I love writing fanfic and fictional Idol scenarios, and Wolfpup77 has inspired me to write my own version of what could have happened from Top 4 Week through the Finale, had things gone slightly differently. I was excited writing this as I was if it actually had happened this way. I tried to keep it as realistic and true to reality as possible.
Enjoy!

1. Adam/Danny Finale



Top 4 Week (Rock Week)--May 5, 2009


Danny has sailed into the Top 4, riding high on his Top 5 performance, Come Rain Come Shine. He's finally had that showstopper everyone was waiting for, and things are beginning to look up for him again, after weeks of "coasting" on good, but somewhat bland, performances.
But there are still doubts, because many people feel that Danny's weakest genre is Rock. Can he get through this difficult week? Let's see.

Adam, for once, does not have the pimp spot. But he really rocks his performance of "Whole Lotta Love." He gets high praise from all 4 judges. So far, so good for Adam, but no one expected anything less.

Allison, the sole female contestant remaining, is the next to perform. She sings Janis Joplin's "Little Piece of My Heart." She looks great, her eyes sparkle with excitement, and her rousing performance is so energetic and heartfelt the audience can barely sit still and practically are bouncing in their seats. Allison belts the chorus in her smoky voice, and you can tell her entire heart is in her singing. Breathless, she waits for the judges' comments. Randy tells her it was "hot," and "the bomb," Kara goes on and on about she is "an artist--you're the entire package," Paula tells her she'll see her in the finals, and Simon says it was "good, but not as good as you probably thought it was." There is no pleasing Simon when it comes to Allison. She nods, giggles, and rolls her eyes a little.

Next up is Danny and Allison singing a duet, Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty's "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around." Danny is dressed in a dark suit jacket, skinny purple tie, white shirt, faded jeans and black heeled boots. His hair is spiked a little, slightly messy. He actually looks like a rocker tonight. Allison is dressed in a short black dress with purple tights, and black boots. The pair tear up the stage, and their voices mesh together like a mosaic, as they each sing their solo parts, and then lean in together and belt the chorus into the mic. They're both smiling and looking into each other's eyes as they sing; their chemistry onstage is mesmerizing. Danny has never sounded better.

When they are done, they are both out of breath, almost panting, and the audience is applauding loudly, and the fangirls in the pit are screaming Danny's name, and you can even hear one or two girls shouting "I love you Danny!" Paula and Kara stand up, followed by Randy, and give the pair a standing ovation as the applause continues. Only Simon remains seated, but he is smiling and looks happy, which is a good sign.
Finally, Randy puts up his hands, saying, "Yo! Yo! Yo!" and the cheering finally dies down. He is smiling as he says, "Yo. That performance right there? Dude, that was the best duet I've ever seen on this show! I think you both just sang your way into the finals!" Kara seems to be in another world as she babbles on about what great talents both Allison and Danny are, and how they could record an album together. "You two are ready to make a record right now!" she gushes. Paula is at a loss for words, and she stumbles over herself as she tells the pair they are "amazing talents to be reckoned with," and how both of them are "already bright, shining stars." Simon tells Allison he had doubts about her charisma, but she just proved him wrong with that performance, but that "Danny might have had something to do with making you look better." Allison looks momentarily hurt, but Danny puts his arm around her reassuringly, squeezing her shoulder, as Simon continues, "Danny, if you're not in the finals, I will be shocked. I think you just proved you can definitely sing a rock song. And Allison, we already knew you could."

Next is Kris' solo, "Come Together." Coming after Danny and Allison's showstoppping duet, Kris' song seems bland in comparison and lacking in energy. Kris seems deflated, his vocals are pitchy and strained, and his performance only draws polite applause. The comments from the judges are lukewarm, especially from Simon.

Next is Danny's solo performance, Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues." He comes out dressed in jeans again, only this time wearing a tight black tee with a white design that shows off his arms. The performance is stripped down, with only piano accompaniment. He begins the performance seated on a chair, but stands up and approaches the audience as he gets into the meat of the song, touching hands of people in the front row toward the end. He finishes the song where he began, seated on the chair, head slightly bowed, and there is a great sense of completeness, even closure. The audience is stunned by the depth of feeling he expressed in his singing, and there is a brief momentary silence before loud applause ensues. Again, a standing ovation from Paula, who is near tears. Randy is nodding his head approvingly. "Perfect song choice, perfect performance, dawg. Very nice job!" he enthuses. Kara beams as she tells Danny what an incredible artist he has become, Paula agrees, telling Danny he is "an amazing talent, and you touch hearts with your voice." Simon holds back a bit, saying he thinks Danny could have chosen a more upbeat song, but that he was "very, very good"--not as good as Adam, but "much better than Kris." You get the feeling he might not be being completely honest, however, because his eyes twinkle as he says this.

The last performance of the night is Adam and Kris' duet, Extreme's "More Than Words." Kris looks good, wearing simple black pants and a white opencollared shirt, and you get the feeling the song would be perfect for him--and it is, only the song is unfortunately completely wrong for Adam, who screams his part and ultimately drowns out Kris' softer vocals. The result is a hot mess, and the judges are vocal about it. "I don't know, dawg--that was just aw'right for me," says Randy. Kara says, "You know, you are both such gifted artists, and I know how hard it can be to find a song that works well for such different artists as the two of you, but you obviously both worked hard on this." Paula tells them they both looked great, and while it wasn't a great song choice for Adam, it might have worked well for Kris had he performed it alone. Simon just says it was a "disaster," and also says he thinks Kris is "in grave danger," even though he thought he did a better job with that particular song than Adam.


Results Night, Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Ryan says the results will be read in random order. He sends Adam to safety first, then Danny, finally leaving Kris and Allison to wonder about their fates. Finally, after the Ford commercial and a guest performance, he announces that Allison is safe. Kris smiles humbly and nods when he realizes his Idol journey has come to an end. His journey is shown as "Home Sweet Home" plays. Finally, he reprises "Come Together," doing a better job with it now that he's no longer competing. Adam, Danny and a tearful Allison all go and hug him when he's finished, as the credits begin to roll.

Top 3 Week, Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Due to Danny's showstopping (and surprising) performances during Rock week, he has earned the grudging respect of some of the haters, and even from snobbish rock fans who thought he would be awful that week. He is once again seen by most bloggers and reviewers as the season's frontrunner, and most people are predicting an Adam/Danny or possibly even an Allison/Danny finale, with Danny very likely winning. Let's see if Danny can maintain this enviable status this week.

Unfortunately, Danny has the "death spot" and has to perform first. Paula has chosen Lionel Richie's "Stuck On You" for him, and Danny comes onto the stage dressed in a sharp black suit and lavender shirt, no tie. His hair is a little mussed. He looks every bit the lovesick but urbane lover, and his vocals start out soft as he starts to sing, with minimal instrumentation, but his voice and the band builds up as he digs deep into the heart of the song. In spite of having sang his vocals raw all week during rehearsals and at his Homecoming, Danny has never sounded better. His pitch is perfect, and he doesn't miss a note. The rawness in his vocals actually add to the emotion of the song, and his eyes shimmer as he sings directly to audience members in front of him, and he ends the performance with a beautiful, sincere smile. The audience explodes into applause, and Paula is wiping her eyes. Danny stands still and smiles as he waits for the judges' comments.
"I always love the Danny that shows his soulful, sensitive side, and dawg, that was hot!" says Randy. Kara nods and gushes on about what an artist Danny is, and how she would buy his records in a heartbeat. Paula is still wiping away tears as she chokes, "Danny, that's a beautiful song for you, and you are a beautiful person, and I loved you so much tonight." Simon rolls his eyes at Paula, but is smiling at Danny as he says, "I have to say, Danny, I wasn't sure Paula could choose a song for you that would work on this night, but that was a beautiful performance and your singing was spot on. Congratulations, Danny, and congratulations, Paula!" Paula hits Simon on the arm and spins around in her chair, then starts laughing. Danny giggles a little at the judges' antics.

Next is Allison, singing Sophie Hawkins' "Damn! I Wish I Was Your Lover," chosen by Randy. She looks beautiful, dressed in a sparkly green and black dress that offsets her magenta hair, and matching green satin pumps. She looks very sophisticated but rockerish at the same time. Her smoky, low-toned voice is perfect for the song, and it really shows off her range. Randy said she "rocked it," Kara blathers on about what an entertaining and marketable artist Allison is, Paula tells Allison she looks lovely but she wasn't sure if the song was the greatest choice, and Simon says her performance was good, but had nothing on her Top 4 performance the previous week. He tells her she still doesn't have enough personality. Allison disagrees, and mock-argues with Simon a little, but seems good natured about it.

Adam has the pimp spot again, and sings Simon's choice for him, U2's "One." He does a flawless job, and all 4 judges give him rave reviews. Simon tells him at the rate he's going, he will probably win.

After the commercial break, Danny sings his own choice, "You Are So Beautiful," stripped down and heartfelt. He receives positive feedback from all 4 judges. Randy tells him he'll see him in the finals.

Next to perform is Allison, singing Heart's "Crazy On You." She's dressed all rocker chick, in a black leather jacket, short black leather skirt, and fishnets. Her hair is spiked up and a hot mess, but she looks great. Her performance has enough energy to light up the entire City of Los Angeles for a year, and she hits the high notes flawlessly. She ends her song excited and out of breath, and receives a standing ovation from Paula. "Yo! That was your best performance this season!" shouts Randy over the din. Kara agrees, Paula tells her she's a "mesmerizing vocalist and ready to make records," and Simon tells her it's an improvement over her first performance that night, but not her best of the season.

Finally, Adam performs his song, "Cryin'" and once again receives kudos from all the judges.

So who will be the Final Two? We're about to find out.

Results Night, Top 3 Week, Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Adam's and then Allison's homecoming footage is shown, and both seem strangely emotionless and also shorter than Danny's longer, more detailed homecoming footage. One wonders if the editing was done this way on purpose. Or maybe it's just because both are from California, where people don't get as excited over celebrities--or American Idol contestants. After the guest performance, Danny is sent to safety first, leaving Allison and Adam sweating it out to see who will be joining Danny in the Finale.

Ryan teases them a little, asking each if they thought they made it through. Adam laughs nervously and says probably, but that anything could happen on Idol, and he'd be happy for Allison too if she got in. Allison blushes and giggles, as Ryan asks her the same question. "I dunno..." she laughs.
Finally, Ryan reads the results, drawing out the suspense. You can tell he loves this part of his job. Adam and Allison hold on tightly to each other. Allison is holding her breath and her eyes are shut tight. Adam looks nervous but not overly so.

"Adam...Allison...the votes were very close, less than one million separated you..." Adam and Allison clutch onto each other tighter. "Adam, you had the most votes. You will be in the finale next week with Danny." The cameras zoom on Adam, who is breathing out in relief, and Allison, who is smiling but her eyes are full of tears, then to Danny, who is also smiling. Ryan contineus, "Let's take a look at Allison's journey." Footage of Allison's journey is shown as "Home Sweet Home" plays, and Allison is by now crying. The cameras flash to Danny, who looks a bit teary eyed himself. Allison wipes her eyes, not very effectively since the tears are still streaming, but belts out her reprise of "Crazy On You" with so much emotion that much of the audience is in tears. She goes up to the judges table and sings directly to them, and when she finishes her performance, Adam and Danny are both hugging her tightly, and Danny is crying right along with her.

Top 2 Week (finale), May 19, 2009

Danny and Adam flipped the quarter, and Danny gets to perform last, giving him a statistical edge over Adam, even though even now, Adam is still seen as the one to beat. Can Danny really beat Adam for the title of American Idol? Let's find out.

Adam opens the last episode of the competition with a reprise of his showstopper, "Mad World." He outdoes himself, making it even more memorable than the first time, and the judges heap praise on him.

Danny goes next, reprising his hearfelt ballad, "What Hurts The Most." He is dressed in a short sleeved white shirt, a red tie, and dark pants with suspenders. Missing are his glasses, and he looks more handsome than ever. Like Adam, he outdoes himself, hitting the high notes perfectly this time, and without the glasses, he seems to connect with the audience even better, as they created a kind of barrier in the past. The performance is stripped down and simple, almost acoustic, and Danny seems relaxed and in his element. His raspy and powerful vocals fill the room. The judges are in awe, and even Simon is smiling.
"Yo, dude. That's your BEST PERFORMANCE YET!" shouts Randy. Kara says, "Danny, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and your performance made me an even bigger fan. You touched everyone in this room tonight." Paula stands up and claps, and looks on the verge of tears as she tells him how moving his reprise was, and how much he has progressed on the show. Simon tells him, "Danny, that was 100 times better than the first time you sang it. I can't tell if you won this round though. Frankly, it's a hard call. You were both amazing tonight."
Round one: too close to call.


Next up is Adam, who performs the producers' choice, "A Change Is Gonna Come." Unfortunately, he doesn't quite nail it, and the judges' comments are lukewarm at best. Simon seems worried for him.

After the commercial break, Danny appears onstage, wearing a dark gray suitjacket, dark jeans, and a light colored tee with a flashy graphic. He has his glasses back on this time, but they're the frameless kind. He sings Smokey Robinson's "Tears Of A Clown," which is fun and upbeat, and Danny even dances a bit, but for this song, it works. He seems to be having a great time, and is right in his element with this old Motown hit. He dances right up to the edge of the stage, and at one point even jumps down and grabs the hands of an older lady and dances with her. He is smiling the whole time. He only goes off pitch once, but it's barely noticeable.
When he finishes, he's almost panting and his eyes are sparkling with excitement. Randy is grinning and says, "dude, that was HOT!" Kara gushes about Danny's versatility, and how important this is in the music industry today. Paula is grinning like a fool and tells Danny that's one of her favorite songs of all time, and he just gave Smokey a run for his money with that performance. Simon, always the party pooper, tells Danny it wasn't his best performance, and that he could have toned down the dancing, making it seem less like a "drunk uncle at a bar mitzvah" but concedes from the other judges' comments that "obviously not everyone is going to agree with me."
Round two: Danny, but only by a hair.


Now it's Adam's turn to sing Kara's coronation song, "No Boundaries." Because it's a soulful power ballad totally unsuited for Adam's singing style, it's very nearly a trainwreck, and the judges tell him so.

Danny sings it next, and he kills it. NB seems tailor made for Danny (and probably was actually written with him in mind), and he manages to make this bad song listenable. He's right on pitch in all the right places, and really even seems to be getting into it. "Very good job, dawg. You can sing the phonebook," says Randy. Kara is wiping away tears as she babbles about how perfect the song was for Danny, and how she couldn't imagine anyone could have sung it better. Paula says it was a "beautiful performance" and he did the song proud, and Simon just tells him he did a good job with a "horrendous song." Kara glares at Simon. Simon continues, "Danny, you won round three, and you probably just won the competition."
The audience applauds loudly and the fangirls in the pit scream with excitement. A few boos from Adam fans can be heard too.

The Winner Is Announced, Adam/Danny Finale, May 20, 2009.

I'm skipping over all the guest performances, as these would remain largely the same. Danny performs his duet with Lionel Richie, including his solo of "Hello," and seems really happy and stoked. In the video, David Cook hands Adam and Danny the keys to their new Ford SUV's and wishes them both the best of luck.

Finally the moment has arrived. It's time to crown the 2009 American Idol. The cameras zoom in on Adam and Danny, both dressed in tuxes. Adam is wearing a white tee shirt with a silkscreen impression of a dress shirt and tie, under his suit jacket, while Danny is dressed more traditionally, with a black satin tie worn with his crisp white shirt. The sleeves of his jacket are pulled up to his elbows, and his hair is slightly spiked. He's wearing dark-framed glasses. He looks formal but casual at the same time. The two men are standing side by side, looking nervously at each other as Ryan announces the results will be read right after the commercial break.

After what seems like the longest commercial break in history, we return to a closeup of Ryan, who says the results have come in. The cameras flash to Adam and Danny, who now have their arms around each other's shoulders. Adam is smiling but looks a bit nervous, and Danny is biting his lower lip, and only smiles momentarily when he realizes the camera is on them. He shuffles his feet a little.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted, and in a moment we will know who is the next American Idol." Edward Boddington walks onstage with the envelope, which he hands to Ryan.

"Are the votes all in?"

"Yes, sir, they are right here," says Boddington.

The cameras focus back on Ryan, who is now holding the envelope.
"Are we ready, America? Dim the lights, please."

The lights dim as the cameras focus back on Adam and Danny, who still have their arms wrapped around each other. Adam is looking up at the sky; Danny is staring down at his feet. A tension-filled hush fills the Nokia, as a few fangirls in the pit can be heard squealing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this was an incredibly close contest. It could have gone either way."

"Danny!" a girl squeals. "Adam!" cries another.

"The winner, by only four million votes..."

A few more squeals.

"...of American Idol 2009..."

Dead silence in the Nokia.

"...is...."

The cameras flash back to Danny and Adam. Danny is breathing heavily, still looking at his feet, his free hand over his stomach; Adam is looking straight ahead, not smiling anymore.

"...DANNY GOKEY!"

A moment of dead silence, Danny clapping both hands to his mouth in disbelief. "Me?" he says weakly. Then the audience erupts in cheers and applause (and a few boos). The cameras flash to the video of the pandemonium in Milwaukee, showing thousands of people seemingly losing their minds as they wave signs saying "Go Go Gokey!" Danny's mom is in tears as she and his are hugging. His sisters and brother are hugging each other, crying, and cheering. Back to the scene onstage: Ryan grins while Adam and Danny hug tightly, for what seems like an eternity. The cameras pan over to the judges, who all look happy, especially Paula, who is crying and hugging Kara. Simon is leaning across the table, saying something to Randy, who is nodding his head and smiling.

Finally Danny pulls away from Adam, and his face is wet with tears. Adam stands to the side, smiling like a proud older brother. He doesn't seem at all upset that he didn't win. Ryan steps over to Danny and puts his arm over his shoulders. Danny pushes his glasses up and wipes his face on his sleeve and smiles broadly, but turns to the side, trying to hide his face. Ryan makes him face the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!"

Adam hugs Danny again and starts to leave the stage.

"Your runner-up, Adam Lambert."

Ryan turns back to Danny.

"How does it feel being the new American Idol?"

Danny is beaming. "Wow, this is awesome. I think I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

"You're not dreaming, Danny, how do you feel right now?"

"Wow. Man, I feel like I won the lottery. It's so hard to believe that ten months ago..." Danny is choking up as he tries to speak. "Ten months ago I was standing in front of my wife's casket..." He starts sobbing. Ryan tells him to take his time. "I wanted to die. But she wanted me to do this...she wanted this for us...and now here I am..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Wow, this is amazing." Danny finally looks out at the audience, no longer seeming to care about the tears on his face. "I did this for you, Sophia. And I couldn't have done it without my fans. Thank you all so much!" He makes the heart sign with his hands. "I love you all so much, you know I do!" He wipes his face on his sleeve again, dropping his glasses in the process.

Sorry!" he says, bending down to pick them up. He rubs at his eyes again, and puts them back on.

Ryan smiles and nods. "Are we ready, Danny?" Ryan says, handing him the mic. Danny nods.

"Performing Kara DioGuardi's song "No Boundaries" is your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!" The music starts up, and Danny starts to sing. His vocals start off a bit shaky, but soon his voice is steady and strong, and he starts threading his way through the audience, hugging everyone he sees, and then comes back up onstage to join the other idols who are waiting there for him. The confetti starts to fall. Anoop, Allison and Matt are by his side, and during the last chorus of the song, Danny grabs the hands of Anoop and Allison, who are standing closest to him, and then they do the same with the idols next to them, until all 13 are joining hands, and they raise them up in the air as the credits start to roll and season 8 comes to a close.



2. Allison/Danny Finale



This alternate reality begins on Top 3 Results night (everything that came before it was the same).

Top 3 Results Night, Wednesday, May 13, 2009


Adam's and then Allison's homecoming footage is shown, and both seem strangely emotionless and also shorter than Danny's longer, more detailed homecoming footage. One wonders if the editing was done this way on purpose. Or maybe it's just because both are from California, where people don't get as excited over celebrities--or American Idol contestants. After the guest performance, Danny is sent to safety first, leaving Allison and Adam sweating it out to see who will be joining Danny in the Finale.

Ryan teases them a little, asking each if they thought they made it through. Adam laughs nervously and says probably, but that anything could happen on Idol, and he'd be happy for Allison too if she got in. Allison blushes and giggles, as Ryan asks her the same question. "I dunno..." she laughs.
Finally, Ryan reads the results, drawing out the suspense. You can tell he loves this part of his job. Adam and Allison hold on tightly to each other. Allison is holding her breath and her eyes are shut tight. Adam looks nervous but not overly so.

"Adam...Allison...the votes were very close, less than one million separated you..." Adam and Allison clutch onto each other tighter.
"Adam, many people predicted you would be the next American Idol." Adam nods and grins sheepishly. Ryan turns toward Allison. "Allison..." She looks at Ryan like a deer caught in the headlights. She bites her lip nervously.
"You are going to the finale with Danny." Adam, you are going home tonight."

The audience is stunned into near silence for a moment, but almost immediately the commotion ensues. Boos can be heard through the din. A girl in the pit can be heard sobbing and moaning "Nooooo!" Adam's jaw is nearly hanging to the floor, as is Allison's. The cameras flash to the judges. Simon is glowering and rubbing his forehead, Paula and Kara stare at each other bug-eyed. Paula face begins to crumple as if she's starting to cry. The cameras pan to the audience, many of whom are weeping, look angry, or just sit there with their jaws hanging open. It's like a nightmarish deja vu of Daughtry's elimination all over again. No one was prepared for this.

Poor Allison should be happy, but how could she be, when no one seems very happy for her? Danny is as shocked as everyone else, but he finally remembers his friend and walks over from the "safe" stools to hug and congratulate her. She starts to sob on his shoulder, while Danny rubs her back.

Finally the hubbub dies down, and Ryan puts his arm on Adam's shoulder. Adam smiles graciously. "I know this must be very upsetting," Ryan says. Adam shrugs. "Yeah, a little," he says. Ryan turns back to the audience. "Well, let's take a look at Adam's journey." "Home Sweet Home" plays as a montage of Adam's journey is shown. Allison is wiping away tears, Danny and Adam just look wistful. When the montage is over, Adam takes the mic and begins his reprise of "One." He sings it more softly than he did the first time, with more emotion, and when he's finished, Danny, Allison, and then Paula go over to hug him, as the credits start to roll.

Danny/Allison Finale, performance night, Tuesday, May 19, 2009

This time, Danny loses the coin toss, and has to perform first, putting him at a statistical disadvantage. For his first performance, he reprises his favorite performance, "What Hurts The Most." He is dressed in a short sleeved white shirt, a red tie, and dark pants with suspenders. Missing are his glasses, and he looks more handsome than ever. He outdoes himself, hitting the high notes perfectly this time, and without the glasses, he seems to connect with the audience even better, as they created a kind of barrier in the past. The performance is stripped down and simple, almost acoustic, and Danny seems relaxed and in his element. His raspy and powerful vocals fill the room. The judges are in awe, and even Simon is smiling.

"Yo, dude. That's your BEST PERFORMANCE YET!" shouts Randy. Kara says, "Danny, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and your performance made me an even bigger fan. You touched everyone in this room tonight." Paula stands up and claps, and looks on the verge of tears as she tells him how moving his reprise was, and how much he has progressed on the show.

Simon takes a deep breath and speaks. "Danny, I always felt you played it a little safe with that song. But you're smart, and sometimes playing it safe is the smart thing to do." Danny starts to explain why he decided to reprise the song and not take any risks, but Simon interrupts him, saying "Danny, I always knew you had the best voice in the competition. I understand why you played it safe, and you should have. Your vocals were master class tonight, much, much better than the first time. Congatulations." Danny is beaming.

Next up is Allison, reprising her showstopper from Rat Pack Week, "Someone to Watch Over Me." She is dressed in a beautiful royal blue ruffled satin dress, a wide-brimmed black hat with a royal blue bow, and black pumps. She sings it as a torch song, combining an innocent, vulnerable demeanor with feistiness and great strength. When she is finished, Randy is giving her a standing ovation, and the audience is cheering loudly. "Yo! Yo!" shouts Randy, holding up his hands as he waits for the applause to settle down. Yo. Allison, dude, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You can SING! Very, very nice job!" He claps loudly as he sits back down. Kara gushes over how beautiful Allison looked, how well she sang, and how she broke the hearts of everyone in the audience. Paula also tells her she looked lovely. "You looked and sounded like a star up there tonight," she says. Simon speaks next, saying, "Allison, this may make me unpopular with the other judges, but I disagree with them. I felt you were trying too hard. It was good, but not THAT good." Allison looks annoyed, but says nothing. "You look a little annoyed by what I just said," Simon continues. "Are you?"
"Well, maybe a little," says Allison. She shrugs. The cameras pan to Danny standing just offstage, who is giving her the thumbs up. Allison blushes and grins.
"Round one: Danny!" announces Simon, putting an end to any further discussion.

Danny is next up. Probably due to his two outstanding performances during Rock Week, the producers have chosen Bryan Adams' "Heaven" for him to sing. He is dressed in a white shirt, with the cuffs rolled up to the elbows, buttons open far down enough to show some of his chest, a black vest, black jeans, and pointy toed black boots. His hair is fashionably messed up, and he's wearing silver-framed glasses. He starts off softly, but his voice quickly builds up, projecting intense passion. He doesn't miss a note. At one point he opens his arms wide and gazes toward the ceiling, as if he's singing directly to Sophia up in heaven. As he finishes the song, his eyes well up with tears, which are noticeable even behind the glasses, and he bows his head and drops his hands to his sides.

The performance is so stunning there is momentary silence in the room, and the applause begins and builds up to a crescendo. The fangirls are screaming his name and professing their undying love, and one girl can be heard shouting, "I want your babies, Danny!"

Randy hushes the audience and begins to speak. "Yo, dude. I don't think I've seen anything that good all season. That was the smoking hot lava bomb! HOT, baby, HOT!" Kara is wiping her eyes and choking up as she tells Danny how incredibly moving and beautiful his performance was. Paula, also crying, says, "Danny, the beauty of you shines through whenever you sing, and I could feel right there how much love you still have..." She can't finish the sentence, and buries her face in her hands, sobbing openly. Even Simon looks touched. "Danny, last year David Cook sang 'The World I Know,' a song I didn't initially think he should have performed on finale night. But on viewing it again that night, I changed my mind, because the emotions were so raw, yet so subtle, that it didn't hit me until later on just how good it was." The cameras focus on Danny, who is looking at Simon expectantly as he waits for the rest of what he has to say. "Danny, I just have to say this was another one of those raw and powerful and yet subtle performances, only this time I didn't have to go home and watch it again. I could feel your emotions, and I haven't seen anything like it since David sang that night a year ago." Danny smiles and says "thank you" softly, but his eyes appear moist, and he sniffles a bit.

A commercial break, and then it's Allison's turn again. She sings the producers' choice for her, "Who Knew" by Pink. She's decked out in a shocking pink and black striped minidress, black fishnets, and low black boots. It's an angry song about the end of a relationship, and Allison sings it with as much passion and outrage as Pink sang her version. She tears up the stage like a little tornado, seeming far stronger and much older than just 17. She goes right up to the judges' table and sings right in their faces, wagging her finger at them and stamping her boots on the floor. The judges seems to love it, and it turns out they do. Randy tells her it was hot, and she can sing the phone book, Kara exclaims how Allison's album will go platinum within months if she sings like that. and Paula agrees. Even Simon, for once, has nothing negative to say about Allison's performance. "Allison, I have to say, I'm pleased with the producers' song choice for you, and you did it justice tonight. I think that was your best performance all season." Allison is stoked, beaming and blushing. She claps for herself and says "Yay!" Danny can be seen giving her another thumbs-up sign.
"I honestly can't say who won that round," says Simon. "So I'll say it's an even tie. You were both outstanding."

Finally, it's Danny's turn to sing "No Boundaries," Kara's coronation song, and he kills it. NB seems tailor made for Danny, and he manages to make this bad song listenable. He's right on pitch in all the right places, and really even seems to be getting into it. "Very good job, dawg. You can sing the phonebook," says Randy. Kara is wiping away tears as she babbles about how perfect the song was for Danny, and how she couldn't imagine anyone could have sung it better. Paula says it was a "beautiful performance" and he did the song proud, and Simon just tells him he did a good job with a "horrendous song." Kara glares at him.

Allison sings it next. She is dressed in a lovely gold lame dress with a short skirt and matching shoes. Her magenta hair is piled on her head fastened by a sparkly hair clip. She has a little trouble with the high, soaring notes, and she sounds a bit pitchy at times, but otherwise her performance is riveting. She finishes the song and patiently waits for the judges' remarks.
"It was just aw'right for me," says Randy. "It was pitchy in spots. Not your worst performance, but not your best. It was aw'right though." Kara smiles and says "you know, you're so versatile, and so willing to step outside your comfort zone, and that's what I really admire and love so much about you. Your willingness to take a risk." Paula tells Allison she looks lovely, and admires the way she tried her best. Simon tells her it was "boring and predictable," but wasn't her fault because Kara obviously wrote it with Danny in mind. "Simon!" Kara scolds. "Well, I call it like I see it," replies Simon.

Simon continues, "Danny, you definitely won round three, but honestly, I can't call the competition. You were both in top form tonight."
"Oh, come on, Simon, you must have SOME idea," Ryan says.
Simon rolls his eyes and sighs. "Well, I really don't, but if I had to name someone, I'll give it to Danny. But I think it's going to be a very tight contest."
The audience applauds loudly, someone can be heard shouting "ADAM WAS ROBBED!", and the fangirls in the pit scream with excitement.

The Winner is Announced, Allison/Danny Finale, May 20, 2009


Finally the moment has arrived. It's time to crown the 2009 American Idol. The cameras zoom in on Danny and Allison. Danny is decked out in a tux, with a black satin tie worn with his crisp white shirt. The sleeves of his jacket are pulled up to his elbows, and his hair is slightly spiked. He's wearing dark-framed glasses. He looks formal but casual at the same time. Allison is wearing a simple white short sleeved dress with black trim, and her black ankle boots. Her hair falls softly around her face. Ryan announces the results will be read right after the commercial break.

After what seems like the longest commercial break in history, we return to a closeup of Ryan, who says the results have come in. The cameras flash to Danny and Allison again. Danny has his arms around Allison's waist, and she has one arm thrown over Danny's shoulder. Allison appears to be trembling and almost in tears, and Danny is biting his lower lip, and only smiles momentarily when he realizes the camera is on them. He shuffles his feet a little.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted, and in a moment we will know who is the next American Idol." Edward Boddington from Interscope walks onstage with the envelope, which he hands to Ryan.

"Are the votes all in?"

"Yes, sir, they are right here," says Boddington.

The cameras focus back on Ryan, who is now holding the envelope.
"Are we ready, America? Dim the lights, please."

The lights dim as the cameras focus back on Allison and Danny, who are now clasping hands and standing close together, like frightened puppies. Danny gazes up at the ceiling, letting out a deep breath, while Allison keeps her eyes tightly closed and leans against Danny's shoulder. A tension-filled hush fills the Nokia, as a few fangirls in the pit can be heard squealing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted."

"Danny, I love you!" a girl in the pit squeals.

"ADAM WAS ROBBED!" comes from somewhere else in the room.

"Over one hundred million votes were cast last night, the highest in Idol history."

"Where's Adam?" someone shouts.

"The winner, by less than two million votes...."

A few more squeals from the pit.

"...of American Idol 2009..."

Dead silence in the Nokia.

"...is...."

The cameras flash back to Danny and Allison. Danny is breathing heavily, and looking at his feet. Allison is scrunched up against him, trembling, holding his hand so tightly it's a wonder she doesn't cut off his circulation. Danny smiles weakly and squeezes her hand back.

"...DANNY GOKEY!"

A moment of dead silence, Danny clapping both hands to his mouth in disbelief. "Me?" he says weakly. Then the audience erupts in cheers and applause (and a few boos). The cameras flash to the video of the pandemonium in Milwaukee, showing thousands of people seemingly losing their minds as they wave signs saying "Go Go Gokey!" Danny's mom is in tears as she and his dad are hugging. His sisters and brother are hugging each other, crying, and cheering. Back to the scene onstage: Ryan grins while Allison and Danny hug tightly, for what seems like an eternity. The cameras pan over to the judges, who all look happy, especially Paula, who is crying and hugging Kara. Simon is leaning across the table, saying something to Randy, who is nodding his head and smiling.

Finally Danny pulls away from Allison, who still clings onto him. Both of their faces are awash in tears. Allison finally loosens her grip on Danny, and steps to the side, rubbing her eyes with her hands and sniffling. She smiles weakly at Danny, who smiles back. Ryan steps over to Danny and puts his arm over his shoulders. Danny pushes his glasses up and wipes his face on his sleeve and smiles broadly, but turns to the side, trying to hide his face. Ryan makes him face the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!"

Allison runs over to Danny and hugs him again, and finally starts to leave the stage.

"Your runner-up, Allison Iraheta."

Ryan turns back to Danny.

"How does it feel being the new American Idol?"

Danny is beaming. "Wow, this is awesome. I think I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

"You're not dreaming, Danny, how do you feel right now?"

"Wow. Man, I feel like I won the lottery. It's so hard to believe that ten months ago..." Danny is choking up as he tries to speak. "Ten months ago I was standing in front of my wife's casket..." He starts sobbing. Ryan tells him to take his time. "I wanted to die. But she wanted me to do this...she wanted this for us...and now here I am..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Wow, this is amazing." Danny finally looks out at the audience, no longer seeming to care about the tears on his face. "I did this for you, Sophia. And I couldn't have done it without my fans. Thank you all so much!" He makes the heart sign with his hands. "I love you all so much, you know I do!" He wipes his face on his sleeve again, dropping his glasses in the process.

Sorry!" he says, bending down to pick them up. He rubs at his eyes again, and puts them back on.

Ryan smiles and nods. "Are we ready, Danny?" Ryan says, handing him the mic. Danny nods.

"Performing Kara DioGuardi's song "No Boundaries" is your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!" The music starts up, and Danny starts to sing. His vocals start off a bit shaky, but soon his voice is steady and strong, and he starts threading his way through the audience, hugging everyone he sees, and then comes back up onstage to join the other idols who are waiting there for him. The confetti starts to fall. Anoop, Allison and Matt are by his side, and during the last chorus of the song, Danny grabs the hands of Anoop and Allison, who are standing closest to him, and then they do the same with the idols next to them, until all 13 are joining hands, and they raise them up in the air as the credits start to roll and season 8 comes to a close.


3. Kris/Danny Finale




This last alternate reality also begins on Top 3 Results night. Everything that came before it was the same as what actually happened, except with Danny singing Paula's choice of "Stuck on You" instead of Dance Little Sister. I believe that if this had happened in reality, Danny would have had the edge over Adam, since the votes between all 3 were so close that night.

Top 3 Results Night, Wednesday, May 13, 2009


Adam's and then Kris's homecoming footage is shown, and both seem strangely emotionless and also shorter than Danny's longer, more detailed homecoming footage. One wonders if the editing was done this way on purpose. Ryan announces that once again, the results will be read in random order. After the guest performance, Kris is sent to safety first, leaving Danny and Adam sweating it out to see who will be joining Kris in the Finale.

Ryan teases them a little, asking each if they thought they made it through. Adam laughs nervously and says probably, but that anything could happen on Idol, and he'd be happy for Danny too if he got in. Danny blurts out "Yes!' but then quickly claps a hand over his mouth and says, "I mean...either one of us could have gotten through. But I'm a competitive person." He laughs a little and shuffles his feet.
Finally, Ryan reads the results, drawing out the suspense. You can tell he loves this part of his job. Adam and Danny have their arms over each other's shoulders. Danny is looking up at the sky, looking quite nervous. Adam is looking straight ahead, smiling. He looks a little nervous but less so than Danny.

"Adam...Danny...the votes were very close, less than one million separated all three of you. Any one of you could be going into the finale next week--and any one of you could be the next American Idol." Danny, who has been holding his breath, breathes out and then smiles nervously. Adam squeezes his shoulder.

"Adam, many people predicted you would be the next American Idol." Adam nods and grins sheepishly. Ryan turns toward Danny. "Danny..." He looks at Ryan wide-eyed, biting his lip.
"You are going to the finale with Kris." Adam, you are going home tonight."

The audience is stunned into near silence for a moment, but almost immediately the commotion ensues. Boos can be heard through the din. A girl in the pit can be heard sobbing and moaning "Nooooo!" Somewhat can be heard shouting "Douchebag!" Adam's jaw is nearly hanging to the floor, as is Danny's. The cameras flash to the judges. Simon is rubbing his forehead as if he has a headache, Paula and Kara stare at each other bug-eyed but don't look unhappy. The cameras pan to the audience, many of whom are weeping, look angry, or just sit there with their jaws hanging open. It's like a nightmarish deja vu of Daughtry's elimination all over again. No one was prepared for this.

Danny should be happy, but how could he be, when no one seems very happy for him? Adam is as shocked as everyone else, but he turns to Danny and they hug for a long time. Kris walks over from the "safe" stools to join in the group hug.

Finally the hubbub dies down, Adam steps to the side, and Ryan puts his arm around his shoulder. Adam smiles graciously. "I know this must be very upsetting," Ryan says. Adam shrugs. "Yeah, a little," he says. Ryan turns back to the audience. "Well, let's take a look at Adam's journey." "Home Sweet Home" plays as a montage of Adam's journey is shown. Danny and Kris both look a bit sad. When the montage is over, Adam takes the mic and begins his reprise of "One." He sings it more softly than he did the first time, with more emotion, and when he's finished, Danny and Kris go over to hug him again, as the credits start to roll.

Danny/Kris Finale, performance night, Tuesday, May 19, 2009

This time, Danny loses the coin toss, and has to perform first, putting him at a statistical disadvantage. For his first performance, he reprises his favorite performance, "What Hurts The Most." He is dressed in a short sleeved white shirt, a red tie, and dark pants with suspenders. Missing are his glasses, and he looks more handsome than ever. He outdoes himself, hitting the high notes perfectly this time, and without the glasses, he seems to connect with the audience even better, as they created a kind of barrier in the past. The performance is stripped down and simple, almost acoustic, and Danny seems relaxed and in his element. His raspy and powerful vocals fill the room. The judges are in awe, and even Simon is smiling.

"Yo, dude. That's your BEST PERFORMANCE YET!" shouts Randy. Kara says, "Danny, I'm such a huge fan of yours, and your performance made me an even bigger fan. You touched everyone in this room tonight." Paula stands up and claps, and looks on the verge of tears as she tells him how moving his reprise was, and how much he has progressed on the show.

Simon takes a deep breath and speaks. "Danny, I always felt you played it a little safe with that song. But you're smart, and sometimes playing it safe is the smart thing to do." Danny starts to explain why he decided to reprise the song and not take any risks, but Simon interrupts him, saying "Danny, I always knew you had the best voice in the competition. I understand why you played it safe, and you should have. Your vocals were master class tonight, much, much better than the first time. Congatulations." Danny is beaming.

Next up is Kris, reprising his showstopper "Ain't No Sunshine." Like Danny, he outdoes himself, and it may be his best performance ever. The judges tell him so and from the reaction of the audience, they seem to agree.
"I can't call this round," says Simon. "It was a tie. You were both amazing."


Danny is next up. Probably due to his two outstanding performances during Rock Week, the producers have chosen Bryan Adams' "Heaven" for him to sing. He is dressed in a white shirt, with the cuffs rolled up to the elbows, buttons open far down enough to show some of his chest, a black vest, black jeans, and pointy toed black boots. His hair is fashionably messed up, and he's wearing silver-framed glasses. He starts off softly, but his voice quickly builds up, projecting intense passion. He doesn't miss a note. At one point he opens his arms wide and gazes toward the ceiling, as if he's singing directly to Sophia up in heaven. As he finishes the song, his eyes well up with tears, which are noticeable even behind the glasses, and he bows his head and drops his hands to his sides.

The performance is so stunning there is momentary silence in the room, and the applause begins and builds up to a crescendo. The fangirls are screaming his name and professing their undying love, and one girl can be heard shouting, "I want your babies, Danny!"

Randy hushes the audience and begins to speak. "Yo, dude. I don't think I've seen anything that good all season. That was the smoking hot lava bomb! HOT, baby, HOT!" Kara is wiping her eyes and choking up as she tells Danny how incredibly moving and beautiful his performance was. Paula, also crying, says, "Danny, the beauty of you shines through whenever you sing, and I could feel right there how much love you still have..." She can't finish the sentence, and buries her face in her hands, sobbing openly. Even Simon looks touched. "Danny, last year David Cook sang 'The World I Know,' a song I didn't initially think he should have performed on finale night. But on viewing it again that night, I changed my mind, because the emotions were so raw, yet so subtle, that it didn't hit me until later on just how good it was." The cameras focus on Danny, who is looking at Simon expectantly as he waits for the rest of what he has to say. "Danny, I just have to say this was another one of those raw and powerful and yet subtle performances, only this time I didn't have to go home and watch it again. I could feel your emotions, and I haven't seen anything like it since David sang that night a year ago." Danny smiles and says "thank you" softly, but his eyes appear moist, and he sniffles a bit.

A commercial break, and then it's Kris's turn again. He sings the producers' choice for him, "Apologize." It's a solid performance, but not quite so impressive as his first, at least according to the judges reactions.
"Danny, you outsang Kris, but I expected that. Round two goes to Danny."

Finally, it's Danny's turn to sing "No Boundaries," Kara's coronation song, and he kills it. NB seems tailor made for Danny, and he manages to make this bad song listenable. He's right on pitch in all the right places, and really even seems to be getting into it. "Very good job, dawg. You can sing the phonebook," says Randy. Kara is wiping away tears as she babbles about how perfect the song was for Danny, and how she couldn't imagine anyone could have sung it better. Paula says it was a "beautiful performance" and he did the song proud, and Simon just tells him he did a good job with a "horrendous song." Kara glares at him.

Kris sings it next. He has a lot of trouble with the song, especially the high notes, and his voice seems thin and strained. The song is clearly all wrong for him.

After the comments, Simon speaks. "Danny, you won round three, and you probably just won the competition. Kris, you did a good job tonight, but I think you are in danger."

Some boos can be heard through the deafening applause, someone can be heard shouting "ADAM WAS ROBBED!", and the fangirls in the pit scream with excitement.

The Winner Is Announced, Kris/Danny Finale, May 20, 2009.


I'm skipping over all the guest performances, as these would remain largely the same. Danny performs his duet with Lionel Richie, including his solo of "Hello," and seems really happy and stoked. Kris sings his duet with Keith Urban. In the video, David Cook hands Kris and Danny the keys to their new Ford SUV's and wishes them both the best of luck.

Kris's fans, frightened by Simon's comments about Kris being in danger the previous night, voted like they never voted before. Some Kris fans (and Danny haters) even believed that Simon may have made those remarks and called it for Danny not because he thought Danny was better, but to spur more votes for Allen, just like some bloggers think he may have done for David Cook the previous season when he called it for Archie.

Finally the moment has arrived. It's time to crown the 2009 American Idol. The cameras zoom in on Kris and Danny, both dressed in tuxes. They are both dressed traditionally, in tuxes, only Kris's is all white and Danny's is black. Danny wears with a black satin tie worn with his crisp white shirt, while Kris is wearing a light blue shirt with the collar open and no tie at all. The sleeves of Danny's jacket are pulled up to his elbows, and his hair is slightly spiked. He's wearing dark-framed glasses. He looks formal but casual at the same time. The two men are standing side by side, looking nervously at each other as Ryan announces the results will be read right after the commercial break.

After what seems like the longest commercial break in history, we return to a closeup of Ryan, who says the results have come in. The cameras flash to Kris and Danny, who now have their arms around each other's shoulders. Kris is smiling but looks a bit nervous, and Danny is biting his lower lip, and only smiles momentarily when he realizes the camera is on them. He shuffles his feet a little.

"Ladies and gentlemen, America has voted, and in a moment we will know who is the next American Idol." Edward Boddington walks onstage with the envelope, which he hands to Ryan.

"Are the votes all in?"

"Yes, sir, they are right here," says Boddington.

The cameras focus back on Ryan, who is now holding the envelope.
"Are we ready, America? Dim the lights, please."

The lights dim as the cameras focus back on Kris and Danny, who still have their arms wrapped around each other. Kris is looking up at the sky; Danny is staring down at his feet. A tension-filled hush fills the Nokia, as a few fangirls in the pit can be heard squealing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this was the closest contest in Idol history. It really could have gone either way."

"Danny!" a girl squeals. "Kris!" cries another.

"ADAM WAS ROBBED!" someone shouts from somewhere in the room. "Douchebag!" cries another.

"The winner, by LESS THAN ONE MILLION VOTES..." Ryan pauses dramatically to let this sink in.

A few more squeals.

"Where's Adam?" someone shouts.

"...of American Idol 2009..."

Dead silence in the Nokia.

"...is...."

The cameras flash back to Danny and Kris. Danny is breathing heavily, still looking at his feet, his free hand clneching and unclenching by his side; Kris looks briefly at Danny, smiles nervously, squeezes his shoulder, and returns his gaze to the ceiling, no longer smiling.

"...DANNY GOKEY!"

A moment of dead silence, Danny clapping both hands to his mouth in disbelief. "Me?" he says weakly. Then the audience erupts in cheers and applause (and a few boos). The cameras flash to the video of the pandemonium in Milwaukee, showing thousands of people seemingly losing their minds as they wave signs saying "Go Go Gokey!" Danny's mom is in tears as she and his dad are hugging. His sisters and brother are hugging each other, crying, and cheering. Back to the scene onstage: Ryan grins while Kris and Danny hug tightly, for what seems like an eternity. The cameras pan over to the judges, who all look happy, especially Paula, who is crying and hugging Kara. Simon is leaning across the table, saying something to Randy, who is nodding his head and smiling.

Finally Danny pulls away from Kris, and his face is wet with tears. Kris stands to the side, smiling graciously but looking on the verge of tears himself. Ryan steps over to Danny and puts his arm over his shoulders. Danny pushes his glasses up and wipes his face on his sleeve and smiles broadly, but turns to the side, trying to hide his face. Ryan makes him face the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!"

Kris hugs Danny again and starts to leave the stage, wiping his eyes.

"Your runner-up, Kris Allen."

Ryan turns back to Danny.

"How does it feel being the new American Idol?"

Danny is beaming. "Wow, this is awesome. I think I'm dreaming, pinch me!"

"You're not dreaming, Danny, how do you feel right now?"

"Wow. Man, I feel like I won the lottery. It's so hard to believe that ten months ago..." Danny is choking up as he tries to speak. "Ten months ago I was standing in front of my wife's casket..." He starts sobbing. Ryan tells him to take his time. "I wanted to die. But she wanted me to do this...she wanted this for us...and now here I am..." He takes a few deep breaths. "Wow, this is amazing." Danny finally looks out at the audience, no longer seeming to care about the tears on his face. "I did this for you, Sophia. And I couldn't have done it without my fans. Thank you all so much!" He makes the heart sign with his hands. "I love you all so much, you know I do!" He wipes his face on his sleeve again, dropping his glasses in the process.

Sorry!" he says, bending down to pick them up. He rubs at his eyes again, and puts them back on.

Ryan smiles and nods. "Are we ready, Danny?" Ryan says, handing him the mic. Danny nods.

"Performing Kara DioGuardi's song "No Boundaries" is your new American Idol, Danny Gokey!" The music starts up, and Danny starts to sing. His vocals start off a bit shaky, but soon his voice is steady and strong, and he starts threading his way through the audience, hugging everyone he sees, and then comes back up onstage to join the other idols who are waiting there for him. The confetti starts to fall. Anoop, Allison and Matt are by his side, and during the last chorus of the song, Danny grabs the hands of Anoop and Allison, who are standing closest to him, and then they do the same with the idols next to them, until all 13 are joining hands, and they raise them up in the air as the credits start to roll and season 8 comes to a close.

The End.

I've been noticing something about David Cook's fans who have chosen to watch AI8. Most of David's fans have gravitated to either Danny or Adam (if they gravitated to anyone this season), and both contestants have been compared with David numerous times in the press and by various bloggers and entertainment writers.

Personally, I don't find any similarities between DC and Adam (besides them both being rockers), but many do. I do see a lot more similarities between Danny and DC, but that's just me.

Here's my observations.
David Cook fans who like Adam most seem to be those who are most drawn to David's "bad boy/rawk-star" persona--the David who likes to re-work arrangements, do backbends onstage, throw water over himself and shake it off like a dog, give the audience CFM eyes, and dares to do things in an out of the box way. They like David's irreverence for tradition, and his subtle tweaking of AI tradition last year (without ever losing sight of its mainstream pop-rock emphasis). These are the fans who like Kiss On The Neck, Bar-Ba-Sol, and Hot for Teacher most. They prefer Axium to Analog Heart, because it rocks harder.
These are the fans who crave something new, and don't go for the tried and true.
Adam certainly fits this description too, although sometimes I think Adam's even too original for Idol. He's taken differentness to a new level--and I'm not sure that will be good for his record sales.

Danny's fans, in contrast, are those DC fans who were and are most drawn to David's sensitivity, vulnerability, and willingness to bare his soul on stage. They love David's emotionality and his tears. They love his love for his fans, and his open heart and sincere hugs. They feel protective toward him at the same time they admire his courage for daring to wear his huge heart on his sleeve. They love David's voice because it can break your heart--or make it sing. DC/Danny fans are the ones who prefer Analog Heart to Axium, who's favorite DCTR songs are Avalanche, Permanent, Lie, Life on the Moon, TOML...

Danny has shown time and again how emotional he can get when he sings. Like David, his voice can make you weep or leap for joy. You feel what he feels, because he can't hide the emotion in his face, or in his voice. He seems like he probably breaks down into tears whenever he feels like he needs to, as well as dances for joy, and none of this is an act (as it sometimes seems to be with Adam). Everything Danny feels comes through his performances, and this is what makes him so loveable, and so sexy.
Danny fans also seem to be those who like to watch their Idols transform. Both Danny and David were geeky/cute at their auditions, maybe a little schlubby, but are transforming into beautiful men. David already has; Danny is becoming so quickly.
Adam was always "hot"--he never really came off as a "regular guy"--so it's not as interesting watching his journey because there's no room for a magnificent Cinderella story to take place, as it seems to be with Danny, and did for David Cook last season.

This is not to say that Danny fans don't enjoy "bad boy" Dave (I certainly do!), or that Adam's fans don't enjoy "sensitive" Dave. It only indicates what we are MOST drawn to, and for me, it's always been about DC's softer, sensitive side.

Danny Gokey's Transformation

It's time. The season is half over now (actually more, if you count the auditions), and Danny has definitely changed since his audition. I think it's interesting to compare his to David Cook's transformation, because both guys at their auditions were slightly nerdy, a little goofy looking, badly dressed, but both had good features and a LOT of potential hidden hotness. David's become far hotter since his win. Hardly anyone would ever look at him now and say he's not beautiful. But it's more than the clothes and hair--he's changed from within too.
David was gradually changing even before The Haircut Heard Round the World ("Little Sparrow," Top 9 performance), and by the time he won he hardly looked like the same person. I see the same thing happening to Danny now. He hasn't lost weight like David did, but his hair and clothes are far more attractive, his skin looks better, and he has an air of confidence in himself now that he didn't have as much of at first.
Has anyone else noticed the change?

David, Omaha audition and Happy Together (Top 24) performance.



The new American Idol 2008 (singing TOML):


David now:


Danny Gokey, KC audition


Top 50 photoshoot:


Top 36 photoshoot:


Solo photoshoot, Top 10 week.


Get Ready, Motown night.

The Danny Hate: What it Really Means


I came up with a sort of theory. There is always one contestant each year who becomes a sort of scapegoat and seem to get the most hate, whether they are popular in general or not (they could and have even won). Sometimes it seems talent-based, or lack thereof (Sanjaya, Haley, Kevin C) and othertimes it seems jealousy based or because the contestant is "different." (David C, Taylor Hicks). Female contestants who are extremely attractive or sexy (Kristy Lee, Kat McPhee, Antonella, Megan, Haley) seem to become targets for hate as well. Sometimes the hate seems almost random. One person just keeps getting picked on, for no discernable reason. Sometimes there's more than one scapegoat, or they change during the season.
With few exceptions,winners have almost always been scapegoats during the competition.


I can't say about season 1-4, since I didn't watch, but here are the primary scapegoats for seasons 5-8. I'm counting top 12 contestants only. Winners (and likely winners) are bolded.

season 8:
Danny Gokey (most obvious scapegoat so far)
Lil Rounds (possibly)
Megan Joy
Scott (possibly)
Adam Lambert (maybe)
The true scapegoats will become clearer as we get closer to the finale.

season 7:
Kristy Lee Cook
David Cook (pre-Billie Jean or even pre-ABMB--for him, the tears helped)

season 6:
Sanjaya
Haley Scarnato (with females)
Antonella Barba (I'm counting her even though she didn't make top 12 because she was a perfect example of a scapegoat, and was very close to making top 12).
Season 6's winner (Jordin) was never a scapegoat.

season 5:
Kevin Covais
Katharine McPhee (runner up--this was obviously jealousy-based over her looks)
Taylor Hicks (winner)

I didn't watch season 4 but I know Carrie Underwood was yet another winner who was a scapegoat during the season. She got a LOT of hate.
Didn't Fantasia and Ruben also get a lot of hate?

Ten Reasons Why Danny Gokey is Your Next American Idol

Here are ten good reasons why I think Danny Gokey will become the next American Idol.

1. Popularity. Danny has proven to be extremely popular. On the official AI site, which has thousands if not millions of members, Danny's fan thread is by far the largest. It's so huge it makes everyone else's, even Adam's and Joanna's, look minuscule in comparison. On Idolforums.com (IDF), his fan thread is almost tied with Adam Lambert's for first place; at the moment all he needs is two more fans to surpass Adam.
If you Google Danny's name, fansites are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm.

2. Pimpage. Unlike David Cook, last year's winner, Danny is already receiving plenty of pimpage and screen time from TPTB. In fact, he has probably received the most screen time of anyone except Katrina (Bikini Girl) who we don't have to worry about, as she did not make the Top 36. Even Adam Lambert and Joanna Pacitti have barely been shown, and I have a suspicion TPTB did this intentionally, knowing of their popularity, and wanting Danny's to surge ahead of theirs. I believe this tactic is working.

3. Likeability. Danny seems to be a very sweet, humble, and likeable person. He has a good sense of humor, can laugh at himself (remember "walking the wrong way"?), can be goofy and silly, and seems to work well with others, as evidenced in the group performance on Wednesday night, where Danny seemed to be in charge. His good works show that he cares about children and the greater good. Also, like David Cook, he appears to be willing to show his feelings on national television (without being over the top about it). This openness and vulnerability could be easily translated into his music, as it is with Cook.

4. Experience. It's evident that Danny has leadership abilities, and is able to be in charge without being overbearing or intimidating. As a church music teacher, he has experience motivating others to sing their best, and possibly with choreography and stage direction as well.

5. Talent. Danny is an amazing singer, with incredible range. He can easily move between his normal key and falsetto, and make it seem effortless. He's also comfortable onstage--he can use the entire stage, and uses his whole body to express the emotion of the song, and it never looks forced or unnatural.

6. Confidence. Danny looks confident and totally comfortable on stage, as if he was born performing. He actually looks like he's having a great time when he sings, especially in the group performance this Wednesday.

7. Appearance. Danny is extremely good looking (which is important in a contest like this), but in a real guy sort of way. He has very good features, but he's not flashy or perfect looking, and this translates into a contestant who can easily make a David Cook-like transformation during the course of the show. Watching a person evolve physically is part of the magic and fun of watching a show like American Idol. It's a lot more interesting than watching someone who comes onto the show already looking like they've been made over, and thus never being able to evolve or transform.

8. Backstory. Another big part of the magic of a show like American Idol is being able to connect emotionally or feel empathy for a contestant. It may not have been Danny's decision to talk about Sophia's death and cry on national TV the first time he was shown, but it worked, and his heartbreaking story not only made people remember who he was, but made them want to open their hearts up to him in kind. But it wasn't presented in an over the top manner or make you want to cringe. Danny wasn't trying to get sympathy or make a scene; the tears were from his heart, and just made you want to weep right along with him, and many of us did just that. This was one of the things that was so special about David Cook--he too had a backstory (Adam's battle with brain cancer) that made you want to reach out to him or cry with him.

9. Work Ethic. Danny seems to be a mature person who is willing to work hard for his rewards, and he seems to take his endeavors seriously and work diligently toward them. Winning Idol means everything to him, and he's willing to do what it takes to achieve that goal. When he receives feedback from the judges, you can tell by the serious look on his face that he doesn't take any of this lightly--but is still able to have fun while doing what he needs to do.

10. Marketability. Of all the contestants I've seen this season, Danny appears to be one of the most marketable. Although I haven't seen many of his performances yet, his musical niche seems to be blue-eyed soul, much like Elliott Yamin in season 5, who has done quite well. This is a genre that sells well, and while season 5 winner Taylor Hicks (who also had a soul vibe) hasn't had much success in selling records, I believe Danny will because his vibe is younger and more hip than Taylor's. With the proper clothing and other physical improvements he will receive as an Idol contestant, he can become quite "hot" and thereby be even more successful as a recording artist.

So, to sum up, we have in Danny Gokey a man who is the entire package. He's good looking, humble, lots of fun, goofy, intelligent, cares about others, has leadership qualities, a good backstory, is amazingly talented, and can work a stage like a pro.
And this is why Daniel J. Gokey is going to become your next American Idol.
Quote me on this in about 4 months.

There really is life after David Cook

I started watching season 8 only to see David's picture on the audition wall and to catch other Cookie crumbs, like the AI8 commercials featuring him. Seriously...any contestant who DARED block David's image on that wall was going to be the recipient not of my support, but of both my shoes--and a few choice words as well!

No...NO ONE was going to replace David as the American Idol. How DARE they? FOX-TV really just needed to go ahead and cancel the show because The Idol for All Time was found. "Blasphemy!" I shouted at the TV on the first night, when the first contestant walked onstage. I fumed because the %$#& cameras kept angling AWAY from my sweet Cookie so I couldn't see him anyway. I considered not watching the next night...

But wait. The auditions the next night were in Kansas City! That's where David is from! (well, near there anyway). And...and...maybe they'd interview him...or talk about him...or have him as a surprise guest judge, wearing the Magic lace-up pants...or something! So...one AI8 commercial with Cook in the beginning...and then I saw Beth and Grenvell (David's stepdad). OMMMGGGGG!!! I squeed like a 15 year old fangirl.

And then...back to the boring old contestants. Most of them weren't very good, and a lot were very bad. A few were heinous. But Ryan kept talking about this guy coming up after the commercials--some guy with a heartbreaking story. Here we go, I thought. Typical AI, milking the drama for ratings. The guy had to suck. HAD to! Why were they doing this, why?

But I watched anyway. I'm a sucker for a sob story, even if it's done to manipulate my emotions and get ratings so big producers and multinational corporations can rake in millions. I can't help it. I cry at Kodak commercials, I get teary eyed at cheesy greeting card verses, I weep at sad movies--even BAD ones, mind you...and I sob over fluffy documentary TV shows such as A Baby Story... the faucets start to flow at all kinds of mawkish sentimentality because that's the way I'm wired. Like I said, I can't help it. I'm imprisoned by it, I revel in it. It's embarrassing, and to show how cool I am, I make fun of such things, but...but being a hopeless cheesehead, in private I get high on it. It's like crack.

So I waited for the guy with the sad story, and indeed it was a very sad story--first off, the guy was cute as a calendar puppy--I just wanted to pinch his head off and hang him from my rearview mirror just like Paula wanted to do with Archie in season 7--and it turns out this adorable guy's wife wife died like, 4 weeks earlier, and he was auditioning because she had wanted him to, this was her dream for him...they showed a home video of his engagement, which was more touching than the most sentimental DeBeers diamond commercial, and I found myself wiping away tears when this cute, sad guy, whose name was Danny Gokey, started crying. OMG! Deja vu! What was this? Was he channeling David Cook? I always loved David for his ability and willingness to be openly emotional, and now this guy was doing it. And it wasn't manipulative, it wasn't forced, it wasn't overly dramatic or disgusting or fake in any way, it was just the real deal. A guy who wasn't afraid to cry on national television! I was stunned and shocked, but still....he still hadn't sang yet. He had to suck, HAD to...

But he didn't suck. In fact, he was good. Very, very good. Not better than David, just different, more of a soul vibe than a rock one, but the guy had tons of charisma and a beautiful set of pipes. He sang an old Marvin Gaye song ("I Heard it on the Grapevine") and I sat there with my jaw hanging to the floor. Someone would have to scrape it off the floor. Holy moly, could this Danny sing.

Of course, all four judges practically were having orgasms when he was done--yes, even that snarky curmudgeon Simon (was he becoming soft in the head in his old age?)--and they practically crowned him the American Idol right then and there. I thought they might just go ahead and cancel the rest of the season, because no other contestant could possibly be this good.
I even forgot about David's picture on the audition wall. I didn't have any shoes handy to throw at contestants anyway, since my feet were toasty under my quilt.

But Danny wasn't done with me yet, oh no.
After the judges sang their praises to Danny, he thanked them effusively (again, just like Cookie) and politely, before turning to leave the room. But he was walking the wrong way! When he realized his mistake, he turned around and started bopping toward the correct exit, saying "I never wanted to be the guy who went the wrong way, and I just did." FTW, Danny, FTW! You totally rock! You're funny as hell, you laugh at yourself, you cry real tears, you're adorable but not perfect looking--you look like a hybrid of Andrew Cook and Robert Downey Jr. (one of my favorite actors ever)--you're humble and polite and sweet, and damn it, you can sing like an angel too. On top of all that, you have a story--not one manufactured by TPTB for mercenary reasons, but a real story, one that could have happened to me or someone I know, a story that anyone who's ever loved anyone can feel in their heart. David's story was Adam--the brother he wrote his searingly beautiful song "Permanent" for--and my heart always broke for him. Now here was a guy with a similar, equally sad story, with a similar personality, a unique and not overly processed look, and an incredible, amazing voice that could kill you if you let it.

How could he do this to me? How could this upstart contestant who DARED to stand in front of David's picture, act just like him, and worst of all, sing just as well make me like him? Make me REALLY like him? He was making me cheat on my dear Cookie! Danny, I hate you for this. But you got me hooked. Damn. (I still love Cookie though, that won't ever change).

So that's how this diehard, rabid David Cook fan who was going to shun Idol forevermore found herself becoming a Danny Gokey fan. I'm now totally committed to reliving all the nailbiting, Tuesday-night-puking stress and giddy, rapturous, heady torment and excitement of season 7.

Oh, and did I mention Danny Gokey is your next American Idol?
What? What did I just say? Blasphemy!
Well...maybe not.
I think it could actually happen and I'd be okay with that. More than okay. WAY more than okay.
So hold on, because the next few months are going to be as exciting and scary as a high speed roller coaster.

October 3, 2008


A Real Life Fairy Tale: David's Transformation (part 2)


Always Be My Baby,Top 7, April 15, 2008.

In midseason, whatever was left of David's emotional wall came tumbling down for good, and this was arguably one of his best performances. It was an emotional week for him, as his BFF Michael Johns had been eliminated the week before, his very sick brother was in the audience, and he had also suffered a health scare a few days earlier. With the final breaking down of the wall on this night came the tears, which both made us fall even more deeply in love, and at the same time all but shattered David's unfortunate early reputation as "smug and arrogant." His fanbase was growing exponentially.

Mid-season comparison of Happy Together and ABMB.

At the midpoint of the season, it's interesting to compare how he's changed so far. The outfits are similar, but the transformaton is well under way. David looks softer, older, more professional, more comfortable in his own skin, less smug. Amazing that these changes took place in less than two months.

Music of the Night, Top 6, late April, 2008.

David proved that he could do far more than just rock, he could put his entire soul into a performance and use his acting background. This performance proved once and for all he was definitely a performer to be reckoned with, and had star written all over him. The heart he put into this performance gave me chills. Not only that, but he looks fantastic and almost regal, very classy and urbane with his understated and tasteful attire.

I'm Alive, Top 4, Neil Diamond week, early May 2008.

Absofrackinglutely drop-dead gawgeous. He seemed a little sad though.

Dare You To Move, Top 4, Neil Diamond week, early May, 2008.

David's look here is reminiscent of his look in Hello, but he looks so much older and more professional now, less like a college student on open mic night. He also is beginning to take on that inner glow we've become so familiar with, as emotional and spiritual changes were taking place.

David speaking at his May 9th Homecoming, Top 3 week, Blue Springs MO.

Here's an early glimpse of the "new" David we see today. In fact I thought this was a recent picture. The Homecoming was one of the happiest events of his life. He realizes for the first time just how famous he's become and it's pretty overwhelming.

David makes the Finale, May 13, 2008.

With all the emotional changes, David is tearing up a lot, as he is here. He must have been under enormous stress, but his happiness is so obvious. He looks absolutely stunning, but not as much as he would later.

The World I Know, finale performance, May 20, 2008.

Something life-changing happened inside him during this performance (I'll never be sure exactly what), as David prepared to "step to the edge" of fame, knowing his life would never be the same again, even if he hadn't won the next night. Whatever was happening to him emotionally caused him to break down like this.

And the winner of American Idol 2008 is David...

A little less than halfway between the first time we saw him and the present, David's won AI and is ready to become the major star he is quickly becoming. He described this moment and his emotional reaction as the exhale, the letting-go of all the stress he'd been under for the previous three and a half months, and he's the happiest here I'd ever seen him. Completely understandable.

David on The View, June 2008.

Post-win, David looks a little tired and worn out. He's been on an endless circuit of talk shows and performances, and is settling into newfound fame. It's a little hard on him, and he looks pale and tired as hell, but is still beautiful and very professional in front of the cameras.

Glendale AI Tour performance, early July, 2008.

On the first stop of the tour, David is ecstatically happy, and can now perform without having to worry about being judged. He's also happy to be back with his Idol "family." He has taken on his healthy, radiant glow that has become his trademark.

Another picture from an early Tour performance (don't know if it's Glendale or not), July 2008.

That's the most genuine, natural smile I've ever seen on a person. He actually looks rested (though he couldn't have been), and his eyes sparkle with happiness and gratitude to his millions of fans.


David at Blue Springs Mural Unveiling, August 2008.

This is one of the most beautiful photos I've seen of David. He was extremely emotional as he realized just how much love was pouring out to him from his hometown, and is overwhelmed by it. He's totally unafraid to show his vulnerable side.

Fan Photo, Dallas, August 2008.

David looks totally into whatever the person he's conversing with here is saying. He really seems to listen, and care about his fans more than any other celebrity I've ever seen.

Transformation Complete?

I have no words. He seems to glow from inside. Is that REALLY the same guy who showed up in Omaha a year ago? Good grief. Thud.

Full Circle.

Audition backdrop (or intro?) for 2009 auditions. Now he's on it instead of in front of it.

October 3, 2008


A Real Life Fairy Tale: David's Transformation (Part One)

I've been fascinated by David's transformation since his audition. But lately I've been noticing something: he has continued to transform since his win, and is more beautiful today than I ever thought possible. The changes have seemed to come from emotional and spiritual changes within himelf, as much (or more) than from external changes such as makeup, clothing, hairstyle, etc. (though those things have certainly helped).

With that said, let me take you on a photographic tour of David's journey since his audition. It's really difficult to believe he's still the same person he was then, and even more difficult to believe this all took place within a single year.
Let's go for a ride.

Auditioner #36214, Omaha audition. Late July, 2007.

Even as early as this, I could see his potential. He definitely needed some work though.

Awaiting the Verdict (did he make Top 24?), February 2008.

In this picture, even with the unflattering hairstyle and clothing, you can see how exquisite his features are.

Colton's Elimination, Top 24 week, late February 2008.

No one would have given him a second glance here, and no one did. He looks average at best. This was the first time David became soggy on the show (and he is here), but I didn't notice until I saw the screencaps months later, because at the time the cameras were too busy focusing on Danny Noriega's more obvious tears.

Happy Together, Top 24, February 2008.

David could certainly put on a good performance, but his look isn't the best. Still, I thought he was pretty cute.

All Right Now,Top 20, late February, 2008

David the Sex God had made his appearance, and he proved he could be hawt as well as a good performer, but the emotional wall that kept him from really connecting with his audience on a deeper level had not yet been penetrated. It would be the next week.

Hello,, Top 16, March 4, 2008.

The emotional wall began to come down, and this was the performance that made millions of women fall madly in love (not just in lust, as the the previous week). He was sensual and smoldering for sure, but at the same time a softness and vulnerability was beginning to come through, and that was what began to make people really begin to take him seriously as a potential star.

Eleanor Rigby, Top 12, March 11, 2008

Wow! He's as energized and gleeful as a little boy on Christmas morning. I've never seen a reaction like that from any adult man, and it was beautiful. The performance was amazing, and it was the first time David was told (by Simon) that he could "actually win this entire show."

Billie Jean,Top 10, late March, 2008.

The emotional wall is almost completely down now, and David shows just how much heart he can put into a performance. This was the performance that made TPTB really begin to take him seriously as someone who could potentially win, and he began to be pimped, replacing early favorites such as Carly Smithson and Michael Johns. In keeping with that, he received a makeover, and came back the next week with the haircut that would totally change his look and make people realize how good looking this kid really was.

IGB Solo in Group performance of Shout to the Lord, Top 8 week, April 7 (?), 2008.

This performance chilled me to the bone. It was the first time David was given the spotlight. He was right in the center of the group, had the longest solo, and I can't even describe the effect his voice had on me. Looking back, I see this particular performance as a foreshadowing of his win 6 weeks later, down to the confetti at the end and the credits starting to roll.

October 1, 2008


Let's Stop Worrying!


Many of us have been missing David a lot since the tour ended. We feel like we've come to know him as a person as much as a musician, and we worry about his demanding schedule and whether or not he's getting any rest, time for his family and friends, and getting to do the things normal 25 year old guys do. I'm no exception. I worry like a clucking hen about David's well being, and wish for nothing more than him being able to relax with his family or lounge around on the beach, sleep in, go to movies, maybe even drink a little too much beer with his friends on occasion, and in general get the rest he so desperately needs. He may be young, but he's human, and even 25 year old motivated musicians can burn out.

But being crowned the American Idol is a lot like being crowned Miss America. No winning Idol's first year has been an easy or relaxing one. You're expected to be at all kinds of events, appearances, give interviews, sing at charity and sporting events, and even do commercials. And of course put out a successful album and make the tour rounds. You're expected to build a reputation as someone who works hard for the title they earned. Jordin Sparks said her first year as the season 6 winner was unbelievably grueling but also heady and exciting. So it's not all bad for David even though I'm sure he's exhausted. There's only a little over a month left before the album hits the stores and he has so much left to do. Not only recording, but also video production. That alone has got to take a lot of his time.

After David completes the solo tour, I'm sure he will have more time to take it easy (by then we'll have the season 8 winner starting the same demanding schedule.) By then, if everything goes right, David's album will have received favorable reviews and respect from the rock community as well as the pop industry (we hope), and he might possibly be up for a Grammy. As he starts to reap the more tangible rewards of his newfound fame he can rest on his laurels a little more than he can right now, and hopefully attend to his personal life more than he's been able to. He's young, strong, and motivated. He wanted this and knew exactly what would be expected of him. He can do it, will do it, and we should stop worrying.

One thing I think most of us can agree on: no matter how hard he has to work or how much pressure he's under, being a major recording artist sure beats being a bartender.

September 12, 2008

Thoughts about the End of the Tour


The realization on an emotional level that the tour ends this weekend didn't really hit me until today, but when it did, it was like being slammed by an 18-wheeler. I'm a weepy, soggy mess. I know the Idols tour was just the second chapter in a very long and happy career for him, and we'll be seeing a lot more of him--talk shows, the solo tour in a few months, and of course the new album in November--but the mood will be different. Until now, he was still under the Idol umbrella, for all intents and purposes. Even though he won Idol, even though he's busy making a record, even though he's famous now and he wasn't during the show. He was still a child in his Idol family, touring with his brothers and sisters, finding his bearings.

Now he leaves his Idol "home." He's all grown up now, and ready to become the bona fide star he was always meant to be. He is ready, and as Paula told him after Hello, he will be a great, shining star--a supernova. Except unlike a supernova, he's no dying star, he's a star being born and emerging for the first time from its envelope of elements.

David is making great efforts to stay as connected with his fans as he possibly can. He's unusually sensitive, and he knows we need him and love him as much as he needs and loves all of us. We won't be forgotten as he continues his journey in more rarified realms. David is still a good and humble man who won't forget where he came from just a little over one year ago, because at heart he is still what he always was--a geeky, goofy, bartender who loves to play music just because it makes him happy and makes others happy. He just comes wrapped in a shinier package now.

So, yes, I am weepy today. Not so much because of the dearth of new photos, videos, tour stops, and recaps (though I will certainly miss those things), but because of the poignancy of change, of taking the next step away from his roots.

I will be thinking of those of you in Tulsa tomorrow night, but more than that, I'll be thinking of David, once again taking that "step to the edge, to see the world below" and preparing to leave his Idol family for the last time. There will be a lot of tears--his and ours.