‘Idol’ shocker: Kris takes season 8 crown

Of course, that happened because of the relationship between the show and the music industry. “Idol” wants to give its acts credibility by associated them with established stars, and those established stars want the show’s millions of viewers to download their singles and buy their concert tickets. It’s all about the cash, and “Idol” is nothing if not capable of making those associated with the show some serious money.

There was also the final round of product placement, with Kris and Adam each getting a new car as some small payment for going through a season’s worth of those brutal Ford videos.

There were the usual glitches. The microphone didn’t go live for Ryan’s first interview of the two finalists, and the sound and camera cut out briefly during the Black Eyed Peas performance. (The Associated Press reports that singer will.i.am stayed mum rather than sing an expletive.)

There were final curtain calls for the likes of Nick Mitchell and alter ego Norman Gentle. And an encore for Tatiana Del Toro, who “Saving All My Love” for the fourth time and poked fun at herself in something resembling a comedy routine with Ryan.

And there were memorable moments. Bringing back Katrina Darrell to strut around in her bikini was predictable, and having her joined onstage by Kara was also an obvious play. But having the judge wear a skimpy suit of her own was not, and she wins the award for best outfit of the season in a landslide.

But ultimately, the night belonged to Kris, who may not have been memorable in January, but made himself into a superstar by May.

Craig Berman is a writer in Washington.

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