American Idol Finale: Hick's Make's Alabama Proud

29-year-old Alabama native, Taylor Hicks took home more than just a Ford Mustang on Wednesday night’s season finale of the hit show ‘American Idol’. It was a close race but in the end, Hicks beat out 22-year-old Katherine McPhee for the title. The finale was more than just a result show. Known musicians performed songs alongside some of the 'AI' finalists. Meatloaf, Live and Mary J. Blige were among the guest performers along with former 'AI' winner, Carrie Underwood and almost-winner, Clay Aiken.

Fans suffering from the McPheever were surely disappointed when their girl went home without the official title. They’ll say “but she’ll get a record contract anyway” and they’re right. We definitely haven’t heard the last of McPhee. In the meantime, Hicks gets the glory of the title as well as the opportunity to see his gray haired mug on next year’s promo-posters and 'AI' audition backdrops.

It could be said that this year’s top 12 was the most talented of all the seasons. By the time it got to the final 6, the talent seemed so evenly distributed that it took only one less-than-perfect performance to send someone home. In the end, Hicks outperformed McPhee by a small margin but it was enough to earn him the grand prize.