On Wednesday I had the privilege of attending the live broadcast of the American Idol season finale in Los Angeles. I've been watching Idol all season and was really excited to be at the show in person. I was the guest of Paula Abdul, who looked absolutely stunning. We arrived on the red carpet at the Nokia Theatre in time for the press photos and interviews. As Paula made her way down the line of reporters, I mingled with a myriad of A-list celebrities as they arrived on the red carpet; Steve Martin, Heather Locklear, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Fergie, The Black Eyed Peas, Lionel Ritchie, Cyndi Lauper, David Archuletta, Carlos Santana and Ryan Seacrest just to name a few. 
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above: The red carpet leading into the Nokia Theatre
above: the paparazzi were packed tight along the red carpet. The noise from their shouting constantly was insane. The only reason they took my picture was because I was walking with Paula Abdul and later with Carrie Underwood.
above: Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi looked beautiful.
above: Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi looked beautiful.
above: Carrie Underwood was so sweet; we briefly chatted as we made our way down the red carpet together.
Kris Allen becomes the new American Idol
In case you didn't see the finale, it was a star-studded, action-packed show. It featured performances by Queen Latifah, Carlos Santana, Fergie, The Black Eyed Peas, Rod Stewart, Kiss, Queen, Keith Urban, Lionel Ritchie, Cyndi Lauper, and Steve Marton.
above: Cameras were strictly forbidden inside the Nokia Theatre. I sneaked just one photo at the very end, right after Kris Allen was announced as the winner of American Idol season 8. Kris is on stage in the middle, hugging the girl in yellow.
Then Onto The After Party...
above: the American Idol logo was beamed onto the side of the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood.
above: the American Idol logo was beamed onto the side of the Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood.
above: First I went to the Fox after party, and later the VIP party that went late into the early hours on Thursday morning. It was packed with celebrities galore, and just about every American Idol contestant from prior seasons. I chatted with Blake Lewis and Michael Johns while enjoying some delicious Ahi Tartare.
Some New Photos for My Sidebar...
above: Me with Danny Gokey, American Idol 3rd place contestant.
above: Me with Adam Lambert, American Idol first runner up contestant
above: a blurry photo of Kara DioGuardi (with her friend) and me.
above: with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest-this is a terrible photo of me. I had a great time, it was a fun evening that I won't soon forget.
above: with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest-this is a terrible photo of me. I had a great time, it was a fun evening that I won't soon forget.
-Rick Rockhill
14 comments:
No wonder you don't show up when I invite you to the coffee house. You're too busy brushing stardust off your fedora.
I still think Adam should have won but heaven forbid the American public ever embrace someone who's different. Still, I suspect he'll have a great career ahead of him and if someone had to beat him, I'm glad it was Kris.
By the by, you and Ryan have the same smile in that last picture!
Things I learned from these images:
1) Adam's a doll.
2) Carrie and I are wearing the same dress.
3) Ryan has a teensy head. He really does, and I never noticed before. My. That is one small, small cantaloupe.
P.L. Frederick (Small & Big)
I did not watch AI this season because I just haven't been into these last few seasons, but I did have it on for a little bit when the Black Eyed Peas were performing and they were just awesome! I love them. I do think the contestants are great sports and I always wish them well on the path to their dreams.
It was also funny because we have a Chris Allen at my work and we were picking on him the whole day by congratulating him and such.
--snow
you are SO lucky rick!!!
and i really thought adam had a better voice AND a better stage presence but i know he will go far anyway.
one thing, now i LOVE rod stewart, i really do, but did you think he was a little "off"?
smiles, bee
xxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Bee- Thanks.. I agree, Rod Stewart's voice was a little off that night.
Okay, is it alright for me to admit ....right here and now.... that I actually got more goosebumps and excited over reading your post and seeing your pictures than I did about the actual show?? what a life! so happy for you!
I don't watch AI, but I'm sure you had a really fun time!
:-D)
It is amazing to me that AMERICAN IDOL is such a Big Deal....The Red Carpet?? I don't know---I guess I am getting old. I did not watch any of this show at all this year and in past years I have only seen one or two "episodes" shall we say.....Everyone sounds alike to me and I just don't get it. BUT, I'm glad you got to go and that you had such a great time.
I did see a clip of both the two finalists and I thought that ADAM was quite a dynamic performer....
I don't keep up with AI, but it looks like a fun night! You look great :)
oh what a night! You lucky dog you :) I thought this finale show was really exciting.
terrific pictures and your account of the evening. loved it!
Aw shucks, Grace. thanks!
Wow! Great photos to remind yourself of what looked a fab night!
:) :)
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