I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted on this blog. Life has been somewhat of a whirlwind and I’ve just sort of been hanging on. So, Idol is over and many of us in Kansas City are pretty happy (and have that hometown pride) about the David Cook win — I was very surprised. We shared the finale with some family members and made fun of the cheese factor throughout the entire show, but I’m going to fight the urge and not comment on that.

I find the entire American Idol phenomenon so fascinating. We’ve been watching for 5.5 months (which is sort of sad when you think about it) and then last night I look across the room and both of my twenty-something daughters were on the edge of their seats as they announced the winner. Both of them told me how nervous they were and confessed to having butterflies in their stomachs. I reminded them that the outcome of the show had absolutely nothing to do with them personally, but that didn’t get rid of the butterflies. When all was said and done they were both slightly disappointed in the result, but that was short lived. I’m sure they’ll get up today, go to work and have a very normal day. It’s just another morning, after a fun night of entertainment.

On the other hand, David Cook will wake up this morning to anything BUT a normal day. It’s a very significant morning after for him. The power of the American Idol brand has become a huge force with enormous impact and value (more value for a select few than for the masses). It’s a brand you interact with and become truly engaged with as you get to know your favorite contestant and cast your vote week after week. I’ve seen even the casual watcher become engaged quickly, developing a strong tie to their favorite contestant. So much can be learned from the way this brand has woven itself into the fabric of society. 

So, now that it’s over what’s life like for you the morning after? Have you already forgotten about it? Are you mourning David’s loss, or celebrating David’s victory? I can tell you this: They just added a second American Idol concert in Kansas City, and I’m not going to either show.