Bucky Covington and the long run

So, after the lulliest lull that ever lulled (that'd be right now--tapping our toes and waiting for Bucky to grace our TV screens again. Is it Wednesday yet?), American Idol, the television show, will close up shop for the year. For those of us who've been here most of the season, it's a bit of a bittersweet ending, no matter who wears the crown next week; for others who've barely been paying attention, there's a surprisingly indifferent mood in the air. One Idol-resistant friend of mine dismissed the whole Big Finish in a single rather mean-spirited sentence--"So, it's the Veronica Lodge girl versus the John Belushi guy? Boring." A few professional critics have been even less kind.

(Please note--the finale-related views expressed by this friend and that critic are not necessarily those of the Buckymania blog, the author, or the Great Lakes region of the United States. I am definitely one of those "they all deserve credit for having the guts to get up there and go after their dreams" kind of viewers--sappy and unsnarky, but true. )

On the other hand, the youngsters at Idolforums have found the inevitable way to add a bit more excitement to the finale. (Oh, as if you didn't see that angle coming!)

I suppose it's easy for those of us whose favorite singer left the show last month (or this week) to feel a little less than bouncy about the whole American Idol experience right now. Bucky, in particular, got a horrendous drubbing from both the show and the media during much of his time on Idol. But in the long run--and I can't believe I'm saying this either--I think I'm actually a little thankful that this (manipulative, cheesy, frustrating) show exists, if only to give us a chance to hear and see someone as terrific as Bucky Covington. Six months ago, we'd never heard his name; today, we're eagerly clearing a space for his debut CD, and counting the months until he begins to tour on his own. That raw, beautiful voice has become a part of our lives now, and we're all richer for the experience.

At its best, this is what Idol does--and that's why we get caught up in it, even though we know we're going to get used, abused and "after the break"-ed to death along the way. We want to root for the talented stranger, the overlooked and hardworking underdog, the ex-student/body shop worker/waitress/clerk turned charming rising star. Wishing the best for them brings out the best in us. And when the lights go down and the season wraps up next week, we'll have something to take with us that no amount of Idol shenanigans can take away--the joy of cheering Bucky on as he continues to live that dream, and lots of great, great music down the road ahead.

American Idol's confetti will be swept away by this time next week, but for Bucky and for us, the party's just getting started.

Speaking of cheering Bucky on--remember today's venue and radio station Idol tour ticket presales, and you can cheer him on in real time! If your Pop Tart seat options didn't thrill you, try again today between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. venue time at Ticketmaster. (Venue passwords vary--AMERICAN and IDOLS are worth a turn, but be sure to check your "insider club" email from your local venue for exact info.)

See you soon!