I missed last night’s American Idol because I always do. I never watch that show……I fail to understand the fascination.
Last night’s show is one I wish I had seen. All of America is talking about it. Let’s not stop there. One of the show’s memorable moments is probably a worldwide topic of conversation.
My affection for Elvis has been addressed on this blog, which is why I would have loved last night’s American Idol. Host Ryan Seacrest told a worldwide audience, “Prepare to be startled, prepare for magnificence, prepare for a duet you thought was impossible.”
Out walked Celine Dion to perform with a singer Seacrest called, “the man who is and always will be the world’s greatest Idol.” Onto the darkened stage Dion emerged with a figure all in white who turned out to be an Elvis actor. I use the word “actor” instead of “impersonator’ because he would not sing.
The crowd immediately erupted into excited applause to the opening notes of an Elvis classic, “If I Can Dream.”
Some history is in order. When Elvis came out of the Army in 1960, he made a guest appearance on a welcome home special starring Frank Sinatra. For the next eight years, Elvis would do one B-movie after another along with the obligatory soundtrack albums, never appearing before a live audience……..until 1968. Elvis and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker agreed to do a TV special for NBC to air near the end of the year. There were no guest stars. Elvis was a one-man TV special.
The final song he sang was a special “message” song suited for the late 60’s, with inspirational lyrics yearning for peace, harmony and understanding. It was unlike anything Elvis had ever done and was a perfect show-ending piece. The TV special is now affectionately referred to as the ’68 Comeback Special that featured Elvis in the round during one live studio audience segment completely decked out in black leather. Elvis had essentially invented the “unplugged” concept. But it was “If I Can Dream” that capped off what is now a legendary broadcast.
Fast forward to last night’s American Idol. As Celine Dion stops at center stage with the Elvis “actor,” we now see, superimposed on the Elvis-like figure, through the magic of television and technology, the white suited Elvis from the ’68 Comeback Special’s final segment singing, “If I Can Dream.”
The footage is amazing. It appears as though the 1968 Elvis, with the help of some remarkable time machine, is standing right next to Celine Dion onstage. Like the famous Natalie Cole-Nat King Cole duet of “Unforgettable,” Elvis and Celine belt out a moving song that is just as meaningful and maybe more so today than in the tumultuous year of 1968.
Elvis’ voice is filled with power and passion. The Idol contestants come onstage all in white to offer backup vocals.
Filling in for Mark Belling today on WISN, I opened with this topic and told my producer Paul off the air that I was worried the topic would bomb. Instead, I had jammed phone lines and the consensus was unanimous. Viewers who saw the incredible duet raved, saying it was impressive and emotional. Three women said they were brought to tears.
If you missed it, or just want to see it again………………..
enjoy!
