Prince made a surprise performance in the finale of American Idol last night, despite passing up a guest judge opportunity by refusing to meet with contestants. He is also said to hate the show and to have never watched it. That didn’t stop him from cashing in on the show’s astronomical ratings though.
Music stars were paired with past Idol contestants for the other performances:
Other pairings of contestants and stars included Paris Bennett and Al Jarreau; McPhee and Meat Loaf; Chris Daughtry and Live; Elliott Yamin and Blige; Hicks and Toni Braxton, and the dozen finalists with Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick.
Prince was a surprise final performer, taking the stage for two songs, including “Satisfied” — and without an “Idol” contestant alongside.
29 year-old Alabama soul singer Taylor Hicks was crowned the Idol on the fifth season of the show. His win was not surprising, as he was expected to beat polished Katharine McPhee, 22.
Idol continues to pull in impressive ratings.This year’s season was the highest rated ever, with an average viewing audience of 30 million each week.
Here’s a video of the announcement and part of Taylor’s performance afterwards:
And here is Clay Aiken performing along with his impersonator:
Yaaaay, I’m so happy =)
I didn’t have the chance to watch all the American Idol shows, I just saw the seasons’s beginnings during my stay in Ireland in February and from hearing Taylor the first time, I immediately loved him and wanted him to win! I checked the Idol website each week to find out if he’s still in – and now I’m incredibly glad that he won, he definitely deserves it and I hope we’ll hear more of him in Europe as well!!
Congratulations, Taylor, you’re the fuckin’ BEST ^^
I just discovered that Taylor and I have the same birthday.. Oct. 6. I guess I should find out more about him!