American Idol Crowns A Winner!

Tonight Season 11 of American Idol comes to a close, and we will find out if the confetti will fall for Jessica or Phillip. The show begins with a performance from the Top 12 (no sign of Jermaine), and during the bridge Joshua attempts to do the splits and falls not once, but twice before former So You Think You Can Dance contestants come in to pick up the pieces. Ryan is kind enough to let us know that either Jessica or Phillip will win tonight. Get ready for a star-studded evening, kids.

After the commercial break, P squared performs with John Fogerty from CCR. Phillip has thankfully changed back to his token gray t-shirt, and Carrie Underwood looks on thoughtfully from the audience as they sing “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” and “Bad Moon Rising.” I forgot how awesome John Fogerty is on stage. This is a great way to start the evening.

Joshua performs next, and as expected, he is joined on stage by Fantasia. HOLY HELL! What on earth does she have on?!?!? Between the hair, the make-up, and an outfit that even Cher would send back, I have no idea what’s happening here other than a complete train wreck.  I’m pretty sure they are both on crack as they run out into the audience screaming. The judges look confused, and the producers don’t even wait for the performance to end before going to commercial.

We are treated (?) now to a performance by the female finalists – a preview of what Idol fans can expect on the summer tour. As “I’m Every Woman” starts, this marks Jessica’s fourth Whitney song of the season. But wait! Chaka Khan descends the stair case, and she has raided Fantasia’s dressing room for a slightly less offensive ensemble. My favorite part of the performance is when the camera cuts to Jane Lynch in the audience and she is singing enthusiastically.

We're about to go to another commercial, and I find myself asking: where the hell is J.Lo? Ryan has been sitting in her seat since the last commercial break.

Rihanna, fresh off the Battleship (too soon?), takes the stage in some sort of glowy pyramid of lasers. She performs “Where Have You Been?” with tribal dancers as well as some unfortunate souls who are suspended from the ceiling. I can’t say I’m not entertained, though I was expecting her to whip her new hair back and forth a little more.

After the commercial break, Skylar performs “Turn On The Radio” with none other than Reba! They are rocking out, and I’m loving it. Reba looks damn good, and she made a fabulous fashion choice this evening, so I thank her for not launching an attack on my eyeballs with her outfit like the previous female duet partners did. This is my favorite performance so far.

Has anyone seen J.Lo?

And just when we thought Jessica was finished singing Whitney Houston, she’s back to sing “I Will Always Love You.” That brings our performance count to five. She sounds just as wonderful as she did the first go round, but can we please have her do something else?

The male finalists are up next, singing a medley which includes “Coming To America” and “I’m A Believer” (RIP Davy Jones). Joshua does a great job screaming until Colton introduces Neil Diamond. Poor guy – he’s at a point now where he is pretty much just speaking the words to “Sweet Caroline.”

I don’t usually comment on the Idol bloopers and montages, but the bit the finalists did regarding singing the phone book is one of my favorite moments in Idol history. Watch it here.  

J.Lo performs now, and man did it take her a long time to get ready. She’s brought the lasers from her “Waiting for Tonight” video along for the ride and begins to dance like crazy to her new single, "Goin' In." Does anyone else think this song sounds a tad like Stefano’s tune from a few weeks ago? Flo Rida joins her on stage and he seems to be singing into Jason Derulo’s neck brace. J.Lo finishes the song shaking what her momma gave her with Winsin & Yandel (had no idea who they are and had to look them up), and this is actually a pretty great performance.

Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo are apparently still dating and still in love. Ryan brings them up to the stage and Ace proposes. Diana says "yes," there are tears and excitement, they share that one special kiss, and FOX can now celebrate the Idol love they created. Your move, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

Hollie stays out of the Bottom 3 tonight, and she sings “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with Jordin Sparks. Was this song planned because the Idol producers knew Ace would propose? Seems like quite a coincidence. I heart Jordin – she’s grown up to be a very beautiful, very poised, and very talented woman. They complement each other well, and I’m so happy Hollie ended up with such and awesome duet partner. She deserves it.

When we return from the break Colton, Joshua, DeAndre and Hee-Jun sing a medley of songs from the late Robin Gibb. This is an incredibly subtle group number (thank you Joshua), and it is a very fitting tribute.

Jessica Sanchez performs now with the AMAZING Jennifer Holliday. They sing “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls (Jennifer Holliday was the original Effie White on Broadway), and this is unreal. I actually have to take a break from typing because I am captivated by this performance for a couple of reasons: 1. Its sheer bad-assery, and 2. The apprehension that Jennifer may literally bite Jessica's head off. I spend at least half of the song clapping and “wooing” loudly though. Oh my God. This is awesome. 

And that’s not all! Aerosmith is up now performing their new song "Legendary Child," and this finale keeps getting better and better. Steven and Joe Perry must have a really close relationship because Steven is just all over him. I don’t care though – Aerosmith is one of the best bands of all time (OF ALL TIME), and you will never hear me say otherwise.

We’re down to the final minutes now, and Phillip and Jessica sing “Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong.” P squared does not look too enthused about this song, and it’s a bit awkward, but when it ends, we FINALLY get to the results. Dim the lights! Annnnnnnd…….Phillip WINS!!! Cue the confetti! Cue the winning song! Phillip doesn't even make it past the first chorus before he breaks down. He finally gives up on the song and walks into the audience to hug his family.

And just like that, Season 11 is over. I do believe the right person won, and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for him. Stay tuned for recaps of the new season of So You Think You Can Dance, as well as ABC's new show Duets. Til then!