American Idolatry, Part Deaux

More people voted in the American Idol finals last night than in the last Presidential election—to the tune of 63-million-plus. That opens up all kinds of possibilities…perhaps Simon Cowell should produce the next Presidential Election…and yes, the White House could be won for a song.

Congratulations to winner Taylor Hicks, who is not planning a career in politics.

Was it me, or did the American Idol singers actually do a better job of staying on pitch than the professionals with whom they were paired?

Best duet: Paris Bennett and Al Jareau…the worst had to go to Taylor and Toni Braxton…and the strangest pairing was between Katherine McPhee and Meatloaf.

The artist formerly known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (insert icon de jour here) refused to be paired with any of the Idols, opting for a harmonious menage a trois with a couple of his own singing skanks.

Is the American Idol phenomenon legitimate?
Apparently.

Last year's winner, Carrie Underwood, picked up two awards earlier this week in the American Country Music Awards: Top New Female Vocalist, and Best Single.

Last night's audience share was up 14% from the previous Idol finale, with 28-million viewers.
You watch, some politician will figure a way to get in front of that parade between now and 2008.