"American Idol": Adam got the magazine cover, Kris got the win

Guest blogger Claire Meyerhoff watches the finale and gives you something to think about:

Is this 80’s night on American Idol?

I’m blogging once again from the Ronald McDonald House of Durham. We’re in the dining room with the BIG TV and lots of cheap, fattening party snacks. I’m joined once again by the wonderful Sara from Buies Creek and tonight we’re happy to have Yira Alfaro with us. She’s from Puerto Rico, and has been staying at the Ronald McDonald house for more than a year while her daughter Andrea is treated at Duke Children’s.

Yira wins the prize for “most insightful Finale Night comment” with her observation that tonight seems to be all about the ’80’s. From Lionel Richie to Cindy Lauper to Steve Martin on BANJO and Rod Stewart. Rod’s entrance was preceded by the AI boys singing, “Do you think I’m sexy” where we got a nano-second glimpse of our homeboy, Tarheel Anoop. Oh, and Queen (but they’re more ‘70’s, right?)

Yes, it’s Finale night, where the AI people look under toadstools and behind dilapidated barns to find ways to fill the two hours it takes to make a five-second announcement about a winner.

One of the gimmicks of the finale is when all the wacky contestants parade across the stage. In years past, we’ve seen William Hung and that guy who thought he was Clay Aiken. This year, the powers to be at AI blessed us with that early season wannabe…

…Bikini Girl.

She strutted out on the big stage, in a bikini, of course. High-heel tall, tan and toned, Bikini Girl sang a song, joined by Kara in her very own bikini. I have just three words for this display of ridiculousness.

Oh. My. God.

The best part of seeing Bikini Girl was watching the eyes pop out of Simon and Randy’s heads, tongues wagging. Men can be so easily pleased. Here’s Simon, a mega-bazillionaire with homes all over the world and all kinds of model girlfriends, and he’s leering at a chick who looks like she works the Banana Boat kiosk at Daytona Beach.

What are we watching again? Sara and I have now consumed a whole bag of Lays potato chips and half a container of Harris Teeter onion dip. Yira has come and gone and returned again. It’s now the BIG MOMENT.

And it’s….

Kris!

The brilliant Sara Moody with her B.S. in Biology and hard-earned life experience…she got it right. Her theory about the fans, the voting public were right on the money!

Since I have the privilege of writing the final AI blog for newsobserver.com, I figure I might as well take this moment to ask all you readers to keep Sara and her daughter Cali in your prayers. Yira and Andrea too.

You can also do more than pray, you can give your money, time and other things of value. For instance, every Thursday night is Bingo night at the house and it’s a huge hit. They have great prizes, all donated. So if you have some nice, new items you think would be good prizes for Moms, Kids, Dads…drop them off at the Ronald McDonald House on Alexander Ave. in Durham. If you want to volunteer, call Lisa or Karen at 919-286-9305. Donate $$ and find out more at ronaldhousedurham.org.

Maybe Simon Cowell will read this and write a big fat check to build a new, larger house, making it possible for more Moms to have a home-away-from-home.