The grand finale of the "American Idol" 6th season is like an alternate fashion universe. It's one of the few moments during the year when over-seasoned style pundits must pay attention to what women other than Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron are wearing on a red carpet. And frankly, it's a little unsettling for some of us.
But what are ya gonna do? "American Idol" is a wildly successful show with die-hard fans who identify with and care deeply about the contestants they've come to know over the past few months and past few seasons. To say they are role models -- fashion-wise -- is putting it mildly.
Take Jordin Sparks. Viewers have watched this talented high school junior from Phoenix, Arizona blossom this season. It's not just her singing ability and stage presence that are impressively beyond her years.
It's also her fashion sense. She knows her body, is comfortable with her height and curves and has appeared in such accessible designers such as Sue Wong, Dina Bar-el, Butter, Tadashi, Karen Miller and scads of Stuart Weitzman high heels in the past few months. Wanna talk about setting trends: a bright red Nicole Miller gown sold out of Bloomies after she wore it on the show in mid April.
For this week's finale, Sparks wore several dresses by designers Badgely Mischka, who both walked the carpet to sing her praises. And Sparks was covered in thousands of dollars of borrowed Kwiat diamonds during the show. Unfortunately, she had to give the bling back.
But Kwiat did give her a real diamond pendant to keep for good luck the night before. Yes, Sparks has help from the show's stylists. All the contestants do.
But as she told style reporters last night: "I'm learning more and more about myself as this goes on because now I have to look good! So now I'm like, 'Okay, so the stylists are helping me out.' Badgley Mischka designed those gorgeous dresses that you saw.
They designed the reveal gown. It's so beautiful. It was one of a kind.
I think I get to keep them all!" Even past winners were under style scrutiny on the final night of this season. Former winner and award-winning "Dreamgirls" actress Jennifer Hudson's short metallic dress was way better than her Oscar brown gown and metallic Star Trek jacket.
Which should tell you something about ever letting a Vogue editor dress you. But her Christmas ornament-sized earrings and sunglasses (worn during the day!) were a bit much.
Talk about going Hollywood. Also at the finale, past AI and Grammy winner Carrie Underwood slipped up. She should have stuck to the red carpet style that best suits her: simple, shiny short fitted frocks that let her dazzling smile and long blonde hair stay center stage.
Sadly, her gold brocade bubble dress overpowered her tiny frame. All in all, most of the past winners and contestants looked pretty darn good. However, there were some real fashion disasters on the finale's red carpet.
I'm not gonna name names here...
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