Access Blogs
A Look Back At 'Idol' Season Eight
This was by far my favorite season of "American Idol" yet. After covering it for eight years, I would have thought the novelty of it all would have worn off by now, but I still enjoy every single minute of it. Sitting in the finale on Wednesday I looked around and thought to myself, 'How incredible that while 27 million people are watching this at home, I was sitting right there in the audience?' I think I enjoyed Idol more so this year because the contestants were an incredible group. They were some really special and really talented people in this bunch.
This is something I have never done in any season until this year, but I made it very clear I was an Adam Lambert fan from the start. I normally try and stay objective, but Adam and I just bonded instantly when we met. Seeing him perform with KISS was such a rush. I'm disappointed he didn't win, but I'm not surprised. America just wasn't ready for someone so outside the box.
In the end, I think it's better he didn't become the American Idol. Kris Allen didn't ooze star quality like Adam and I think he needed the title to succeed in the limelight. Adam will be successful no matter what and I think it's better for him not to be tied down to a long contract (like I'm sure that the winner signs).
Here is a look back at some of my favorite moments with the contestants and the judges:
Meeting Adam for the first time. He just walked in and owned the room and I was blown away by how sweet and kind he was. I could not believe when I asked him if he Googled himself (to see what people were saying about him) that he admitted he did!
Finding out from Jorge Nunez that Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were fans and had called Ryan Seacrest to send a message to Jorge how much they loved him.
Listening to Danny Gokey tell me about how his wife is watching over him from above and that he did the show to honor her memory.
Meeting Matt Giraud at the Top 13 party and finding out he is as charming, silly and funny as his look-a-like (Justin Timberlake) even though he hates being compared to him! It's a compliment, Matt! I only wish you guys could have seen more of that personality in the show!
Watching Danny bust a move on the dance floor with the cast of "Glee" at the Top 13 party. He looked like he was having the time of his life.
Finding out at the Top 13 party that underneath all that black hair and guy liner Adam was a strawberry blonde with freckles!
Watching the joy Scott MacIntyre got when Paula Abdul surprised him with a guide dog a few weeks after he was eliminated from the show. Every minute you get to spend with Scott is a joy. Being around him warms the soul.
Being in the audience on results night with our Idol producer and my friend Felidette when the Idols sang "Don't Stop Believin'." We are obsessed with that song from having watched the pilot for "Glee." We were giddy like two twelve year olds.
Getting to know my Idol twin Kara DioGuardi. It was bizarre when we realized how much we look alike. I am so blown away by what she did at the finale. I was jumping up and down and screaming like a mad woman for her. That voice. Who knew!? I knew she had a rockin' body though and now you all do too!
Being the person in the audience at the finale who started the Boos for Bikini Girl, Katrina Darrell.
Watching Paula Abdul rehearse for her results night performance a few days beforehand. Most people made fun of it after she performed on the show, but I loved it. The second I left the rehearsal I went and downloaded the song on iTunes.
Being exclusively backstage on Tuesday night and getting Adam and Kris' reaction to their performances and realizing they truly are great friends. Adam joking that he chased Kris around with black nail polish when I asked if they had any backstage battles.
Doing TV Guide's live pre-show with Kimberly Caldwell and Justin Guarini and telling them it was so hot on the red carpet I was going to see if I could get David Cook and David Archuleta to fan me. Then, getting Cook to oblige!
Having Randy Jackson try and hook Simon Cowell and I up on the red carpet on a date and Simon saying how great it would be to not have to make small talk since we already know each other. Simon then laughing and saying, "uncomfortable" when he saw his ex-girlfriend, Terri Seymour. Although I'm not sure how "ex" they really are anymore. They seem inordinately close for a couple that has broken up.
Telling Adam backstage he was robbed in front of all the press!
Taking the limo ride with Kris Allen, on the morning after he won the show, to our Access Hollywood stage. I finally realized what a gem he is. I'm officially a Kris fan now too!
Interviewing Idols 10 through 3 on our stage yesterday afternoon and finding out all their nicknames for each other and all the backstage dirt!
A big thank you to my Idol team Felidette and Celeste. I love working with you girls. And of course all my AccessHollywood.com peeps for putting up with and posting all my Idol antics. I think if they see me hug one more Idol they might toss me out the window. Also thanks to the FOX pr team for putting up with me! You are the best. Everyone get some rest and I'll see you next season!
i feel the way you do about adam. ive never met him but you can see he lights up a room with his smile and personality. ive read so many things that he is the kindest person and you can tell in interveiws and the way he interacts with everyone they show him with. i would have loved to meet such a great soul. they are hard to find. i am a musician as well and i am blown away by him. he set such a standard and is just amazing in his ability to captivate you with his voice. i love letting his voice just flow through me. but not only that he is such a beautiful person on the outside. i am a huge rpattz fan (whos not) but he blows past him with such force. i just wanted to humbly say that you captivated what i think of his humble nature and im glad he is who he gives off. i hope he never changes. we need more like him for the straight and gay communitys.