As you might have guessed, I am not a connoisseur of the television world. However, as of late, I have   paid close attention to American Idol, maybe because it was the final year of the money-making enterprise, but more likely I’ve paid attention because of the two Mississippians who had taken it over (talent-wise) since the top ten were announced.

    By some quirk I happened upon this year’s winner, Trent Harmon, as he first interviewed for the three judges. Perhaps I was walking through the living room at the right time or maybe from the hallway I heard his bluesy rendition of “Unaware” by Allen Stone. Whatever the reason, I stopped in mid-motion to listen – intently, I should add.

    Then I followed the show weekly and it was the most exciting thing because also from Mississippi was La’Porsha Renae and again she delivered blues and rock-n-roll with a mighty talent. I’ve just got to tell you I became prideful – yes, prideful, about these two talented Mississippians. Now I know the Good Lord doesn’t like prideful people but I think He’s okay about this.

    Trent’s hometown is Amory and La’Porsha is from McComb. Hoo-ray, it was old home week as the two, show-after-show, beat their competition. I mean these two Mississippi songbirds sang beautifully each genre Idol threw their way – Blues, Country, Christian, Pop.  I found myself cancelling all of my events that were in conflict with my new favorite television show – hmm, that’s hard to admit.  

    Finally there were only three left, but the other one was from Louisiana and I decided he didn’t have a dog’s chance, although he had pretty blue eyes, but let’s face it, he was not a Mississippi boy. As I predicted, the top two were Mississippians. Now I had a predicament – Trent or La’Porsha?

    When I heard La’Porsha belt out “Diamond’s” I thought she was headed for first place, but then Trent strutted on stage with “Sharp Dressed Man” followed by an outstanding performance of “Simple Man.” Next he delivered “Chandelier” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” and I thought he had to have some Elvis DNA in him. I mean Trent’s home is only 45 minutes from Tupelo.

    Just when I was convinced Trent would be in the winner’s circle, La’Porsha kicked out “A House Is Not a Home” –what was I to do? These two Mississippians were unstoppable. It was wall-to-wall talent and the competitors were eliminated, with disappointment, of course, but with, I think, admiration for our Mississippians as well.

    I sat on the edge of my seat on Finale night. I was saturated with the sounds of great music and beautiful vocals. Trent, 24, and La’Porsha, 22, continued to put Mississippi on the map and in a positive light. My dear readers, I know you will agree that it was about time!

    Finally the announcement was made and Trent Harmon was named American Idol winner for the very last season of the show and La’Porsha named as runner up. Both received new cars and musical contracts with large production studios. I was so proud, like they were my children.

    Yes, we Mississippians are proud of these young people who pursued their dreams taking on competition from thousands of hopefuls from throughout the U.S. It is easy to understand the musical abilities/creative talent found in our state. Our people have deep yearnings in their souls and work against all odds in order to accomplish amazing things, and as Trent said, “We love on each other.”

    Well, I was on a TV roll. I decided to tryout “Vikings” which aired directly after Idol. You see my two sons are 6’3” and 6’5” with size 13 and 15 shoes and I’ve always imagined we had Scandinavian blood flowing through our veins, and by George, we do. It’s true – my cousin, Becky Chaney, gave me the news after having her DNA checked through Ancestry.com.

    Now I’m hooked. Gotta run, it’s nearly 9:00 and my new favorite TV show is about to begin.  By the way, I’m convinced these Viking guys have a little Mississippi in them, too.

    Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer, Mississippi Humanities Speaker and storyteller. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com