The end of 'American Idol' as we know it

Last night's "American Idol" finale provided very little suspense as Lee Dewyze was crowned the winner of season 10.

The hilarity of "Idol's" finale is that it essentially takes what is a five minute announcement, that could be done lottery style in between shows, and somehow stretches it into a two hour show.

The show opened with an extremely awkward version of "School's Out" with Alice Cooper showing up towards the end.

It's always funny when the Idols are forced to do choreography.

After a few so-so performances by Kris Allen and The Bee Gees, a real singer hit the stage when Carrie Underwood performed her latest hit "Undo It."


As Ryan said, it seems impossible that it was only five years ago that she won the competition that catapulted her to superstardom.

She was easily the best performer of the night.

As awesome as Carrie was, she did not receive the biggest ovation the night. That honor belonged to Bret Michaels, who just a month removed from a brain hemorrhage and a week after a stroke, showed up to sing the Poison classic "Every Rose Has a Thorn" with contestant Casey James.


Michaels seems to have a new lease on life and is enjoying a career regeneration.

Speaking of career regeneration, Janet Jackson made an appearance and performed her new single "Nothing" and her classic "Nasty."

Jackson also sported a new short haircut and seemed more like the classic Janet from the "Control" and "Rhythm Nation" days.

Perhaps the best moment of the night came when all the former winners (minus David Cook, who was at a charity event) got together on stage to sing a tribute to Simon Cowell. They were then joined on stage by a slew of former contestants.

Even Paula Abdul showed up to help salute the man who is responsible for most of "Idol's" success.

Finally it was time for the big reveal, not that anyone cared at this point. Ryan gathered Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox on stage and "dimmed the lights."

While Lee could barely pull himself together, Crystal seemed at peace in the moment, it was almost as if she knew what was coming.

When Lee was announced as the winner, I sensed a bit of relief from Crystal. Without the pressure of being the winner she can make the kind of music she wants to without the "Idol" machine's interference.

So now that season nine is in the books, it's time for them to start thinking about season ten and all the massive changes they need to make to stay relevant.