Memorial Day Photos From Around The Country, And My Favorite Patriotic Songs of All Time

Tomorrow, I will be back with more news stories.

Today, I just simply want to commemorate this day by honoring those who have fought for our freedoms, and in some cases, died for them.

Here are some photos from various Memorial Day celebrations from across the country, courtesy of Huffington Post/ AOL News:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/30/memorial-day-photos-may-30_n_868766.html

A boy holds up at American flag in the crowded amphitheater of Arlington National Cemetery as all await the arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama to speak at a Memorial Day ceremony in Arlington,Va. Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

American Legion Post 78 members from left, John Wendrychowic, Michael Gaughan, and Shawn Flynn are seen before a Memorial Day paradeMonday, May 30, 2011, in the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

President Barack Obama places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

A man sits alone at Arlington West, a memorial display with hundreds of crosses and other religious symbols representing service people killed in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, sponsored by Veterans for Peace, on the beach at Santa Monica, Calif., Sunday, May 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Members of Tragedy Assistant Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.) stand during the playing of the National Anthem before President Barack Obama speaks at a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Alex Anaya, 2, foreground, watches veteran march in a Memorial Day parade Monday, May 30, 2011, in the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

A woman walks through the San Francisco National Cemetery as a flag flies on Memorial Day in San Francisco, Monday, May 30, 2011. Among the 30,000 Americans laid to rest here are Civil War generals, Medal of Honor recipients, Buffalo Soldiers, and a Union spy. The first known burial at the cemetery located in the Presidio occurred in 1854. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, left, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and U.S. President Barack Obama stand during taps at the Memorial Day service in the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Possible 2012 presidential hopeful, U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., and a friend, Jeff Chidester, march with in the Memorial Day parade Monday, May 30, 2011, in North Hampton, N.H. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Anthony Ortiz Rivera, 3, right, with his mother Veronica Ortiz Rivera, of Camp LeJeune, N.C., wears a button showing his father, Marine Staff Sgt. Javier Ortiz Rivera, who was killed serving in Afghanistan in 2010, as they wait for U.S. President Barack Obama to speak at a Memorial Day service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Veterans of Foreign Wars honor guards salute during the playing of "Taps" as President Barack Obama participates in the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Barack Obama speaks during the Memorial Day ceremony in the amphitheater of Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Morning light falls on the San Francisco National Cemetery with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, on Memorial Day in San Francisco, Monday, May 30, 2011. Among the 30,000 Americans laid to rest here are Civil War generals, Medal of Honor recipients, Buffalo Soldiers, and a Union spy. The first known burial at the cemetery located in the Presidio occurred in 1854. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Riders with the Nassau-Suffolk Horsemen Association in civil war uniform lead spectators on a march through Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn for the Pre-Memorial day ceremonies, Sunday, May 29, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Liz Mueller and husband Bill Mueller of Bridgeville, Pa., visit the grave of her father, John P. Lesica in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, Pa., Sunday, May 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Tiffany Sanders of Bethel Park sits next to the grave of her grandfather Charles W. Ligo, an Army veteran who served in Korea, in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, Pa., Sunday, May 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Vietnam War veteran Michael Gaughan is seen before a Memorial Day parade Monday, May 30, 2011, in the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm, Michael Mullen participate in the Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

HENDERSON, NV - MAY 29: Roman Porrino, son of television personality Angel Porrino, runs holding an American flag at a Memorial Day weekend pool party at Ravella at Lake Las Vegas May 29, 2011 in Henderson, Nevada. His second birthday was on May 28. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Ravella at Lake Las Vegas)

President Barack Obama, left, stands with Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Photo taken at the 2011 Worthington Memorial Day parade.

Photo taken at the South Florida National Cemetery.

Photo taken at the 2011 South Florida National Cemetery ceremony.

Photo taken at the 2011 Worthington Memorial Day parade.

Photo taken on Memorial Day 2011 in Boston Commons.

Photo taken for Memorial Day 2011 celebration in Waikiki Natatorium, Hawaii.

Photo taken for Memorial Day 2011 at Nashville National Cemetery.

incredulis:
6,160 crosses on a hillside in memory of our fallen soldiers

Kennprop:
Coast Guard fly by at Veteran Memorial Day Celebration

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My All-Time Favorite American Patriotic Songs

1) Johnny Cash-“Ragged Old Flag”

2) Lee Greenwood-“God Bless the U.S.A.”

3) Toby Keith-“Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”

4) Toby Keith-“American Soldier”

5) John Michael Montgomery-“Letters From Home”

6) Whitney Houston-“The Star-Spangled Banner”

7) Aaron Tippin-“Where The Stars and Stripes And The Eagle Fly”

8) Darryl Worley-“Have You Forgotten?”

9) Alan Jackson-“Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?”

10) John Mellencamp-“Our Country”

God Bless the United States of America, and have an awesome and blessed Memorial Day night!

-Drew, Concerned American

Idol Headlines for 5/31/11

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina Added to City of Hope Softball Challenge, Presenting Awards at CMT Music Awards

Courtesy of MJ’s Big Blog:

Scotty McCreery and  Lauren Alaina have been added to the line-up of the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge.

The star-studded lineup also includes Brett Eldredge, Chuck Wicks, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, James Wesley, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, Joe Nichols, Kerry Collins (of the Tennessee Titans),  LoCash Cowboys,  Point of Grace, Robin Meade, and Vince Gill.

This year’s game is scheduled at 9am on Saturday, June 11 at Greer Stadium in Nashville, TN. Click HERE to purchase tickets. (Via CountryMusicIsLove)

The yearly challenge raises funds to aid cancer research at the City of Hope cancer research center in Los Angeles.  Check out this video from last year’s game, featuring Carrie Underwood and her then-fiance Mike Fisher.

Scotty and Lauren both told reporters last week that they will be appearing at the CMA Music Fest, so expect announcements about that soon. I could see the two of them making their debut at the Orpy that week.

UPDATE: Scotty and Lauren have been added as presenters to the CMT Music Awards airing on CMT June 8 at 8 pm.

BREAKING NEWS! #CMTawardspresenters: @ShaniaTwain @justinbieber @SMcCreeryAI10 @LAlainaAI10. LIVE June 8 at 8/7c! Vote: http://ow.ly/56Vbw

Congrats to both Scotty and Lauren for being welcomed, so far, into the country music scene. I wish you both the best of luck!!!

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Season 10 Idol Winner Scotty McCreery Pockets $250,000

From Forbes:

Because Scott McCreery, the latest winner of American Idol, is a minor, a judge had to approve a minor’s contract protecting his rights. That gave the Associated Press  an opportunity to take a peak at the contract. It says McCreery was awarded $250,000 for his win and as an advance on a record. He will also earn from merchandising and royalties on his music. Had she won, Lauren Alaina would have gotten the same deal. Instead she earned $87,500 for coming in second.

As  the AP story points out, that might seem like a lot but it’s actually less than what  past winners have earned.

Season Six winner Jordin Sparks received a contract that guaranteed her a $180,000 advance after the show and another $180,000 after delivering her first album. Also, in some past seasons, winners were paid a minimum of $100,000 for merchandise rights, records show. Draft merchandise agreements for McCreery and Alaina give him $50,000 and her $40,000.

Season seven runner-up, David Archuleta (who was also a minor when he won) was awarded $360,000 contingent on him recording an album.

In Pictures: The Top-Earning ‘Idols’

The slumping award money likely has something to do with the slumping fortunes of American Idol winners. Only Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry are real breakout stars among Idol alumni. Last year we took a look at recent Idol winners‘ estimated earnings. Underwood topped the field with $13 million. Clarkson ranked second with $11.7 million. Only the top four earned more than $5 million each. (Daughtry brought in $10.2 million and Kelli Pickler earned $7.6 million.)

None of the former Idol winners made our Celebrity 100 list this year. Carrie Underwood came the closest.

But former judge Simon Cowell did make our list, ranking 9th with $90 million in earnings, and current judge Jennifer Lopez did ranking 50th with $25 million in earnings, $12 million of which reportedly came from her Idol deal. Looks like at this point, the judges are the real Idol winners.

(Hat tip to The Hollywood Reporter’s Hollywood, Esq. blog for directing me to the story.)

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Scotty McCreery is getting some pretty decent pay for winning American Idol, considering that the economy is still sorta rough.

All for just singing? Wow!

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Scotty’s First Single, “I Love You This Big” Breaks Country Chart Record

Looks like we now have an answer to whether country music loves Scotty, they do:

It seems like Country radio stations love Scotty McCreery this big.
"American Idol's" Season 10 winner has shattered a Country chart record with his first single "I Love You This Big." The song landed at No. 32 on Billboard's  Nielsen BDS-based Country Songs chart -- the highest ranking for a new artist's first single since the chart converted to BDS data in 1990. "I Love You This Big" also has a strong chance of breaking into the Top 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 next week.

• Topics
• Music Industry
• Scott McCreery
• Lauren Alaina

The previous record holder was Brad Cotter, the Season 2 winner of "Nashville Star," whose single "I Meant To" debuted at No. 42 in May 2004.
"Idol's" runner-up Lauren Alaina's debut single "Like My Mother Does" debuted at No. 49 and should crack the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100.
"I Love You This Big" reached No. 1 on iTunes' singles chart.

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Congratulations to Scotty McCreery for having success on the country charts!! Hope you have many hits!!

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Forget Scotty, Obama Was An “American Idol” In His Recent Visit to Europe

Courtesy of the Washington Examiner:

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Observing the start of Lord and Lady Obama's (aka president and Michelle) grand European tour and the fawning press coverage, one might conclude they were imbued with royal blood.

The normally reserved and thoughtful columnist for the London Times, William Rees-Mogg, gushed about the president's speech before members of Parliament, comparing him to Winston Churchill. Obama is to Winston Churchill as Lady Gaga is to Ella Fitzgerald. Both are singers, but that's where the comparison ends.

In his parliamentary speech, which began with herald trumpets announcing his arrival (appropriate since President Obama frequently toots his own horn by overdoing the personal pronouns "I" and "me"), the president spoke favorably of Adam Smith, the patron saint of economic conservatives.

Smith's philosophy is the antithesis of Obama's "spread the wealth around" socialist philosophy. Smith is to Obama as Ronald Reagan is to Karl Marx.

Daily Telegraph columnist Bryony Gordon claimed to have had a conversation with an unnamed Secret Service agent. She quoted the agent as saying about Michelle Obama, "She has this glamour that I haven't seen before. She isn't just a first lady. She is Hollywood." Gush.

During the Obamas' brief visit to Dublin, I lined up with thousands of people waiting to get in to hear the president's speech in College Green. I was especially interested in what young people think of the president now, since it was American youth who fueled much of the enthusiasm behind his 2008 election.

A girl of high school age said she "loves" Obama and added without prompting, "I hate President Bush."

"Why?" I asked.

She stumbled, as if entering unexplored cerebral territory. "I hate all American presidents," she said (but obviously not Obama).

"Even George Washington?"

"Yes."

If this girl represents what is taught here, it would appear the state of Irish education is worse than American public education.

I interviewed a middle-age man, who was only slightly less enthusiastic than the high school girl. "What about his policies?" I asked. "He promised to close Guantanamo and quickly end wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." That bothered him, but Obama's image clearly had gotten the best of his political judgment.

It was only after the Obamas had left for the G-8 meeting in France that a few in the British press began to recover from their fainting spell. Writing in the Telegraph, Andrew Gimson said, "Barack Obama's speech [to Parliament] failed to live up to his own high standards."

There were several factual errors in the president's speech, including his contention that since the War of 1812, when the British burned down the White House, "it's been smooth sailing" between the U.S. and Britain. Not exactly. Gimson cited one example: "Suez did not seem like plain sailing."

The president claimed, "young men and women in the streets of Damascus and Cairo still reach for the rights our citizens enjoy." That is debatable, especially since the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood will be active, perhaps decisive, in the coming Egyptian election. And who knows what government will follow in Syria, should Bashar al-Assad stop killing protesters, or Libya with or without Moammar Gadhafi, or anywhere else in the Islamic world?

There were some emotional high points in the president's address, especially his reference to "the grandson of a Kenyan who served as a cook in the British Army to stand before you as president of the United States." That brought applause, as it should have, but this is biography over which the president has no control, not policy, which he sets.

The Irish and British press put their skepticism on hold during the Obamas' visit, much as the American media regularly do with most Democratic presidents. In America, the big media have a political agenda, which is that of the Democratic Party. In Ireland and the United Kingdom, it was style over substance.

Forget Scotty McCreery, winner of TV's "American Idol." As host Ryan Seacrest might put it if he were announcing the arrival of Obama in Ireland and England: "THIS is our 'American Idol.' "

Examiner Columnist Cal Thomas is nationally syndicated by Tribune Media.

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/2011/05/obama-american-idol-europe#ixzz1NypJvGeF

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Although I applaud him for having good reception in Ireland, I don’t consider Obama an “American Idol”.

Most people would probably consider him an “American, Idle” who has tarnished the American presidency.

I applaud what he has done, but I don’t fully agree with everything he has done in his presidency.

However, he is my Commander-In-Chief, as he is the rest of America.

The office of the Presidency deserves respect, dignity, and honor. Obama deserves the same, even if you don’t agree with him.

-D-RIZZ OUT!!!

Idol Headlines (5/26/11)

Contract Details For Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina

http://mjsbigblog.com/scotty-mccreery-and-lauren-alaina-contract-details-revealed.htm

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery, 17, and the runner-up, Lauren Alaina, 16, are both minors, which means their contracts with Idol have to be approved by a Los Angeles judge. That also means the contents of those contracts become part of the public record.

The Associated Press has all the details. Let’s examine the numbers!

• Scotty will receive at least $250,000 in advances for winning the show and recording the first album.
• He will also tens of thousands of dollars more for granting “Idol” partners likeness, merchandise and endorsement rights, and will also receive royalties on any music he releases.
• Lauren will receive $87,500 for finishing second. The amount would be doubled if she records an album.
• Jordin Sparks, who was a minor when she took the crown in 2007, received a contract that guaranteed her a $180,000 advance after the show and another $180,000 after delivering her first album. Oof. Scotty takes a pay cut!
• S7 runner up, David Archuleta, (17 at the time) had a contract that indicated a payout of $360,000 total if an album was recorded, with an advance of $155,000–double that once he produced an album.
• In some past seasons, winners were paid a minimum of $100,000 for merchandise rights, records show. Draft merchandise agreements for Scottyand Lauren give him $50,000 and her $40,000. More pay cuts!

Looks like 19 is on a tight budget!

The teens’ “Idol” contracts and recording deals require the show’s producers and partners to place 15 percent of their gross earnings in a trust account that cannot be touched until after they turn 18 years old.

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American Idol Posts First Ratings-Gain for a Season Finale In Years

From the Los Angeles Times: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/05/american-idol-finale-defies-the-odds-and-posts-ratings-gain-for-first-time-in-years-.html

"American Idol" defied just about every expectation this season, right down to the very end. Even though many skeptics expected the show to cave without Simon Cowell, the Wednesday finale of Fox's singing smash delivered more viewers than the previous season's for the first time in three years.

The two-hour extravaganza — really, a star-packed variety show with two minutes of results at the end — logged 29.3 millon total viewers, up a big 21% compared with last season, according to early figures from the Nielsen Co. Among the musical acts appearing were Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Tim McGraw and Jack Black. Scotty McCreery was crowned the winner of the show, with fellow country crooner Lauren Alaina as runner-up.

The finale did not produce an "Idol" record; the Season 2 finale crowning Ruben Studdard averaged 38.1 million total viewers. Still, the Wednesday numbers were a notable achievement for a show wrapping up its 10th season and missing its purported star in Cowell, the "mean judge" of years past.

In the key group of adults ages 18 to 49, "Idol" scored a 9.2 rating, compared with an 8.2 last season. The show, with its steadily aging audience, had not posted year-to-year growth in that category in five years.

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Former Idol Contestants Tweet Their Responses to Last Night’s Results

http://idolator.com/5878462/american-idol-finale-reactions

Whether they were watching from the comfort of their couch or took the walk down the red carpet inside the Nokia Theater to watch it live, many of the ghosts of Idol past (and a few from the present, too) shared their thoughts on last night’s finale. Check out Twitter reactions from Adam Lambert, Pia Toscano, David Cook and more after the jump — plus, you won’t believe which hip-hop star wants to work with Season 10 champion Scotty McCreery.

Just as Scotty was declared the winner, Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox offered this blunt tweet: “Ugh. That’s all.” Poor timing for her sentiment that actually had nothing to do with the results. “HA! Calm down. I ugh’ed because I wasn’t feeling too hot… But re: idol, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game:)”

Season 10’s Most Surprising Eliminated Contestant, Pia Toscano: “Highlight of my life.. Performing with Beyonce!! Congrats @SMcCreeryAI10 and @LAlainaAI10!! You are both stars and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Season 8 winner Kris Allen: “Great time at the finale tonight. Congrats Scotty and the rest of the idols on starting their career tomorrow.”

Season 7 winner David Cook: “Congrats to @AmericanIdol on another year in the books and congrats to Scotty and the rest of the TOP 13 on an amazing season!”

Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta: “What an awesome night it was!! Congrats to Scotty, and to Lauren as well for their amazing run and continued success.”

Ryan Seacrest tweeted a photo of him and the Season 10 champ, but all his love was for Gaga (who he also took a photo with): “Hung with @ladygaga after the show, she tells the best stories.”

Season 10 runner-up Lauren Alaina thanked a fan who suggested she date Scotty, but passed on the offer: “We are just really good friends, but thank you.” So much for those rumors!

Season 5’s Chris Daughtry commented on the clip comparing his “blowfish” face to James Durbin’s: “James and I makin the same face! Hahaha! Nice. I looked stupid:)”

Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert shared his excitement of meeting Jack Black, and adored the “Telephone” gals’ separate performances: “Beyonce and Gaga’s performances were awesome!!! Oh and Steven Tyler!!! Hot!”

The most surprising Tweet came from none other than Idol’s frequent guest mentor Will.i.am: “I would like to record a song with scotty…(Congratulations!!!)”

What kind of track can you imagine will.i.am and Scotty making together? Is there such a thing as country electronica? (Yes, apparently there is.)

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More Than 10,000 Dallas Hopefuls Come To Try Out for The X Factor

http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/television/headlines/20110526-more-than-10000-try-out-in-dallas-for-new-x-factor-singing-show.ece

As some 10,000 people gathered at the Dallas Convention Center Thursday morning for a chance to shine on Simon Cowell’s new star-making singing contest, The X Factor, you’d think they would look around and get discouraged about their odds.

But that would be a mistake. This was a crowd brimming with confidence.

“I’m going to win this,” vowed 19-year-old Shikia Parks of Dallas.

“I’m ready for the big time. I need to be heard,” said Brandon Cole, 19, who flew in from Detroit.

“I’m absolutely an original,” added 37-year-old Russell Hughes of Hot Springs, Ark. “I wouldn’t be standing here if I weren’t!”

Hey, somebody’s going to win that $5 million contract and become a star — and that star doesn’t have to have youth on his or her side. The show, which debuts on Fox this fall, offers a shot to anyone 12 and older, as a solo act or group.

When Israel Aviles — who won a fast-track spot for the auditions after trying out for the Fox affiliate in Tyler — mentioned that he’s 55, the people around him reacted audibly.

“Yeah, my wheelchair’s parked behind Simon’s truck over there,” he joked.

Aviles made fast friends with 41-year-old Patrick Hill of Longview, who also won the local Fox tryouts, and 15-year-old Kristina Jewell, who was flown in by her Fox station in Rochester, N.Y.

As Jewell lamented that she couldn’t try out for American Idol because she was “always too young,” Hill retorted, “And I was too old! People would say, ‘You should be on American Idol.’ I was like, ‘Dude, that ship sailed 10 years ago.’”

Some in the crowd wore over-the-top costumes, trying to stand out in a sea of glitter and sequins. Others held signs with personal shout-outs to Cowell. And still others sang softly, rehearsing the audition song that just might change their life.

The star judges, including Cowell and his Idol pal Paula Abdul , will be in Dallas June 21-22 for another round, to be taped at the American Airlines Center with a studio audience.

The contestants may see another side of the British judge on his new show. Executive producer Andrew Llinares warned that “Simon is always Simon,” but added that in the later stages of The X Factor, the judges will do more mentoring than outright critiquing.

“So we may see a more caring, sharing Simon,” he said, “which is going to be interesting.”

But before that happens, the true stars have to emerge from the auditioning masses. Jamon Maple, a 23-year-old music teacher from Beaumont, believes he’s one of them.

Last month, he auditioned for The X Factor in Los Angeles and made it past the first round. After failing to get a second callback, “I’m back to do it again!” he said with a smile. “I’ll never give up on my dream; it’s been my dream since I was 5 years old. I’m going to make it no matter what.”

Staff Writer Caitlin Johnston contributed to this report.

Season 10 Finale Recap Roundup

This will be my final Recap Roundup for this season of American Idol!!

Congratulations to Scotty McCreery from Garner, North Carolina for winning the Season 10 title of American Idol!!

I wish him the best of luck in his musical ventures and his talent!!

D-RIZZ OUT!!

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Thanks go out to MJ’s Big Blog, Rickey.org, YouTube user caseycarlsonlegacyx2 for videos from the show this season and the recap roundups!!

http://mjsbigblog.com/american-idol-10-finale-recap-roundup.htm

‘Something Pitchy:’ ‘American Idol’ Season 10 Ends on a High Note

Find out what myself, Rickey Yaneza (Rickey.org) and MJ Santilli (MJs Big Blog) have to say as we put season 10 to bed and look ahead at what’s next for ‘American Idol,’ as well Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, in this post-finale edition of AOL TV’s ‘American Idol’ talk show ‘Something Pitchy!’

TV Squad

‘American Idol’ on the scene for finale results show: Prom dresses, Tom Jones lyrics, and exhaustion, oh my!

Where is probably the one and only place in the world where you can find Midwestern ladies in prom/bridesmaid dresses, people speaking a wide variety of languages, poster board signs covered in blinking lights, dozens of cowboy hats, and a mish-mash of the oddball celebrities? The American Idol season finale, of course! I was there last night as the show went down at downtown LA’s Nokia Theater, and the only way to really describe what was going on is to call it exactly what it was: a crazy spectacle. I’m not exaggerating: Moms were really prowling around in prom/bridesmaid dresses! (True: Things such as this make me really happy.) I love that, for some, the American Idol finale is something on par with a seminal life event like a wedding. To each his own, I suppose! But I digress. On to my other observations…

EW

Live at American Idol: Grand Finale Kicked Major Ass!

Words can’t describe our relief that Wednesday’s finale show was a slam dunk in terms of entertainment. In sharp contrast to Tuesday’s final performance show, the Nokia Theatre was crackling with excitement. It felt super packed, the audience felt warm and the old, familiar, cozy, Idol fuzzies were wrapping the room in one big celebratory hug.

Prior to going live, judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler were introduced to the audience as they took their seats. The crowd went wild as the three waved enthusiastically and flashed genuine, excited grins to everyone.

Read more at Eonline

American Idol Season Finale Recap: Low and Steady Wins the Race

Sometimes I seriously question my obsession with American Idol. After all, there’s no other show on television that consistently causes spikes in my blood pressure — whether it’s from the blind fury I feel toward the show’s inept and inconsistent judging panel, the frustration I experience with its thoroughly uninspired theme nights and song lists, or the rolling rage of wondering things like “Where the frak is Pia Toscano’s finale duet?”

TV Line

Great Scott! McCreery wins ‘American Idol’

Lock the doors and turn the lights down low, America. The teenager with the baritone is your new Fox-crowned superstar.

After four months and ten million “in it to win it!” pronouncements from Randy Jackson, “American Idol” named Scotty McCreery as the winner of season 10. The 17-year-old topped fellow teenager Lauren Alaina in the finale, winning the most votes out of the 122 million-plus cast.

MSNBC

The Season 10 ‘American Idol’ Finale’s Most Memorable Moments

On Wednesday night, a new American Idol was crowned. Congrats, Scotty McCreery. But this news was actually anti-climactic compared to everything else that occurred in the 117 minutes leading up to Ryan Seacrest’s big announcement. If anything, there were so many great performances by the contestants who didn’t make it to the finale, it was enough to make viewers wonder if they’d voted wrong when they elected the final two. Perhaps this was not the agenda “Idol” producers had in mind when they planned this show…but their loss was our gain, because we were all treated to a night of fine Idolicious entertainment.

Reality Rocks

American Idol Unleashes the Confetti and the Star Power

So! The American Idol finale has passed us all by, and after a season of frustration over ever-green contestants and non-judging it was nice to see some professionalism creep into the proceedings. This was, of course, largely the result of the night being wall-to-wall carpeted with big names from pop of all stripes—Gaga, Beyoncé, U2, and so on. (I suppose you could throw Steven Tyler in there as well, although dude is on notice with me not just for this season, but for singing “Dream On” and bringing back long-repressed memories of the Gokey Scream last night.) But it could have been worse, and, hell, it has been worse in the past.

Popdust

Five Big Idol Don’ts—Are You Listening, Scotty McCreery?

1. Don’t Be What You Weren’t: Let’s say you’re Ruben Studdard, and you sell yourself to Idol watchers as the dress-casual Luther Vandross. Then you release your first album, and you go hip-hop—or, worse, “faux” hip-hop in the judgment of some critics. Then you release your second album, and you go gospel. Then you release your third album (and, by this point, you are most fortunate to do so), and you finally—finally!—get down to business. Unfortunately, this late in the game, there isn’t much business to be had.

Read more at EOnline

Its Not Unusual: American Idol 10 FINALE TIME

There are many things wrong with American Idol. One of which may be Ryan Seacrest in a tuxedo. Little man in a bow tie. Such a tiny bow tie? Like ones worn by old timey soda jerks or boxing officiators. Has anyone seen Don King lately? Oh damn my ADD. But I already know who won the whole shebang and frankly I’m really just watching for the highlights, er…the TOM JONES MEDLEY.

Top Idol Blog

A Shockingly Entertaining Idol Finale!

t’s Idol Finals. I missed half the season and I’m still exhausted. The only question I have is which old has-beens are they going to cart on-stage tonight? I’m going with Captain and Tenille, the surviving members of Village People and possibly Peaches and Herb, with an outside chance of Pat Boone.

Aww, an awful group sing-along. I missed these, what with all the good TV on Thursday nights. Good to see Worsters Paul, Jacob and Casey grouped together. Casey’s almost as terrible at these as Blind Scott. Go Casey and your three left feet.

Vote for the Worst

Watch the American Idol Finale Live!!

http://www.seeon.tv/view/12898/

If the above link doesn’t work, here’s another for you:

http://www.tvpc.com/Channel.php?ChannelID=1730

D-RIZZ OUT!!!

American Idol Season 10 Finale: Live Updates

This will be my final live recap of American Idol for this season.

In a matter of hours, we will know who takes the title this season: Will it be Lauren Alaina, or Scotty McCreery.

Along the way we have had some amazing and groundbreaking performances, especially from the final two contestants!!

After the finale tonight, I will post my usual gathering of recaps from across the blogosphere, and starting Friday, I will only be giving you headlines from American Idol. It will be like that until the start of Season 11.

You can rest assured that I will still update my Idol blog, even when the show is not airing!

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5:30 PM

Here’s who will appear (what I know so far): http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/lady-gaga-u2s-bono-edge-192262

Lauren Alaina gets to sing live with her Idol, Season 4 Winner Carrie Underwood.

Scotty McCreery gets to sing live with Tim McGraw

Lady Gaga returns to the Idol stage to perform “The Edge of Glory”

Beyonce returns to the Idol stage to perform “Run The World (Girls)” with Season 10’s Top 12 girls

Tom Jones will sing with the Top 12 guys.

Steven Tyler will perform (sans Aerosmith) “It Feels So Good” and possibly also “Dream On.”

U2’s Bono and The Edge will appear, but not to sing.

James Durbin will sing with Judas Priest

Haley Reinhart will sing with Tony Bennett

The two remaining members of TLC: T-Boz and Chilli are performing.

That’s all I know for right now. Look for more updates!!

 

5:35 PM

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/our_programs/american_idol/idol-finale-performers-revealed-20110525-es

Jennifer Lopez will be performing with her husband, Marc Anthony.

Gladys Knight will be performing. 

Lil’ Jon will be performing.

 

5:38 PM

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00040762.html

Pia Toscano is rumored to be performing her debut single, “Counterfeit,” with Glee star Charice.

 

5:42 PM

U2 is confirmed to perform tonight on the American Idol finale: http://www.rickey.org/u2-confirmed-for-american-idol-finale-performance/

 

5:52 PM

To watch American Idol live tonight online:

http://www.seeon.tv/view/12898/

If the above link doesn’t work, here’s another for you:

http://www.tvpc.com/Channel.php?ChannelID=1730

 

5:52 PM

To watch the live pre-Idol finale red carpet from 6-8PM:

http://www.americanidol.com/finale/

 

6:00 PM

Here is the correct link to watch Pre-Idol finale festivities:

http://www.americanidol.com/finale/surround_videos/

 

6:12 PM

360 Degree Views of Photo Walk, Arrivals, and Interviews Live From the Nokia Theater for the Season 10 Finale have begun:

http://www.americanidol.com/finale/surround_videos/

 

6:17 PM

Judas Priest has arrived at the Idol Finale, so they will be performing with James Durbin at the finale tonight!

 

6:25 PM

Word is spreading that over 122 million phone, text, and online votes for Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina! If true, that broke the record for most votes cast on American Idol!!

 

6:32 PM

Didi and Brandon, who are hosting the Americanidol.com live coverage, just finished interviewing Michael Sarver, and they are interviewing Sanjaya Malakar now!

 

6:41 PM

Didi and Brandon just wrapped up interviewing Rob Halford and Judas Priest, who stated that they are indeed performing with James and both are performing “Breaking the Law”

 

7:10 PM

Paul McDonald confirmed that he is recording a song for a soundtrack.

 

Pics From Idol Finale: Courtesy of Shirley Halperin

 

7:46 PM

I will be continuing to live-blog until about 10:15 PM tonight, so keep coming back to get more updates about American Idol.

Didi and Brandon are interviewing Tim McGraw, WOW!

 

8:00 PM

The finale begins…AWESOME!!

 

8:05 PM

The Top 13 are back together to sing Lady Gaga’s hit “Born This Way” and they’re all in white!!

8:11 PM

James is performing with one of his Idols, Judas Priest!! Pure metal awesomeness!!

8:15 PM

Clip montage of Randy Jackson’s judging this season! Awesome!

 

8:17 PM

Jacob Lusk is getting to sing with gospel legend Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight. They are really showcasing the talent of the Top 13 contestants!

8:26 PM

Casey Abrams is performing with Jack Black. Pure comedic genius!!

8:29 PM

The ladies of the Top 13 are singing “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” and synchronized in the dance. Then they switched to “Irreplaceable.” I have the feeling that Beyonce is going to come out at any second! Then, they sang “Get Me Bodied.” Now, they are singing “If I Were a Boy.” Next up is “Déjà vu”. I was right, Beyonce is singing with them!! Both the girls and Beyonce sing “Crazy in Love.”

8:38 PM

Video clip of Steven Tyler’s crazy antics! AWESOME!!

8:42 PM

Haley Reinhart and Tony Bennett sing “Steppin Out With My Baby”.

8:43 PM

Video clip of Jennifer Lopez! Love that Jennifer and Steven have been on the show this season!!

8:46 PM

Lil’ Jon and TLC perform with the Top 13 ladies! They perform a medley of their greatest hits!

8:50 PM

Scotty McCreery is getting to sing with Tim McGraw! WOW!!

8:54 PM

There have already been some awesome surprises tonight!! Can’t wait to see who else they got to come tonight!!

 

8:58 PM

Ryan found his protégé in one of the previous contestants. He is introducing some of the bad contestants of this season! Hilarious!!

 

9:00 PM

Marc Anthony performs “Aguanile” with his wife, Jennifer Lopez dancing and Sheila E on the drums.

9:06 PM

James, Casey, and Stefano are talking and joking about each other. Awesome!!

 

9:07 PM

Casey, James, and the rest of the Top Guys are singing “Kiss” by Prince, “What’s New Pussycat” “Green Green Grass of Home” by Tom Jones. They’re singing Tom Jones songs. Then, Tom Jones comes out to sing “It’s Not Unusual”

9:19 PM

The last Ford Music Video featuring all of the Idol contestants that made it to the Top 13. Awesome summary of all the commercials!

9:20 PM

Ford has a special gift for the teacher that influenced the Idols so much and they are there at the finale tonight.

Here’s the surprise: here are the keys to a brand new Ford Focus.

Scotty and Lauren get the keys to any Ford vehicle that they want.

 

9:23 PM

Lady Gaga is singing “The Edge of Glory” with Clarence Clemmons from Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. Sad that they didn’t give him a shoutout on the show!!

9:31 PM

Lauren is singing “When He Cheats” with Carrie Underwood. AWESOME!!

9:35 PM

The other Idol contestants are picking at Lauren and Scotty, because of their age! All in good fun though!

 

9:36 PM

Beyonce is back to perform “1 + 1”!

9:45 PM

Bono and The Edge with the singer from Spiderman: The Musical are performing “Rise Above”. Awesome!!

9:54 PM

Steven Tyler is performing!! Awesome!! He is singing “Dream On” one  of my faves!!

When Idol comes back…we find out who wins…will it be Scotty or Lauren? We’ll find out soon!!

Rehearsals for the performance:

The actual performance:

10:01 PM

The results are in…

And the winner of American Idol Season 10 is…

SCOTTY MCCREERY!!!

10:03 PM

Scotty McCreery, newly-crowned Idol winner, sings his debut single, “I Love You This Big”

SO GLAD HE WON!!!

It has been a pleasure live-blogging American Idol this season. I will miss getting to live-blog the show. Look out for the live blogs starting next January for Season 11!

For the last time this season, in a live blog, D-RIZZ OUT!!!

I leave you with comments from the contestants on the finale, courtesy of Fox5Atlanta my local Fox affiliate here in Georgia (http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/our_programs/american_idol/american-idol-finalists-comment-on-finale-20110525-tm):

American Idol Finalists Comment on Finale: MyFoxATLANTA.com