American Idol: Who will it be? Fans on edge awaiting the finale

Another year, another Idol.

One of the most oddball seasons in American Idol history comes to an end tonight, but for keen-eyed fans of the show, it may be a little more than an afterthought.

While beat-boxing finalist Blake Lewis makes for a colorful sideshow act, victory seems all but certain for his opponent, cookie-cutter teen queen Jordin Sparks.

But does it really matter anymore?

For most, the competition ended in earnest last week with the elimination of Melinda Doolittle, easily the most talented of the contestants, and just as easily

the dullest.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the wildly off-key and endlessly entertaining phenomenon known as Sanjaya Malakar is riding the mania all the way to his own TV show, despite his seventh-place finish.

In reality, the American Idol finale is a like a mother bird sending its nestlings out into the world. Eight of last year’s Top 12 already have Billboard-charting records. Last year’s fourth-place finisher (Chris Daughtry) has sold rings around winner Taylor Hicks and runner-up Katharine McPhee.

Whether a contestant finishes first or 24th, they’ve got a built-in audience of 50 million people — everyone walks away a winner with that kind of fame.

While Justice would have stood a little taller had Melinda Doolittle taken the title this year, it’s a much-needed reminder of why we watch the show in the first place.

Some good singing, some so-bad-it’s-good singing, some suspense, some surprises — all in all, some good TV.

On with the show!

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Brandon Garcia is the slot editor of The Monitor. You can reach him at bgarcia@themonitor.com or at (956) 683-4461.

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FINALE PARTY

WHEN:

5:30 p.m. tonight

WHERE:

McLain’s, 5401

N. 10th St., McAllen

FEATURING:

Idol Chat panelists,

drink specials