So much for the Liberace theory.

Ruben Studdard was named this year's American Idol winner, besting Clay Aiken by 13000 or 1300 votes, depending on which number you believe. Heck, if the show had gone into a third hour the difference probably would have dropped another zero.

The show itself contained enough filler to make Oscar Meyer proud. Lots of group singing, a reprised song from last night for Ruben and Clay, and some live reports from each of their home towns. It was craptacular.

As far as the result goes, I don't see it making a big difference for either guy. Ruben will have claim to the title, but both will go on the tour, both will release albums, and in an apparent nod to the first Pop Idol finalists both will have singles released in the same week.

Now we just have to wait until January to do it all again. Just enough time for Ryan Seacrest to collect enough human souls to maintain his corporeal presence throughout the affair.

In other Fox programming notes, The O.C. is apparently starting life as a summer series. Knowing how Fox plays around with their schedule, it may not even make it to September. Maybe we'll get an extended run of this Paradise Hotel thing where viewers become contestants during the run of the show. Wouldn't that be fun?