alike! Yeah, we were separated at birth...I'll take that even though I'm pretty sure you are WAY younger than me. And okay, I could stomach hearing Lee's name more than ever ever having (please if there is a god or a universe or the secret in action, never let this happen) to ever hear that SP is the President. The suicide hot lines would be on overload.

Glad you could see what a great show it was. It was fast paced...always something going on. I'm glad you found me and vice versa. And hey, let's be gluttons for punishment and tune in next January...you gotta always have some hope. And one more thing, thank you for your always excellent and informative and entertaining comments...they were great posts in and of themselves.

Beo: Actually, I was quoting Homer Simpson...but that was my little wink wink to you and I'm glad you caught it.

Tim4change: Thanks Tim...you've been a great sport to come along and comment when you don't watch it. That means a lot!

Gus: I love your Facebook status!!! You're one clever man and I need to head over (after I get some sleep) and read some of your posts. I love your way with words and wit!

knightwriter: You are very alert and I completely missed that. Love that Crystal, good for her.

ladyslipper: Hey, thanks for reading! I appreciate it.

Juliet: David Cook was at a charity benefit for cancer. Given that his beloved brother died of brain cancer, I know it's a cause that is close to his heart. Good for him and his priorities. As for Janet Jackson, hers was the best performance of the night. She was fantastic! 2 songs and really, it was great. Bret Michaels is risking his life, walking around with a hole in his heart...a little scary actually...I was hoping he wouldn't drop to the ground in the middle of his song! You've got your priorities straight that's for sure. Thanks again for being such a loyal commenter...I always looked forward to reading what you had to say.

Gwool: I know you have a special place in your heart for Crystal so I'm surprised you didn't find out until this morning who won. Your son is a chip off the ole block.

Christine: You have a theory but it's not a fact until it becomes one. I'd be very surprised if Lee turns out to be more successful than Crystal, but will time will tell. I do like hearing your opinion.

Notes from Joblessville: You're right...I love American Idol and I hate it...it's a bit of a sadomasochistic relationship and I'm pretty sure I'll be right at it again in January. And glad you got to vent. Now doesn't that feel better?

Lea: I appreciate the suggestion, but I think I'm taking a break from any kind of reality show at this point...I'm just a tad fried. But, hey, I'm open!

Fusun: I've never been a Homer Simpson fan but my husband loves him and I got on line last night to read his quotes. This cartoon character is hysterical! Thanks so much for reading.

JustaGuy: Your comment made me laugh and I agree.

Nick: Well, I'll be reading your post about how to fix this whole thing...it's worth fixing.

trilogy: You did miss my huge sign that said, 'TRILOGY ROCKS"! Can't believe you missed it! Damn. Again, the show was terrific and I loved it, and I'm glad the season is over....thanks so much.

sweetfeet: I also loved that Morrisette/Crystal duet. Crystal is very much in a contract with AI for I believe, 3 years, so she's tied to them for awhile.

lemonpulp: Again, Crystal will be tied into AI for a couple of years, but hopefully they will have her singing the songs that suit her best. Thanks for reading.

irritated: Yes, it was like PTSD. Crystal losing was okay for me, but then it brought back all those memories of being in that theater last year and Adam losing. I'm still not over it! Love you too...you're the best!

Roger: Be careful Roger...you may soften by next January depending on who the next judge is. I think Harry Connick Jr. would be perfect. So knowledgeable about music, but blunt and ridiculously funny...that dry sarcastic sense of humor I love so much.

Nick: Yup, that's the one I saw on the Cover...looking forward to reading it.

DArt: Again a theory that time will tell. I do think Casey has great potential, just needs alot of coaching and experience. There's something about him that's just charismatic.

Amy: I agree and this is why I've always loved American Idol...the opportunities it gives unknowns...I love love love that...which is why I'll be watching again in January. Thanks for your great comment!

JC: I was extremely lucky to be there and a big thank you again to the wonderful person who made this all possible. Truly a fantastic experience!

Nassau Mary: Ah do I have to be a good sport about it? Really? OK, fine. But you would have been proud of me at the show. I didn't clap at first. I just couldn't. But then I was told some of Lee's family was sitting behind us and I know how I would feel if that was my son, so I did plenty of clapping for Lee. He was so humble and overwhelmed, he even brought tears to my eyes!

Mary, thanks for all of your work on these posts this season. I like the show, boring contestants and all, and enjoy discussing it and reading your summaries. I'm glad you got to see the final show in person.

mishima: There you are! But no commentary on last night's show? I've so appreciated your comments this season, truly and hey, let's watch this again in January. Those producers are very smart people and I think something good will be in the works. Thanks again.

Oh, Mary... I almost felt bad for you being there because you didn't have the luxury of fast forwarding like we did at home.

I actually think that Crystal was the one who was saved. She no longer has to worry about putting out a cover song as her first single. She can get a decent record contract singing her own songs and won't have the curse of being an idol on her shoulders.

I really don't ever want to hear Lee's version of Beautiful Day on the radio, so hopefully it will fade as quickly as Kris Allen's single or Jordon Sparks'.

I thought the tribute videos to Simon were nice, fun, and really showed his sense of humor. It was unfortunate that they tried to get all of those former idol contestants to sing together... it sounded like a kindergarten concert from home.

And poor Paula. I'm sure she was trying to be funny but all of that joking about "the real reason [she] left" was just tacky. Couldn't they have spared us all? If she had just gotten up and said, "I hear that one of the biggest moments of the season was a performance of one of my songs..." and then had Andrew Garcia play it again, that would've been great.

Every year I also swear that I won't watch again, but I get sucked in... hopefully, Simon's new show will be on during the same months and we can all watch that instead. If so, I look forward to your future recaps of The X Factor :)

I'm sooo glad this show is over. Now you can have fun on Tuesday and Wednesday nights!!! Even play with your sister when she visits you again at the end of next month and all of July! ;-) Thank god MaryTKelly is never over!!! xoxoxoxoxo

Crystal was consistant throughout the whole show. And the duet with Lee sifted him to the top to another level , adults never took the phones out of their teens hands or did not for Crystal themselves. From the standpoint of a singer she was and is better. So Lee won. I love the show, just wish it was Mike and Crystal in the finals, that would have been a good night of singing. But never the less most seasons the top 5 make albums, and we can "vote" with our well earned dollars (or allowence money), who is gonna win the most coveted prize that is being a real star and not just on a tv show and forgoten.