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Clay Aiken 'Appears' at Idol Finale 
Thu, May 21
Clay's AI5 appearance replays in montage by Aspiegirl.Season 5 Ploy Revived
AI8 Hoopla Finally Lures Fan
Frankly, my life has been way too busy to sample Season 8 of American Idol; but all the hoopla surrounding the final episode finally lured this Clay Aiken fan to turn on the TV for the last hour of Wednesday night's results show.
In that brief time, I got a handle on most finalists, enjoyed some of their performances with all the entertainment heavyweights, and was struck by a few AI2 similarities; many more differences; and, above all, the glitzy embellishments since the Clay Aiken-Ruben Studdard showdown six years ago.
There was even a stab at the very successful AI5 finale filler during which Clay surprised Michael Sandecki, a preliminary contestant who had proclaimed the Aiken his hero during the auditions. Supposedly nominated as "best impersonator," Michael was invited to perform one of Clay's signature songs, "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."
In the midst of Michael's performance, the stage backdrop opened and out strolled the unexpected AI2 runner-up belting out the song that had secured his Wildcard position in the AI2 competition.
The maturity and difference in Clay's appearance was so striking that the panel of judges didn't even recognize him. The theater and television audience, however, went crazy; and the event became the next day's most discussed water cooler topic, even topping the buzz of a new idol.
Aspiegirl captured the moment in her What a Feeling montage, which can viewed in the above player and at YouTube.
PHOTO INTERLUDE: Images from the AI5 Finale are featured in these clickable graphics by cindilu2, Amazing_CA, Sally, Clayquebec1, and Claystruck.
Bikini Girl' Invokes Season 5
The Season 8 version of the Aiken-Sandecki event was Katrina Darrell, whose audition in a string bikini, earned her eventual moniker. Wearing her trademark ensemble, she took the stage to sing and accept an award for "best attitude." Her unexpected co-singer was judge Kara Dioguardi, who had one more surprise for Bikini Girl and the audience.
Congratulations to the Kris Allen, the new American Idol; Adam Lambert, this season's runner-up; and all the 2009 finalists who will be on tour this summer.
Fans can take heart that from previous AI editions, Clay, Jennifer Hudson, and Chris Daughtrey have proved that one doesn't have to win the title to enjoy a successful career in the entertainment business.
Clay, who was nowhere near last night's Idol confetti, impacted yet another final show. Almost immediately, the debate about second place finishers began on Twitter and other social networking sites.
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A rather neat trick in 140 characters or less!
American Idol Winner Crowned at Huffington PostAmerican Idol Numbers at Clay Aiken News NetworkClay Aiken Speaks Out About American Idol at mj's blog
Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!
Caro
TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, American Idol 8 Finale, AI5 Finale, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, montage, Bikini Girl, Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, runner-up, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation
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