On Wednesday, May 25th 2005, 29.4 million people tuned in for the finale.
Carrie came dressed down to the show, as if she had just finished milking the cows at home in Checotah, Oklahoma.
However, over the course of the two-hour finale she progressively got more and more dolled up. By the time, she was announced as this year's winner she looked like a winner.
On Wednesday night, the Kodak Theater was packed with celebrities and previous American Idol contestants.
In the house were American Idol 3 finalists from last year George Huff and John Stevens.
Hollywood celebrities and music legends included:
Daryl Hall and John Oates
The trimmed-down Fat Actress, recent author, "Maine" movie star Kirstie Alley
Courtney Love
China Beach, C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation, 31st Peoples Choice Award-winning TV star, Bo Bice fan, Marg Helgenberger
Baywatch, Knight Rider star David Hasselhoff
The 2005 American Idol Finale began with a Beach Boy medley sung by ten of the top twelve finalists this year. Only Bo and Carrie were missing.
Then we got to see a recap of the multi-city auditions effort to find Carrie.
The recap included the humble foibles and follies of FOX throughout the season, as well as highlights from the top twelve contestants' shows.
Ryan Seacrest, who looked especially dapper wearing a black suit, white shirt and black tie, interviewed Bo and Carrie in their respective dressing rooms.
Bo said in response to Ryan's claim on how relaxed he looked:
It's all good, man. I just try to go out there and have fun. You know, I love what I do.
Ryan turned Bo's attention to the video screen next to him where they and we got to see thousands of screaming fans in Birmingham, Alabama cheering on their favorite idol contestant. Amidst the thousands in the crowd Bo recognized his hometown pastor Donny.
American Idol 3 final contestant, LaToya London co-hosted the hometown fans part of the show from Birmingham who helped announce "Bo Bice Day" in Alabama.
Bo then stepped on the live stage in Hollywood and performed Vehicle.
Move over Tom Jones!
Showing The Love for Carrie Underwood in Oklahoma
After Bo's performance and one of many commercial breaks of the night, Ryan entered Carrie Underwood's dressing room to give her a live feed of Muskogee Oklahoma where thousands came out to celebrate.
Of all the homemade signs people made to cheer on their biggest fan, Carrie reacted to the one that said, "Marry Me Carrie!"
Ryan then sent Carrie to the stage to prepare for her first song of the night while he turned to his co-host, American Idol 3 finalist, Matt Rogers.
Rogers was in Muskogee -- just outside of Carrie's hometown of Checotah, The World-Steerwrestling Capital, Home of Grand Old Opry Star Mel McDaniel and now Home of American Idol 2005 Winner Carrie Underwood.
Kim Henry, the First Lady of the State of Oklahoma, was in Muskogee to "get crazy" with Rogers.
Henry said, "We are so excited to have someone as talented, hard-working and genuine as Carrie Underwood to represent the state of Oklahoma."
Later in the show, Grandpa Carl, Carrie's grandfather joined co-host Matt Rogers along with over five thousand "Crazy Okies from Muskogee" to cheer on this year's American Idol.
Wearing blue jeans, a plaid work shirt, a white belt and wavy hair, Carrie stepped out on the Kodak Stage in Hollywood and sang Angels Brought Me Here.
A Visit to The Judges Dressing Rooms
Ryan also visited the judges' dressing rooms.
Randy "White Shoes & Pink Laces" Jackson let it be known that Carrie was the most likely winner of the competition.
He said, "If I'm really being honest, and you know the Dawg always has to keep it real, I think Carrie probably won the night."
Jackson affirmed Ryan's comment that there was a shift in momentum after Tuesday night's performances -- in favor of Carrie. Randy said, "That's why I gave her 'The Dawg Standing O'."
While FOX did a pretty good job of filling a two-hour show, the one part they could have and should have edited out was the Paula Abdul Simon Cowell relationship video. Spare us, pa-lease!!
Paula "Purple Dress & Shoes" Abdul could have focused on the reason we were tuning in, and it wasn't to hear another word about Simon Cowell's narcissism. In fact, we hear that outside his stage life in the real world, Simon is actually a very nice guy.
Paula Abdul
Paula wears Dolce & Gabbana well, but sarcasm is not a good fit for her.
Ryan appeared more concerned about Simon's button-down shirt while Cowell focused on the stacks of fan mail he had received, specifically the ones that touted this as his "best season" to-date.
Simon was spot on, however, in recapping the performances from the night before. He addressed Bo's obvious nervousness.
Speaking of Carrie, he said, "I stand by what I said on Day One; she'll win the competition."
Simon also gave kudos to Wednesday night's co-host in Oklahoma, Matt Rogers. Cowell went as far as to suggest they bring back joint hosts, as they had in the first season of American Idol.
Simon said to Ryan:
He is doing a great job...He's a bit taller than you, but he's funny.
Ryan was gracious in building upon Simon's praise for Matt.
This Season's Top Three Most Emotional Contestants
Three people were recognized as this year's "most emotional."
Regina Brooks, who pawned her wedding ring for $200 to get to the auditions, was one of them.
Mark Scroggins who banged his head against the wall was the second.
And Mrs. Clark won as the most emotional contributor to American Idol this season when she fainted after hearing the news that her son had made it to Hollywood.
The Band, National Anthem & All-Star Performers
From the first show of the season, Contestant #3438 sang the National Anthem. Thank God it was her only audition -- save her performance on Wednesday night.
Ms. Jackson had a much improved look since her audition. Wearing a long, black velvet gown, she had clearly been practicing. Perhaps she has even gotten a singing lesson or two.
Carrie & Bo Make Rugged Elegant, Best Dressed List at Finale
During their duet Up Where We Belong Bo and Carrie lit up the stage.
Bo wore black leather pants and a white button-down shirt.
Carrie wore jeans, a slinky gold embroidered turquoise top and white jacket.
After their performance, the two, who have become fast friends, graciously congratulated each other.
Sonny and Cher move over!
Bo & Carrie Win A Red Mustang Convertible from Ford
After Bo and Carrie's duet, Ryan Seacrest presented the top male singer of the year and the top female contestant on American Idol IV with keys to a brand new Ford Mustang Convertible.
Carrie squealed with delight.
Bo turned to Carrie and as he hugged her, he said, "You've got to be kiddin' me."
After Ryan made it clear that they both get their own car, Bo said, "Anybody want to go for a ride?"
You can imagine the response Bo got from the crowd!
The Girl from The Farm vs. The Boy from The Band
At the half-way point in the two-hour presentation we got a recap of Bo and Carrie's journey throughout the competition.
For Bo, it all started with a bet with his mom. She bet that he wouldn't audition for the show. He bet that she wouldn't come with him to Orlando.
A Southern charmer, Bo not only made it to the auditions, he's now Alabama's hottest idol. He's also on his way to a recording studio with Clive Davis. Not only will America can get a dose of Bo, but the whole world will now be able to hear him sing -- on the radio or their home stereos, via their iPods and live in concert.
The ever-humble Carrie said, "I honestly thought I wouldn't make it through the first round."
The top two finalists this year both underestimated themselves.
Carrie's warm voice and beautiful spirit mesmerized America. All the way to the top!
Randy once again said it best, "I just can't believe that someone hadn't discovered you before now."
Reliving their journey was one of the best parts of the show.
The Adam, Dirk & David Hasselhoff Moment
FOX turned back to the worst performers of the year, but then used the opportunity to do some good for at least two of them.
Dirk Pearman, Contestant #16761, admitted during his audition that he was obsessed with Baywatch, specifically David Hasselhoff. In an unexpected turn-of-events, Dirk and his buddy, fellow-auditioner Adam were in the audience on Wednesday night. FOX made sure of it.
The empty seat next to Dirk was reserved for the one-and-only David Hasselhoff.
The only thing better would have been if Hasselhoff had come to the stage to sing the song Dirk tried to sing in his audition, Hasselhoff's Current Love.
Steve Edwards Hosts BAD JUDGMENT Starring Simon Cowell
FOX did a good job this season of owning up to their mistakes in a light-hearted way.
Their parody on Wednesday night of Paula Abdul's alleged indiscretions with various past contestants was a good example.
FOX invested seven minutes out of its two hour finale to create a Paula Abdul-spoof focused on Simon Cowell's "bad judgement."
The parody included a skit starring Stephano Popodopolous (aka our favorite winking Constantine Maroulis) who revealed Simon's inappropriate behavior at his make-belief restaurant.
The name of Popodopolous' restaurant? Maroulis Dine-N-Dance.
American Idol Finalists Sing with Their Idols: An All Star Medley
One of Carrie Underwood's idols is multi-platinum Country band, Rascal Flatts.
Carrie and Gary LeVox sang "Bless The Broken Road" from Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney's album Feels Like Today
You could see that Carrie was tickled to be singing a duet with a Country star she idolizes.
You could also see that Gary was visibly impressed with Carrie.
Anwar Robinson and Anthony Fedorov performed R Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly with Kenny G on saxophone.
Constantine Maroulis, Jessica Sierra and Nadia Turner rocked out with Kenny Wayne Shepherd on electric guitar. They belted out Walk This Way.
Nikko Smith and Scotty "The Body" Savol with George Benson on guitar and his legendary vocals brought soul into the house on Wednesday night.
Nikko and Scotty sang Benson's hit song On Broadway.
Vonzell Solomon with Billy Preston on piano sang a beautiful duet. The magic of the pair should be recorded.
Lindsey Cardinale and Mikalah Gordon were joined by Babyface.
Bo Does The Bo-Bo wth Lynryd Skynyrd
One of the highlights and most magical moments of the evening was Bo Bice Live with Lynyrd Skynyrd singing Sweet Home Alabama. If ever you'd be putting a cap to a competition this would be a dream ending for Bo.
Niki, our seven year-old, who was up on the sofa rockin' out with Bo said, "Mommy, think if Bo would be our nanny?! Can you imagine how fun that would be?"
Tim's response was amazingly quick: "If he was, maybe he'd give you a ride in his new 'vehicle'. However, if you'd mishave he might tie you to the 'whipping post.'" Just kidding, of course.
Jessie, our ten year-old, said, "Daddy, I just got two $15 iTune Gift Certificates from Auntie Pam and Uncle Brad. I wanna get all of the songs performed tonight on my iPod," especially that one.
At the time of publication, Bo's performance with Lynyrd Skynyrd was voted the favorite part of the finale.
Of 17,496 votes registered 46% loved Bo and Lynyrd Skynyrd's performance most -- followed by Carrie's performance of Inside Your Heaven.
Carrie got 45% of the vote while the David Hasselhoff moment got 7% and The Beach Boys Medley at the beginning of the show with ten of the top twelve finalists, Constantine Maroulis, Scott Savol, Nikko Smith, Anthony Fedorov, Anwar Robinson, Vonzell Solomon, Nadia Turner, Jessica Sierra, Lindsey Cardinale, Mikalah Gordon, got 2%.
Last night, Scott Savol, Anwar Robinson and Mikalah Gordon brought new looks to the stage. Primarily their hairdos had changed. We hardly recognized Anwar with his short black curly Afro. It must have been a wig because when he did his duet with Anthony later in the show, Anwar was back to sporting his well-groomed dreadlocks that we came to know and love. Nine of the ten former contestants wore white pants or a white mini skirt. Anthony stood out with his baby blue pants. During the medley, Vonzell, the third favorite idol contender of the season, got one of the biggest responses from those in attendance at the Kodak Theater.
A Little Bit of Country Beats A Little Bit of Rock 'n' Roll
Before the winner was announced Simon said, "I'd like to thank America for getting it right again this year."
Ryan proclaimed that Carrie Underwood is our new American Idol.
The Announcement
After bursting into tears, the beautiful Carrie gathered herself enough to sing one of her signature songs Inside Your Heaven.
At the end of her song, she yelled "Thank you America!"
Record Producers Waste No Time
Inside Your Heaven will be released as a single next month.
Teary-eyed Tim said:
America needs Carrie Underwood. She's a good person. This fame and success is so new for her. She was genuinely excited when she received the car from Ford. I can honestly say I'm almost as excited about this as the Packers winning the Super Bowl.
Congratulations to the top Rock 'n' Roll male idol in the country, Bo Bice and the top "Country" female American idol, Carrie Underwood.
Congratulations to the judges and to the guy who had the hardest job throughout the season, Ryan Seacrest. Announcing each week's "eliminated" contestants must have been brutal.
Congratulations to the producers, FOX, Ford, Coca-Cola, Gap (love that Joss Stone commercial), and all the other sponsors.
That about says it all!
Jennifer King "out" --- at least until the beginning of Season Five, or after attending the live concert in New Hampshire on July 31st, or when we hear that their first album will be released!
Inspire & Be Inspired.
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "the country's best playin' Country music" living!
~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC
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A record contract, a whole new group of friends, and a 
