Momlogic's Jill: This once-in-a-lifetime experience was a night full of surprises.

My teen daughters and I have been gathering with a few friends every Tuesday to watch American Idol in my living room. Together we've perfected the art of dissecting and criticizing each song choice, performance, fashion ensemble, and crazy Paula antic as it unfolded before us. So when the opportunity to attend the Season 7 finale arose, of course, we jumped at the chance. None of us were prepared for such an unforgettable night...

Our seats were decent. Good, in fact. Behind us was Jason Castro's family--including the congenial woman in head-to-toe hot pink who introduced herself to us as his mama; a younger tween overly made up in an uncomfortable beauty pageant way, complete with tiara; and one attractive, but seemingly bitter, younger brother. Surprisingly NOT how we had pictured his family portrait at all.

Seated across the aisle from us was season 5 fave Constantine Maroulis and his pretty platinum-blonde date. I was surprised that my 14-year-old got up the nerve to get his autograph during the commercial break. Constantine remarked that she looked like "a younger version of Kristy Lee Cook," proving to us that, sadly, the smoldering singer can only reference other Idols during conversation.

Click here to see the Idol Finale
Red Carpet Gallery

We also sat by Cruella de Ville's (a.k.a. Amanda Overmyer) fiance...he told us she was doing well since getting the boot and has been selling out at the Whiskey in Hollywood. But we couldn't help but notice how totally uncoordinated, apathetic and uncomfortable she was on the stage. I mean, great Janis Joplin impression, but c'mon, Amanda, this is the finale--can't you muster up a tiny bit of fake enthusiasm?

Then, there was the litany of surprises on stage...Mike Myers, Donna Summer (who looked more like a man on TV than she did in the theater--promise!), Seal, Bryan Adams, the Jonas Brothers (did you know Nick got a new haircut?), Graham Nash, George-"who's he, Mom?"-Michael...and the performance that both mothers and daughters could appreciate...One Republic performing "Apologize" with sweet David Archuleta. Wow.

The two-hour live taping flew by. When the time came to announce the winner, we all thought we knew which David would be named. But it was clear that David Cook was more shocked than anyone to be the next American Idol. His emotional reaction moved all of us to tears.

There was one last surprise on the way out...an autograph from a supermodel-turned-train-wreck, who signed my daughter's book "THE Janice Dickinson." What a perfect ending to a night this mom will never forget.