American Idol

It’s like the Oscars. Even Jennifer Hudson is there.

Hudson was the first shown on the Red Carpet Spectacular, the red carpet arrival show leading up to the “American Idol” finale.

Up next is Simon Cowell, walking up with a cigarette in hand.

“To me, this was a complete … walkover,” Simon said, adding there would be “no surprises tonight.” In other words, Simon says it will be Jordin taking home the top prize.

And, what do you know? Up walks Simon’s choice, Jordin.

“I don’t want to look at him,” Jordin said of Ryan Seacrest, who will deliver the news of the Season 6 winner.

This red carpet thing is a little out of control. With Jordin and Simon and a group of other standing around, judge Randy Jackson makes his way for the interview. Before he really can even answer a question …

“Yo, there’s Ruben Studdard,” Randy yells. And, up comes the Velvet Teddy Bear and Season 2 winner.

“It’s amazing,” Ruben said of the “Idol” experience. “It’s a life-long dream.”

Next up is finalist Blake Lewis. Whatever tuxedo/T-shirt combo he’s wearing is even more crazy than that sparkly Christmas sweater he wore last night.

“It’s kind of crazy, all those people out there,” Blake said.

Yes, Blake, it is kind of crazy. There are people stepping all over one another.

After the commercial, Teri Hatcher arrives.

“I’m not picking,” Hatcher said, avoiding the question of who she thinks will win. “I think they’re both, they offer different things. … I will say it isn’t better or worse, but I miss Melinda.”

With Hatcher still in the spotlight, Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks comes to the mic.

“I congratulated both of them,” Taylor said. “It’s their time. I get to sit back and watch.”

After the commercial break, Sanjaya Malakar and Paula Abdul arrive. As expected, Sanjaya barely gets any time to talk before the questions start getting directed toward Paula. As expected, Paula seems a little out of it. Hmmm.

“I think that Jordin might have the edge,” Paula finally admits.

Zac Efron, star of “High School Musical,” also chooses Jordin as the night’s winner. So, that’s three for Jordin, an undecided and none for Blake.

After the break, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood arrives.

“It’s wonderful that they’re letting me come back,” Carrie said. “Seriously, this is a pretty hard event to get in to.”

Rumors are flying that all the “Idol” winners will join together for a performance on stage. That could be interested.

Before that, Melinda Doolittle makes her way down the carpet.

“I could not be happier to have gotten to this point,” Melinda said.

Apparently there are going to be all kinds of surprises during the two-hour show. Let’s get to it.