American Idol

Season 6 “American Idol” finalists Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks stand in the middle of the stage at the Kodak Theatre in anticipation of the beginning of tonight’s finale.

After a fast-paced red carpet event, “American Idol” is ready to start what is bound to be its biggest finale to date.

There are celebrities galore, guest appearances from past winners and the return of Sanjaya and all your other favorite contestants from Season 6. Let’s not lose sight of the reason we’re here tonight — to crown the show’s sixth winner.

So, will it be Blake? Or will it be Jordin? Most everyone seems to think, especially after last night’s performances, that Jordin is the obvious winner. Stranger things have happened, though.

7 p.m.: With Blake and Jordin standing at the center stage, Ryan opens the show.

“There are 160 million people watching around the globe,” Ryan said. “Along with 3,000 people watching here at the Kodak Theatre.”

“Dude, I think it’s going to be a hot night,” judge Randy Jackson said.

7:02 p.m.: Jordin and Blake take the stage together to sing “I Saw Her Standing There.” OK, seriously, I’m more excited than a recently crowned prom queen. I’m pathetic. But, clearly, millions of others are as excited.

Somewhat unexpected, that actually was a pretty good duet. Sure, it was cheesy. But this show is all about the cheese.

7:05 p.m.: Ryan cuts to Gwen Stafani, live on stage, during her tour to sing for her audience and for us at home.

After Stefani’s song, it’s back to Hollywood. And a commercial break.

Kelly Clarkson sings “Never Again” on the “Idol” finale.

7:12 p.m.: The original “Idol,” Kelly Clarkson takes the stage to sing her new single, “Never Again.”

I have to say, even though Season 1 was not as packed with incredible performers and singers as some of the later seasons, Kelly is what this show is all about. She is the face of “Idol.”

And while executives have not been 100 percent supportive of Kelly’s latest work, I certainly think this song works well for her. She clearly has immense talent, and good for her. “Never Again” is much better than this year’s “Idol” single. I think Blake would agree with me on this one.

7:16 p.m.: “We’re going to award the people who stood out this season …” Ryan said. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the Golden Idols.”

This is our chance to look back at some of the more bizarre — and completely horrible — auditions of Season 6. Oh, it’s all so painful.

“And the winner is … Margaret Fowler,” Simon says. And, coming to the stage, with the help of Jerry Springer of all people is the big yellow bird herself.

OK, this is painful. But not as painful as … Sanjaya taking the stage.

Fortunately, he’s joined by the other top six guys. I’m going to be honest, though, I almost forgot about Brandon Rogers.

7:23 p.m.: Smoky Robinson joins the top six guys on the “Idol” stage, turning the finalists into background singers. I do have to say Chris Richardson is sounding pretty great tonight. He’s making Blake look bad.

Now, time for a commercial.

7:30 p.m.: Blake joins a star-filled stage of beat-boxers, including Doug E. Fresh to do his thing. This certainly is Blake’s style. And it is what you likely will hear from him in the coming weeks, months and maybe years.

Now, another Golden Idol to remind us of the painful audition weeks. This time for Most Original Vocal. And the winner is … Sholandric Stallworth. WIthout a microphone, he takes center stage to sing a few notes from the Randy-requested “Silent Night.”

7:38 p.m.:Now, the top six girls take the stage to sing a funky version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” The celebrity joining the girls — Gladys Knight. While the guys sounded better than the girls as a group tonight, the Gladys Knight appearance certainly was better than a return to the “Idol” stage by Smokey Robinson.

Gladys brings to life “Midnight Train to Georgia,” which has been one of the most popular songs for contestants to sing since the beginning of “Idol.” Instead of taking all the room in the spotlight, Gladys gives Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones a little more time to shine. And that they do.

7:46 p.m.: After he was unable to sing after being a mentor on the show earlier this season, Tony Bennett takes the stage to sing “For Once in My Life” from his “Duets” CD. Having seen Tony Bennett live, myself, I can say this is a true treat for those seeing him live. Not because he’s at the best in his career, but because this man is a living legend.

Now, another Golden Idol. This time around, it’s the Best Buddies category. And the winner is … Jonathan & Kenneth.

7:54 p.m.: Melinda Doolittle takes the stage to sing with a couple of members of the Winans family, which she has performed with before — as a backup singer. Melinda certainly has proven herself as a singer up front, and this has to be a special night for her, even though she didn’t make it to the top of the “Idol” heap. I think she’ll be OK.

8:01 p.m.: The show returns with a compilation of those crazy Ford music videos. The one thing is it at least looks like the finalists have fun making those things. Because, as a viewer, I just find them annoying.

Of course, I’m sure Blake and Jordin like Ford a little more now — Ryan just presented them each with a brand new Ford Mustang.

Carrie Underwood performs during the Season 6 “Idol” finale.

8:02 p.m.: Carrie Underwood, Season 4 winner, takes the stage to sing “I’ll Stand By You.” Carrie’s performance — along with the one Kelly Clarkson presented earlier — should make both Jordin and Blake a little nervous. These are true professionals at this point. Those are big shoes to fill.

Seriously, people, do you understand how amazing Carrie is as a vocalist? Again, that’s what this is all about. Yeah. Go, Carrie! OK, I’m getting a little too energetic.

8:06 p.m.: Clive Davis takes the stage to take about the “Idol” successes of the year. While he gives recognition to last year’s top two performers, Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee, he sure is spending a lot of time praising Chris Daughtry.

He also praised the judges and former contestants Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino before getting to the point. Finally, Clive gets to the point of why he’s on the stage.

“To the artist who has one the Grammy Award, the CMA award … ladies and gentlemen, Carrie Underwood.”

“I would like to thank everybody at ‘American Idol’ for giving me everything I could have every dreamed of and more,” Carrie said. “… Let’s get back to the show and the winner.”

8:15 p.m.: After the commercial break, we’re back with the African Children’s Choir. This group of children first performed during the “Idol Gives Back” episodes, and tonight they’re bringing a pretty amazing performance to the stage.

8:17 p.m.: A tribute to Sanjaya. I’m not sure why this has to happen, but it does. OK, it’s time I admit without Sanjaya, Season 6 wouldn’t have been the same.

The guy must be doing something right, because he’s performing live on the main stage with Joe Perry from Aerosmith. There’s even a wind machine, special lighting and all kind of other effects. The singing? Yeah, that’s still so terrible. In fact, it’s a ginormous letdown. This time could have been reserved for someone, anyone, but him. OK, maybe I’m not over it.

8:21 p.m.: Green Day takes the stage to perform John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero.” I have to admit this is a bizarre mix of musicians, but it’s working. This mixture certainly beats a bunch of Beach Boys remixes performed by the “Idol” top 12 finalists. Nothing against the Beach Boys, but those are the type of songs that seem to be chosen when it’s time for the finalists to come together as a group. It’s just bad. Green Day, though, is not.

8:30 p.m.: We’re back from another commercial to find Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks taking the stage. It seems so long ago since Taylor and Katharine McPhee were standing on this very stage waiting for their results. I wonder what Blake and Jordin are doing right now? Maybe driving those new Mustangs around the parking lot.

While I may not be the biggest Taylor Hicks fan, I will say that jacket he’s wearing is pretty awesome. And he does sound good. The dancing, though. C’mon, Taylor. Spare us the embarrassment.

8:33 p.m.: Jordin comes back to the stage with the lost “Idol” winner, Ruben Studdard, to sing “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Wait. Does this mean Blake is coming up a little later to sing alongside Fantasia? She is the only “Idol” winner we haven’t seen tonight. She should be working on “The Color Purple” right now, so I kind of doubt it. Plus, he already got his time on stage with Doug E. Fresh.

I have to take a minute to say I wish Jennifer Hudson would take the stage. I also need to say I like her new look, with the glasses and all.

OK, back to what’s going on at the moment. Jordin and Ruben actually sound pretty good together. Hmm, is this a duet we’ll see on Jordin’s debut? I think it could work.

8:41 p.m.: With less than 20 minutes left, I’m ready to hear the announcement. Is it going to be Jordin, as expected? Or will Blake pull out the win in a season-ending shocker?

First, Bette Midler takes the stage to sing “Wind Beneath My Wings.” This just adds to the bizarreness that is tonight’s mix of celebrity performances. I also must say this is not the best we’ve heard from Bette. Sorry, girl, but you need to tune up before taking the stage next time. You’re much better than this. Who do I think I am? Simon?

8:45 p.m.: Another commercial break. Ugh. Who else is ready for a winner?

8:50 p.m.: And we’re back. With 10 minutes left, it’s a tribute to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Kelly Clarkson and Joe Perry take the stage first.

Next up, Taylor Hicks in a silver shirt so shiny, Blake’s Christmas sweater doesn’t stand a chance to shine. What’s happening to me? I actually am enjoying Taylor quite a bit tonight. Has he gotten less cheesy, or is it just me?

Now, it’s time for Carrie Underwood. Singing background vocals are this season’s top six girls. Once again, I have to say Carrie has one of the most amazing voices in the business.

Finally, Ruben Studdard with background support from the top 12 finalists.

8:58 p.m.: There hardly will be time for tears at this point. And a commercial break? We don’t have time for a commercial break.

9:03 p.m.: OK, we’re already running over time here. So, let’s get to it.

“It is time, America,” Ryan said.

“Last night, we had a new world record of 74 million votes,” he continued.

Two out of three judges predict Jordin Sparks … and the winner is …

Jordin Sparks!

“I can’t thank you for keeping me around, and thank you so much for everything,” Jordin said, stumbling over her words.

Tune in to watchingamericanidol.com tomorrow for more thoughts on the results, and winner Jordin Sparks. Plus, keep it tuned here for future interviews with past contestants and updates on auditions, the summer tour and much, much more.