America loves a rock star.Caleb Johnson, 23, was crowned “American Idol” season 13 winner tonight, besting pop-singing teen Jena Irene and proving that talent is talent, whether it is diverse or a set style that destroys classic rock songs on command.
The long-haired, bombastic frontman from Ashville, N.C. seemed to waltz easily through the competition and into the finale, breezing through auditions and Hollywood week, which he had experienced before in a past season or two, but had never advanced further.
Caleb was consistent in nearly every live show, with the only complaint being he was sometimes a one-trick singer who could only put off those hard, driving rock tunes. But he mixed it up on occasion, taking on Adele’s “Skyfall” and Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Both were sensational.
Arguably his best performance of the season was a killer version of Whitesnake’s “In The Still Of The Night” a few weeks back, which brought the “Idol” house down with huge, screaming notes.
And last week, his voice gave and he battled through bronchitis, sinusitis and a hemorrhaged vocal cord, and he still annihilated Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused,” punctuating the performance with a few microphone slams on the stage in true rock fashion.
Wednesday night, his pipes seemed to be back at full strength and he wowed the crowd with a spot-on cover of Aerosmith's "Dream On."
Tonight, he performed with Kiss, in just another link — albeit an epic one — in his rocker chain.
With such a recognizable tone, we can almost already hear what Caleb’s debut record will sound like — likely similar to something like the Black Crowes, who he idolizes. He will need a good, aggressive band around him on stage to play off his larger-than-life persona.
Hopefully his album doesn't sound too much like his new single "As Long As You Love Me," which seemed hopelessly dated when he performed it Wednesday.
Caleb is the eighth male contestant to win "Idol," and the third from North Carolina, which now leads all states in competition victors.
NOTES
• This really could’ve went either way, but Caleb does deserve the win. He had a great run, and never gave a poor performance besides last week when his voice failed him.
• Caleb really has nerves of steel. He didn't cry for more than a second. He didn't get overly emotional. He just hugged his "Idol" friends and broke into song.
• This was a fun season. Not the most talented group "Idol" has seen, but plenty of contestants to like this year. Let's hope many of them go on to successful careers doing what they love.
• Another season of "American Idol" in the books. To those who have been reading my posts for the last four months, thank you and see you next year.
But as always, this is just my rambling. What did you think? Take the poll above and comment below. –Nj
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