By Meg Hodson
Season XIII of American Idol is in the books. This season has been a touchingly special season for me to experience. As one of the #IdolTweethearts, I have had a unique fan perspective on the season, including a sneak peek during Hollywood Week, attendance at mentor week, and meeting Harry Connick, Jr.
The road to the finale has had it's scenic moments as well as bumps along the way. The city auditions brought that excitement everyone loves when we see contestants for the first time. The judges' chemistry and humor, particularly with the addition of Harry Connick, Jr., was a draw. The selection of the Top 13 drew mixed reactions based on it's format, with some contestants not even getting to sing for a spot. Add to this sporadic ratings in the ever-evolving landscape of t.v. with Netflix, Hulu, and streaming and even I lost that warm, fuzzy feeling for a moment or two that I have had for the entire series of American Idol.
But it was short lived once the Top 13 got rolling. I had the unique chance to be at mentor week. I remember seeing Caleb. I couldn't remember his name, but I did remember his audition. I do remember thinking immediately that I was glad he was there.
I love the excitement of the live shows. Once a few kinks were worked out (like the forced #selfies that Ryan Seacrest would do at the beginning of the show), it was the entertainment I had come to love about American Idol. It's always a good sign for me when I have a clear cut favorite from the start; this season it was Caleb Johnson. I found myself saying this phrase quite a lot: "Does he ever sing off key?" Turns out he does not.
Fast forward to the Idol Finale. While some complained about the length of the show (and we could've done without Ryan singing), I thought it succeeded on many levels. Caleb and Jena opened the show with lots of electricity. The duets between contestants and their favorite singers were engaging, especially Caleb with Kiss and Jena with Paramore.
But the best part did turn out to be the announcement of the next American Idol. I honestly did think it was a dead heat between the two contestants for the crown. When Caleb won, the most touching part was not singing the first half of his song to take a moment to digest his win and hug his fellow contestants. But thankfully he snuck in some singing of his catchy new single (which I promptly downloaded at the end of the show). My kids are always the final test on just how many times we will play a new song in our house. As my 8 year old son danced and shook his shoulders (Keith would be so proud!), it was clear Caleb Johnson's new single would be on repeat. A lot.
Mark my words, Caleb Johnson is Idol's next Carrie Underwood. I'm not a trained musician or producer, but I have been a lifelong fan of music and a series-long fan of American Idol, so that makes me an expert experienced viewer. And remember what I mentioned earlier about Caleb never hitting a wrong note? Carrie didn't either in her run on American Idol.
