Right after the final night of American Idol, I posted this comment. It did not seem to show up on my blog, so I am reposting it. I was so taken with the quality of talent this year, but when a real professional singer performed the last night, the difference was palpable. Forgive me if you received this already!
The final night of American Idol was such a study in contrast of Idol finalists and seasoned performers. As the competition got down to the last two finalists, David and David, they each had developed a sense of presence in their performances that had matured through the competition. And yet, when George Michael walked onto the stage, we saw and felt real power of presence. He possessed the deep-in-his-body presence that makes a star. He sang with total control of his music, total connection to the meaning and the ability to radiate soul energy out into the audience so that it embraced us with his love. Simon Cowell stood to applaud. Enough said!
