@oscar63 I was joking that I thought Gabby would perform it well and pull my allegiance from Maddie… however I disliked her performance, so that didn’t happen.
I really liked all of Maddie’s performances; Caleb was pretty good but gave less of a performance than Maddie; think Gabby really overdid her nasal sound and didn’t like the tone of Don’t Stop Believin’ although she gives a better performance. I agree with @jshain on hoped rankings 
I was again left with the impression that while Caleb has a very rich and beautiful voice, his performances don’t seem to come from the heart. He is concentrating on the technical aspects, but he doesn’t seem to believe what he is singing. I’m not sure he is even aware the lyrics beyond the task of making sure he doesn’t forget them.
I’m not saying that his performances are necessarily “wooden,” but they are nevertheless lacking. If he could improve in this regard, I think he would have the most potential for long term success of anyone else in the competition.
Loved all of the top three mom songs. These were the three we rooted for all along, although I did really also like Jurnee and Michael. Michael has a special quality and radiates a pure sweetness.
I really don’t get all the love for Cade, although his hair is beautiful and he is an amazing guitar player. We couldn’t believe he even made it to the top 12. He did well on the Simple Man song. But he is still not at the level of the others. Does anyone remember season 13 winner Caleb Johnson? Now he was an incredible rock singer.
We thought there was no way that Gabby couldn’t win going into the final, but she didn’t give her best performances. We thought Caleb’s Folsom Prison and Maddie’s Landslide were so much better. It really is anyone’s game at this point!
Wow, watching the cringe worthy finale and was so thankful for that performance by Katie and Catie. That was absolutely the best of the night for me.
Katy and Catie were great.
And this week we have learned that Gabby and Cade are an item and Caleb and Maddie. Sweet.
I just happened to turn it on for a few minutes and saw Katy and Catie (very nice!) and then that one contestant with her little sister - so cheesy!!
I personally wish AI had stayed retired on the shelf. I tried to get into it this year but the genuineness of it was just not there for me. I didn’t feel the judges were fully on board and honestly, Ryan seemed SO awkward to me all season.
But the show was such a part of our family life for so long I had to give it a try! Best to the winner. 
Mercifully, I was at dinner with a former cc mom who was in town for work. I missed the whole show, but I just read the WashPo story about the reveal of Caleb and Maddie as a couple and, well, blech. This reader comment most closely mirrored my thoughts: “It’s gonna take me all morning to clean the puke out of my keyboard.” The story included a clip of their duet. Several bad notes and no chemistry. I am really glad that I missed the show and will seriously reconsider investing time next year. I’m watching her now on Kelly and Ryan, and she has just no affect. I don’t get the appeal at all. Her voice is pleasant enough, I suppose. And she just revealed that she already knew she won because she read the card. Everything about this season feels so contrived.
^^^^Wow. Very interesting.
And Katy is back with Orlando Bloom. Love is in the air.
Thanks everyone for watching with me!
If any of you missed Caleb’s impersonation of Lionel Ritchie, here it is. If the singing career doesn’t work out, he could be a professional impersonator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfnH_-nKccU
This review of the finale was spot on:
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/television/8457339/american-idol-finale-recap-maddie-caleb
Wow, great Lionel impression even though he forgot to incorporate “you need to understand something…” or “let me explain to you” into the routine!!
Great impression and duet by Katy/Catie. That Billboard story was funny.
I loved the Voice this season. Idol, not so much. This was the first season of Idol that I wasn’t fully invested in. It felt so different. I didn’t enjoy the judges or Ryan. I doubt if I’ll watch it next year.
Well that was mostly a painful season to watch. Like many have said the Katy/Catie duet was a finale highlight for me. But I’ve loved Catie Turner since day one, and have even subscribed to her YouTube channel. I find her original material refreshing.
The finale itself…meh. Good for Maddie Poppe for the final win (really), anyone but the nasally, overly affected Gabby. Oy…and she and Caleb are an item? Ok, if you say so…
I agree with others who have said that Maddie’s voice is “pleasant.” I’m kind of in shock that that’s all it took to win American Idol.
JustaMom, Caleb and Maddie are an item. Gabby is “with” Cade.
@jshain - I actually knew that, I must’ve tweaked the post when I edited. Dang phone.
For Cade and/or Gabby fans, just came across this. I thought it was quite good and wish they had done it on the show!
http://tasteofcountry.com/gabby-barrett-cade-foehner-need-you-now/
Maybe they perform this on the tour?
Thanks for sharing that, @bearpanther . I love that song and they did a good job with it. Fun to see Cade playing all the instruments.
Bumping for the new season which begins March 3rd.