May 27, 2004 - Doing the Bobo

For example, Tamyra Gray, a finalist from the first season, performed. She had also written the single, "I Believe," which Fantasia will release.

Previous winners Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard performed a song with this season's top two, Fantasia and Diana DeGarmo.

Near the end of the evening, the top two finalists each sang a song from the previous evening's competition. I found it interesting that Diana chose to sing "I Believe" once more, while Fantasia opted for "All My Life."

When Ryan announced the winner was Fantasia Barrino, she was asked to perform the new single. It almost makes you think that Diana kind of knew — or somebody knew — that she wouldn't win, and that's why she performed the song early. But maybe I'm reading too much into it. Perhaps Diana didn't want to perform the other two songs from the previous night, because she'd performed each of them earlier in the season.

If Diana did have an inkling of what was to come, she still seemed genuinely disappointed. For once, Diana registered something other than a cheery smile when the results came in. She gave Fantasia a big congratulatory hug, all smiles. But as the cameras stayed on her, she couldn't help a frown, and tears began to spill silently down her cheeks.

Don't feel too sorry for her. Look at Clay Aiken. Diana has a terrific chance to cash in on her newfound fame, and her can-do attitude and goody-two-shoes looks are refreshing in an age of Britneys and Christinas. Here's wishing her well. Go, girl, and prove that America prefers to see talent over bellybuttons.

Fantasia, like Halle Berry winning her Oscar, cried copiously. She must have thought the omens were against her in the minutes before the announcement. First, she broke her shoe performing her last number, which AI fans will remember she did earlier in the season. I guess doing the Bobo on stage is just too much for flimsy women's shoes.

Then she also broke her necklace, and when Ryan asked her how it happened, she said she broke it "boboing."

When Fantasia performed "I Believe" for the audience, there were moments she was so emotional she couldn't sing. Instead, she just held the microphone behind her back for a line or two. And yet, that sort of raw, genuine emotion is one thing America loves about her.

The Gryphon had come over, and we held hands breathlessly as we waited for Ryan to announce the winner. When he did, I jumped up, cheering. My dog, Una, looked at me strangely.

Fantasia's victory guarantees another season of American Idol. There were times during the season when people who were far less deserving seemed on the track to the top spot. If that had happened, no one would have wanted to see another season. So AI producers no doubt thank Fantasia for keeping the show alive.

The final decision made even more sense as other finalists sang last night. Some, like LaToya and Jasmine and George, gave solo performances. Others got a line or two in the group production number. But as every single one of them took the stage, it became overwhelmingly clear that Fantasia far surpassed them.

Much as I liked George Huff, much as I rooted for him early on, he just can't compare. He does have a certain kind of magic, and I'm sure there's a place for him in the recording industry. But he's no Fantasia.

But you've got to give Diana props: she's grown immensely in this competition, from a performer who did not seem to connect with the audience to a performer many love and admire.

Each of the finalists got something out of this contest they could not have had anywhere else. American Idol will open a lot of doors. If you look at Tamyra, she's come a long way. She's got an album coming out, and she wrote the AI single. And she is a classy, talented performer. LaToya, take note.

Even though I was willing to rationalize it if she'd placed second, I'm incredibly happy that Fantasia won. She's clearly the most deserving and has been a lot of fun to watch. Every time we found out something new about her, I was more impressed by how far she's come in her short life so far.

I'm sure her little daughter will be immensely proud of what her young mom did before the age of 20. And that's a much better example for the young women of our country than, say, the winner of The Swan, who sealed her bid for the crown by saying she wanted to be the Swan to show people it was possible to achieve their dreams.

All those weeks ago, Fantasia had a dream. And she made us all believe.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
Do the Bobo till you can't Bobo no more.