And the Winner Is

Well, Lee DeWyze is no longer a paint salesman. He's the new American Idol. I was holding my breath and was so happy to see him win, I literally jumped out of my recliner.

It takes a lot to make that happen at my age!

Crystal was undoubtedly the better singer of the two, but heck, she came into the competition already a performer, from age 10. The only contest she should have been in is American Idol For Professionals. Same was true of Adam last year. Before Idol, my daughter actually saw him perform in a musical on stage with Val Kilmer in L.A. Having Adam and Crystal on Idol is like allowing an experienced dancer to compete on Dancing With the Stars. Not fair to the others who are pushing their bodies around the floor with blisters on their feet, not sure which is their right foot and which is their left. But they're learning and trying!

Normally we don't vote on Idol, but Lee won us over with Hallelulia. So once Casey was gone, we actually voted for Lee. I'm almost always a sucker for the underdog, but with Lee, we both just flat out felt he deserved to win, and Frank pushed the repeat button on our cordless phone until its battery died.

It's not just that he sang his heart out, it's that he obviously wasn't already a pro. More often than not he looked like a deer caught in the headlights, scared half out of his wits, and personally I found his lack of stage presence endearing. Whereas Crystal was a natural. That's not to say she didn't work to stay in the show, I'm sure she did. But she knew how to work at it. Lee had to feel his way around in the dark.

All the way into the spotlight. Way to go, Lee!

It's easy to do what comes easily to you. An obvious statement, but think about it. Doing something that requires little or no effort allows no room for growth. Lee met a huge challenge head on, giving it his all while wearing his nerves on his sleeve. That takes more than talent. It takes courage. From paint salesman to the winner's circle. Wow. That's not an American Idol, it's the American Dream!

Far more viewers will be inspired by Lee than by Crystal, which gives the show more meaning. It becomes about hope, and personal growth, and life's purpose -- not just about music. And who knows, someday we may have a paint salesman for President!

With that realization in mind, I'll leave my closing thought unstated. :-/