Adam Lambert is even louder in person

it's true. And I give you my personal review because.....I went to the American Idol Season Finale last night!
But first let's recap recent events, because.......
It's a been a GREAT week for TV.
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Last Wednesday:
Our friend Brian Petersen's Volkswagen commercial aired two weeks in a row; during the LOST finale. Awesome time-slot. Funny Brian.

Monday:
We watched this favorite supporting actor:
on the 2-hour 24 Season Finale. Wasn't the best finale we've seen. But the president's daughter got the shaft, Aaron Pierce (above) played hard-ball, and we loved it.

Monday Night (while watching 24):
My friend Lyndsey emailed: "I have tickets for the American Idol finale tomorrow! Do you want to go???!"

Need you wonder my response?

Tuesday:
I dropped the kids off at Casey's parents house in the morning, headed home to get "idoled-up", and took the train downtown to the Nokia Theater for the American Idol finale!
Me, excited (about going to A.I. and being on the train without kids. Thank you Linda!):
interesting sites along the way:
Finally at Union Station.
After leaving my camera and other essentials with Casey at his office (and running a few blocks through downtown traffic), I met up with my group (Heather, Marissa, me and Lyndsey):
And thus ends the American Idol pictures (since nothing was allowed inside; not even a purse). So words will have to describe the rest.....

* We didn't have official tickets; we were Seat Fillers. But it ended up being awesome. As everyone took their seats, we jumped into any empty seat we saw. If the real ticket holder came for that seat we jumped up and grabbed a different empy seat.
* Lyndsey found a spot and stayed there the whole night. I wasn't far from her and 10 min before the show....all the former idols (Danny Gokey, Matt, Allison, Lil, etc) came and sat RIGHT in front of Lyndsey and not far from me. It was fun to see them all upclose. They were a cute group. And Scott (blind boy)'s hair is (as expected) really bad....looked like a curly, matted-down dog.
* Lyndsey chatted with Allison about her red hair and guess what, she dyes it herself! No bleaching beforehand....just dye.
* David Archuletta walked in and stood right by my chair. He's goofy, bouncy and still looks 12. People were going crazy over him, including a 19 year-old guy sitting by me. Um? Really?
* I got booted from my sweet chair behind the judges but found another great seat a little further back and next to a cool fashion designer who's on a book tour for her new children's book. She and I chatted all night.
* Anthony Hopkins was rows ahead of us. I could see his shiny white head all night. Lyndsey over-heard him and his wife talking to Kris Allen's parents afterward and telling them, "we just love your son". Wow. Can you imagine? Sir Anthony Hopkins thinking YOU are the celebrity?
* I talked to Brooke White for a few minutes during one of the commercial breaks. Casey and I knew Brooke and her husband Dave in our single's ward about 5 years ago. I've seen her on and off over the years, but wasn't sure she'd recognize me. But immediately she smiled and said, "dana!". She's such a nice person and a real sweetheart. She's very humble and spent most of our conversation asking what I was up to. She, however, is coming out with an album in July. Good for her.
* Ryan Seacrest stood right in our aisle when coming back from the SECOND commercial break (the break right after both guys sang their first song). AND, I'm in the shot for about 5 seconds! If you recorded the show, check it out. As Ryan walks down the aisle, you'll see a girl in a green shirt to his right. And then I'm right next to her, waving my arms back and forth, acting like a true idiot (but happy to be on camera!)
* Aaron Pierce (my favorite 24 actor above) sat a few rows ahead of me. At the end of the show, I walked up to him and said, "last night's episode was brilliant. You've always been one of my favorites." He smiled and replied, "thank you darling". What a sweet man.
* Lyndsey saw Katie Holmes walk in with Suri, stay for one song performance and then leave. Random.
* Carrie Underwood performed. She had sweet glittery eyeshadow and rockin boots. I want them.
* Adam's voice was seriously loud and awesome. He is brilliant. I didn't care for either guys' last-song performances. BORING song. And I can see now why people in the audience boo or cheer at the judges. Watching/hearing the performers live is a far better experience than on tv. You get wrapped up in the moment, as you would at a concert, and forgive the little technicalities.....thus, not always agreeing with Simon (which I usually do).
* Paula is a primadonna. She entered the stage, swaggering in a jade green gown, and waving like a beauty queen as if to say, "Fans...I have arrived!"
* All the judges got up and left the stage during each commercial break. Except for Paula. She could barely walk in her dress. Awesome.
* The place was swarming with Industry execs, 14 year old girls (in skanky dresses that even 18 year olds shouldn't be wearing), mad Idol fans, and tons of crew members.
* The show started taping at 5pm and we were done by 6:15pm. Impressive!
* It was truly fun to be there in person. Felt sureal. Something everyone should do! Next season, go to the website and sign-up.
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Since we got out earlier than I anticipated, Lyndsey dropped me off at Casey's work and he and I spent the evening together. He had a 9pm softball game on the westside. So we made at dinner stop at our favorite Culver City taco shop:
with these awesome ladies preparing the delicioso:
and these fun sights in the background:
We ate our tacos over at Brett's house, just a few blocks from Titos, and watched the first 1/2 hour of A.I. with Brett and Devin. Those guys are a sure-thing for good conversation and great laughs.

We finished the evening at the Albright Sportsmen Softball game. And since it was cold, I only lasted for 25 mins and spent the rest of the time reading in the car. It's always fun to see the guys again. Casey and Brian Petersen:
What a fun, fun day!
I'm rooting for Adam (and tried to vote, but couldnt' get through). We'll see what tonight brings. Thanks Lyndsey for the sweet hookup!