Carrie Underwood Joins Winner Lee DeWyze for American Idol Finale
Wednesday night (May 26) was the much-anticipated finale of American Idol's season nine. And, really, everybody was there. What other reason would there be for Alice Cooper, Christina Aguilera, Alanis Morissette, Bret Michaels, Daryl Hall, John Oates, Dane Cook and a whole troop of up-and-coming pop stars to share the stage with country's favorite American Idol, Carrie Underwood? She was, by far, the best part of the entertainment portion of the show. Not just because of her voice. But because she's not yet a legend, but she's no rookie either. Her poise on the Idol stage was just right, and her song choice of "Undo It" had the right kind of energy for a finale. And she sounded just as flawless during the "Together We Are One" big number with all the past years' winners coming together for a moving two-minute production.
But by the end of the two-hour broadcast -- and by the time the 500 million votes had been counted -- it had to end. The winner in this year's race between a local paint salesman and a single mom was the paint salesman: Lee DeWyze.
And the loser, in my opinion, was not the single mom, Crystal Bowersox. She'll go on to do great things, I'm sure. The losers this year are the show's fans who have grown to love/hate/tolerate/accept Simon Cowell for the past nine years. How American Idol will go on without him I just don't know. But hearing DeWyze say, "Oh, my God. It's amazing. Thank you. Thank you. I can't believe this. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I'm just happy, man. I've never been happier in my life" -- and hearing him try to not cry through U2's "Beautiful Day" -- was a very bittersweet end to the season.
Photo credit: Vince Bucci/FOX
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
JC says:
Alison,
Yes, Carrie was great but so were Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Bret Michaels, Joe Cocker, Hall & Oats, etc., but to say that she was by far the best of the entertainment of the show is ridiculous!!! That shows how
you’re pretty bias towards Carrie Underwood and favor her just because she’s a country singer. Also I think you’re disrespecting the other artists who performed.
nashviller says:
Carrie, as a result OF the show, was definitely the standout. She is the best the show has ever produced.
Tiffany says:
Carrie was the best. How is that disrespecting? It’s disrespecting to say lie and say that carrie wasn’t.
DaveM says:
Yes, saying Carrie was best in not disrespecting, but an opinion. One I agree with completely — there were other good performances and many not so good. And yes, I am a biased CU fan and proud of it — just attended her concert in Las Vegas and she is a fabulous talent, and a humble and geniunely nice person.
countryiscool says:
Love Carrie, glad Lee won!
Ty says:
Good article Alison!! All the artists were good–but I think Carrie was the best. I think the idols performing was a great tribute to Simon and to tell you quite frankly I don’t know who they will get to replace him.I think the show was rather dull this year and no WOW contestant. The judges do not seem to have the charisma as previous years. Maybe they should consider reworking the whole panel of judges and change the show to a different format. I think Idol and Nashville Star is a good venue for young people to get a break in the music business. Those kind of shows have given us Patsy Cline, Celine Dion, Carrie, Miranda, Leeann and many more good artists.
NOT HAPPY! says:
CARRIE WAS THE BEST AND I AM GLAD THAT LEE WON!
CarrieUfansite says:
Okay, Okay, You can already tell I’m a HUGE Carrie fan by my username…But I agree with you Allison! She was the best…and I don’t think anyone could argue with that! She’s a total class act and beautiful inside & out! She performs so well & even though I did not think this was her best live performance of UNDO IT, It by no means was bad! the girl has got major talent! :) I’m proud of everything she’s done and of all her success…I know it’ll only get better from here! :)
By the way - I agree with the others, I don’t see how that was disrespectful at all?? She said what she thought, that’s all. :)
~CarrieUfansite
Oh yes! I’m glad LEE won too!! :)
say what? says:
Carrie looked beautiful at the finale.
Disappointed Lee won. He can’t even sing on key. Though I guess with auto tune, maybe he doesn’t need to.
Kenny says:
Carrie was absolutely amazing (as usual)! Janet put on a good show and it was good to see Brett Michaels and Joe Cocker - but I agree - Carrie was the standout of the night. I like to hear her live performance of the upbeat numbers as much as the ballads! Carrie is awesome! : )
bkb says:
it was so good to some of the older artists. carrie was once again too perfect and boring.
rosyz says:
It was a very good show. Carrie did great. She changed the song a bit compared to her video and it worked perfectly. Christina Aguilera has also a nice vocals but I dont like the song. Janet did well as well. It was so nice to see all the AI winners come together for this event. I will surely miss Simon.
Michelle says:
Carrie was amazing and the songs she sang like Undo It and Together we are one was so totally rock..
Sunny Powell says:
Carrie was amazing. She can out sing any of them. She rocked it up a bit, but it was American Idol after all. Did not like Janet Jackson or Alice Cooper’s performances. Glad Lee won. Just watched to see Carrie.
Tenn says:
I really enjoyed Siobhan(spelling?) and Aaron with the Beegees at the beginning - I think both of them are going to do well in the music business - that said - alot of the show was so crazy and fast and some not so good vocals from the contestants but Christina was good I thought and Carrie was great - the final two contestants were OK but not really as good as they have been in the past
Julie4726 says:
What a waste of 2 hours! I am an Idol fan but what a bunch of crap.
Redmaz says:
Carrie Underwood is just as much a Pop act as Christina Aguilera, Bret Michaels, Hall and Oates, etc. She just happens to be in a different genre of Pop Music than the others. I thought you knew that by now? Guess not. Of course if you can prove that Underwood is a Roots artist, and not a Pop act, I’ll retract my statement.
granna says:
The finale was great compared to the whole boring show this season. You could tell Simon wasn’t into it and the contestants as a whole were not that great as in previous seasons. I didn’t really care who won between Crystal and Lee. They were both good and will probably go on to do good things, I hope! It was nice seeing all the older artist as well! Now what am I going to do since DWTS and Idol are over??? Oh I know, get a life!! lol!!
granna says:
Oh yeah, I was so proud of Carrie. She looked amazing and sounded wonderful as usual. What a classy lady she is!
Keener says:
I must say Carrie did a great job at the finale But, to me the highlight of the evening was the goodbyes to Simon and that LEE won at the end GO LEE!!!!
Robin says:
Christina Aguilera and Carrie Underwood on one show! Amazing talent in those two women. These are my two all time favorite “vocalists” and they did not disappoint. I will keep my DVR taping forever. I love alot of other artists just as much as these two, but in my opinion, these two are two of the best pure vocalist of their generation.
DIANA says:
Julie,
-If you thought that this show was boring then why didn’t
you turn off your TV and go to bed instead of complaining
about the show. I saw Carrie in concert and she has the
most beautiful voice and again showed her vocal range
last night. What an awesome talent she is.
Mike says:
Get over yourself Diana. Everyone can post an opinion here including yourself. Negative or positive.
Betty says:
How was Carrie the best? Is it because she is country? Christina was the best by far. Vocally, she and Carrie are great but personality wise and stage presence was far better than Carrie. In fact almost everyone there had a better stage presence than Carrie. That’s one area Carrie needs to work one, she has to learn how to be an expressive singer without over emoting. Carrie sings like an angel, now is time for her to bring out the rawness of the songs. There has to be more of an artist than a great voice. If not people will keep recognizing her as a Singer rather than an artist
Charice says:
Carrie has improved a ton since american idol. Her stage presence is phenomenal. I think last night she wasn’t the entirely comfortable because it seemed like she was really tired and even coughed at the end. That performance was unlike her but even when it’s not her best-it’s STILL the BEST performance of the night.
Christina was also good but rather pitchy at certain points…
Jan says:
Carrie, as always, was Amazing!!!!!!!!! Beautiful and, as far as I am concerned, the best of the night!! As Always!!!!!
DIANA says:
Mike,
I am over it and I can also voice my opinion whether it is positive or negative as you put it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
shellie says:
I agree, Carrie was the best part of the show! Didn’t care for Janet Jackson, she always lip syncs. Surprised that Jennifer Hudson wasn’t there.
I was happy for Lee, he seems very sweet and humble, like Carrie.
They will both have great opportunities in the business.
Why didn’t Simon acknowledge the former Idols after the tribute song with a hug or hand shake?
Kate says:
A CNN blog: referring to Carrie Underwood’s performance:
“This chick is the bizness, no doubt. Sorry folks but there isn’t anyone this season who can carry her water.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Kate says:
Alison
Did you lose all your pictures of Carrie? You keep using the same one now…this picture and topic are really incongruent.
lifetime says:
who cares this is getting old, hwo many times does she have to use idol. Hall and Oats where great and Janet was interesting with the hair!
Hey-You! says:
I was asking myself the same question. This is her 3rd appearance. Kelly is hardly on idol and she came to bid farewell to Simon C. Carrie wants to stay relevant.
Jenna says:
It’s hard to imagine a group of people who are more critical than the ones here. You criticize the blogger, you criticize the artists and you criticize each other. What’s it feel like to carry around all that animosity?
Dustin says:
Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood are simply the BEST! :)
jen says:
Um, Carrie doesn’t “use” idol. She’s stated several times that she knows she doesn’t have to go back, but that Idol helped get her to where she is today and she will forever be grateful to the show and will go back and perform as many times as they want her to. I loved her performance last night. It’s amazing to see how far she has come these past 5 years. She’s so confident and owns the stage. I’m a big fan of Christina Aguilera, but I didn’t think lastnight’s performance was one of her better ones. I didn’t care for the song. I actually enjoyed lastnight’s finale and I’m happy for Lee.
Hey-You! says:
Why didn’t she make an appearance last year? why this year? Stop kidding yourself, the only reason she is there is because she is promoting her album likewise Christina. Which is not a bad thing but making an appearance three times on the same platform (idol) is desperate. Idol helped a lot of people (Kelly, Jordin, Adam etc) and they are all grateful. Of course her performance last night was flawless.
Larry says:
LOVED CARRIE’S PERFORMANCE BEST AND WILL WATCH IT PROBABLY 100 MORE TIMES!!!!
S says:
Carrie did make an appearance on Idol last year.
Hey-You! says:
How many times did she make an appearance last year? I understand you love her but she need to ease off on the Idol appearance. Oops! Idol has ended. Thank God.
timcun says:
I fell asleep and missed the show but have it on tape. I did fast-forward to the end to see who won. I was hoping that Crystal would win but it seems that the 2nd place winner usually does better than the 1st place winner with the exception of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.
SONGSUCKS says:
I’m sorry, but Carrie’s song “Undo It” is one of the most annoying songs I have ever heard.
rosyz says:
Hey-You, you should do your research before you make your assumptions about Carrie. Get your facts straight before making a statements otherwise your credibility is in doubt. AI always asked Carrie to appear on the show. She appeared two or three times last year. She sang last Last Name on the finale. She is the only AI winner who is in the finale every year since winning AI. She is grateful of AI for opening the door for her to country music. She will always be there as long as they want her there. She also gave the last 10 finalists each a gift every year and gave them her phone # if they need help later. Kara cowrote the song so she wanted to show it off as well. Just like the Grammy, Carrie had appeared four times in a row. It does not happen to many artists.
It is not only album promotion but gratefulness and to be there for Simon`s last show. She has to be there because she is one of the previous winner. I bet if she did not come, people will bash her too.
Kelly tried to distance herself from AI in the beginning of her carreer. She even refused at first to have her songs used during AI seasons. After the fall out and made up incident with Clive Davis, she changed her tune. But she does not come back to AI much. While Carrie she made herself available to AI at all time. She always mention AI and Simon Fuller in all her achievement awards . You are not a fan so you will always find negative things to say. Oh well you cant please all.
Yes Idol helped a lot of AI artists including Carrie. What is wrong with that? Desperate? I don`t think so. Gratefulness and giving back? Yes. Promoting the single? Of course. Why not? Everybody does it. Why can`t she. Because you do not like her that`s why you said it. But she was amazing as usual. Way to go Carrie. Just ignore the haters.
Robin says:
Hey-You! - One of her appearances this year was simply to introduce her opening act as they were performing because they are very important to her and she wants to help them get their start (which is why they are opening for her) (she did not sing or promote herself - even though it was country week).
Another appearance was for Idol Gives Back and giving back is important to her so she participates annually.
She is always on the finale because “they” want her to be so everyone can remember Idol’s greatest achievement.
Hey-You! says:
She is always on idol because Simon Fuller wants to make her relevant. Kelly is still relevant even without making an appearance on idol. It’s an insult to say she co-wrote “undo” with Kara. Undo was written by four(4) songwriters, two of them are well known songwriters. Kara has written so many hits for different artists. So explain to me what part of “Undo” she(Carrie) wrote. I need to know her lyrical contribution. Don’t be deceived three of the talented songwriters wrote ‘Undo’. Simon Fuller is behind Carrie getting credits on that song
Kate says:
Hey-You
Actually, AI caters to Carrie Underwood because she is the face of AI–she validates AI–validates Simon Cowell..doesn’t hurt that Simon Fuller is her manager but even if that weren’t the case I don’t know of an artist who would turn down the opportunity to appear on AI…I know Kelly fans have been praying for an AI invite for Kelly, check her site.
As for relevant..All of Carrie’s albums have gone platinum..all of her singles have been #1, and her tour is a huge success..I know Kelly can’t say the same..so I know Carrie has/is not losing her relevancy but I wonder if maybe Kelly is…
OldGoat34 says:
First Carrie was the one performance I enjoyed at the finale. I believe America got it wrong and Crystal should have won.I was a fan of Christina Aguilera when she first got on the music scene with “Genie In A Bottle”.I loved her voice.When she changed her image and what and how she sang she lost me and a lot of others.I have to review what she did on my tape of the show.But from what I’ve heard of her new Album I don’t think I’ll be interested in her again.Janet Jackson is out of date as is her music she needs to get in touch with Rhianna and Beyonce.Like I said the Highlite of the show for me was the Idols send off of Simon Cowell and Carrie’s “Undo It” with the Kara Di Guadio songwriter acknowledgement with Carrie.But this whole season of AI has been a nothing for me.There was no one I cared for but the two best for me were Crystal Bowersox and Mike Lynch.
Sherry says:
Carrie was stunning and fabulous as always!!!! She always comes back to Idol because she is appreciative of the start it gave her. That’s the way it should be. She has achieved the rest on her own and she continues to move forward and I for one am very glad. CONGRATULATIONS CARRIE FOR ANOTHER GREAT PERFORMANCE. CARRIE ON!!!!!!
mary roberts says:
first of all this was carries second appearance this year and she was on the show last year some people need to know there facts before they speak. her album has been out quite awhile now already two number ones off it so i don’t think she is useing the show to promote it.if you like her fine if you don’t that’s fine. brett casey and carrie were the best on the show last night outside of that it was very boreing. i forgot for awhile it was about crystal and lee.
Rita says:
The only reason I recorded the show was to see Carrie. She was awesome and lovely as always.
Kate says:
Alison
That’s much better. Thankyou!
Presley says:
Sooooo happy Lee won. And not all the past winners were there David Cook was’nt there.
D Trotter says:
Predictions: Lee’s first album will have decent sales, then he’ll be playing at a Motor Lodge near you.
Crystal will have an amazing career. Maybe Casey, too. Looking forward to hearing them do their own material.
Tenn says:
Carrie has cowritten 5 of her 12 #1 singles including So Small, All American Girl, Last Name, Cowboy Casanova and Temporary Home- she knows music , the fact that all her singles have become #1’s is not a cooincidence. Undo It will become her 6th co written #1 - alot of singers cowrite songs like Kelly, Miranda, and Taylor
The Idols this year didn’t have enough experience playing out as contestants before - look at Carrie’s season - Bo had his own band - Carrie had been performing in public since she was 8 and performing at fairs with her own band at 14 - Constantine was touring with the Broadway road show Rent. This year - only Crystal and Lee had recording and performing in their resume, and knew who they were as artists
Robin says:
mary roberts - Carrie was actually on there a third time (during country week). But, she only introduced Sons of Sylvia. She did not sing.
Robin says:
D Trotter - I’m with you on that one. I think if Lee was going to be a huge hit, his pre-idol recordings that were just released would have been a much bigger seller.
Crystal will have a fairly descent career. Maybe not a Carrie/Kelly/Daughtry career, but perhaps a Pickler career (which is pretty darn good).
bkb says:
was disappointed that kelly c. did not perform by herself. she is such a ordinary nice person compared to carrie who is so caught up in her costume changes and fake personality. she does not come across has a artist that can really do a good interview.
michael hawkins says:
bkb, while Kelly is good, she can’t hold a candle to Carrie in both talent AND humility. You apparently know nothing about Carrie. You should warm up to her and follow her a little, and you will find that she is still the girl next door. Did you know that she goes home about once a month just to hang with old friend? How many celebrities do that?
Timmy says:
Carrie also supports soft core porn, cheating, and destruction of someones personal property. Personally that’s what draws me to her. I love it! Undo it baby!!!!
Tenn says:
I think Carrie’s songs are anti cheatin songs there Timmy - better listen to the lyrics
barb b says:
carrie is the NO 1 country singer there is
no body better and i can care less what you
all think
bkb says:
carrie can go home all she wants, she is single, only has her career to think about, plenty of time to focus on herself and career. i can think of many country artists that are close to their families and help them out, not only carrie. many go back to visit their hometowns, so don’t think carrie is only a few that does this. does this fact that you stated only applies to carrie?
rosyz says:
BKB you are so full of hate and negativity towards Carrie that you`re not objective at all. It is such a pity. But then you are entitled to your opinions.
Carrie is always available to AI since she won. She always looks back at her beginnings so she always make time to perform at AI. She is also a testament of a very succesful winner who came from a small farm town and became a superstar. She started as a sweet and shy contestant to a very confident compelling live performer. You just could see at the AI finale how she owned the stage and crowd and really got into the song. At the group performance she stood out amongst all with poise,self confidence and flawless vocals. Simon is right when he said , Carrie puts color into a black and white picture.
Kelly tried to distance herself from AI when she got successful at an early stage of her carreer.. But it was nice of her to be there for Simon`s last tribute. It was really nice to see everybody.
bkb says:
not full of hate, carrie is just not my cup of tea. i have a right to state this. kelly did what she thought was right for her career just like carrie has done for her career. people seem to forget there are other performers besides barbie doll carrie with a fake personality .
barb b says:
if carrie is not your cup of tea than you should
not be here you and lifetime are horrible people
most of your comments should not be posted i blame
cmt for posting all that garbage you may call her
a barbie doll but she is one beautiful barbie doll
bkb says:
my comments were not horrible, just a different take on how i feel about carrie, they can’t all be positive, music business is tough, so read your wonderful reviews and some of the not so wonderful.
Elise says:
I’m weary of hearing the phrase “I’m entitled to my opinion”. People around here seem to have a sense of entitlement and proudly announce it in defense of anything they might say, even if what they say is mean spirited or disrespectful. It’s hard to get why someone who does not like Carrie Underwood would come onto a blog about her and be negative. What’s the purpose other than to make trouble? I feel the same way when people go onto a Taylor Swift blog and do the same thing. If the blog doesn’t interest you why can’t you leave it alone? Oh, I know…because you are entitled.
bkb says:
it’s not a perfect world,elise. take it or leave it, there will always be difference of opinon, i don’t care what blog it is. grow up and accept the fact that it won’t always be so perfect, other artists have taken a lot of negative saying, so welcome to the world of everyone can state what they want. this is not one person personal blog.
Elise says:
bkb - I don’t recall singling you out but I’ll do so now. I’m 75 years old and your disrespect comes through loud and clear in that response to me. How dare you tell me to grow up? I was raised in a world where civility ruled. You’ve obviously missed that lesson. I suppose you find it amusing that someone would rather treat others with kindness and respect. Nothing to be proud of.
barb b says:
bkb why are you always on this blog you are
a carrie hater i feel sorry for you! you have to
much hate for carrie for the life of me i dont
understand
rosyz says:
My son and I went to her concert last night, May 29th in Everett and what a show. My son who was not a die hard fan was really impressed of her clear voice and how she can really belt out a song. He and I plan to see her again on Dec. This was my first Carrie concert and I was blown away with her voice. The arena was sold out and everybody was really into the concert. What a show. I thought the arena would explode when everybody was cheering. SOS and Craig Morgan were good too.
Some people dont like her and she is not their cup of tea. But for us fans she is our cup of tea and we love her. Few think she is a barbie doll; but for us she is a very talented artist and a good vocalist , good person, humble and generous. It does not matter what non fans think because her fans support her all the way. Way to go Carrie.
Wanda says:
I hope to see her in okc ok in october. i have been a fan since idol. no reason to degrade someone personnelly just because you dont like their music
bkb says:
why do people get on other blogs to express how they feel about a certain artists?, carrie is not immune to this. elise, i am 70 yrs and have not one thing against you, i was only expressing my views which i thought in america was ones right to do so. i respect your views and maybe you should see my point of view.
Elise says:
bkb - I suggest you read your post over again then tell me your comment WAS NOT personal. My thoughts on the matter were quite clear, I thought. I give respect where respect is given.
barb b says:
bkb i dont go on your artist blog and i dont
expect you to be here cut carrie some slack
she does not deserve this treatment from you !!!!!
bkb says:
do you call an honest opinion some kind of treatment that is bad? all artists have had some kind of indifferent articles written about them and carrie is not immune from this.
barb b says:
i cant believe you are still here
you are like a sore that wont go away
maybe we will get lucky
Peacock Queen says:
I love Carrie Underwood with a purple passion, but I believe bkb is right. This is America and we are entitled to our opinions, pro or con. She is commenting on what the blogger wrote, and if it is different from your own opinion, you should still respect her for having the same rights as you. Carrie will not be everyone’s cup of tea, just as Taylor Swift isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Carrie certainly is MY cup of tea!
I am glad Lee won because Crystal will have an amazing career with or without the Idol title, but I am betting that Casey will be the break-out artist of this season.
Elise says:
Peacock Queen: I am going to quote bkb, the person you are defending right now:
“was disappointed that kelly c. did not perform by herself. she is such a ordinary nice person compared to carrie who is so caught up in her costume changes and fake personality. she does not come across has a artist that can really do a good interview”.
So let me ask you Peacock Queen; you believe that these comments are constructive opinions? To me, these comments are inflammatory and made purposefully to stir things up. I guess you and others believe that all comments are just dandy as long as they are stated under the guise of being rightful opinions. I call bkb’s comments unnecessary. These were not simple opinions that perhaps this person preferred someone else’s music. This was a personal attack on Carrie, IMO made by someone with an obvious axe to grind.
bkb says:
what a nice lady barb is she must get some of thoughts from carrie.