We were a diverse group, sitting around a long table at a Hanford restaurant after church last Sunday. The conversation was light-hearted. The weather -- tapped to be 103 later that day -- was on everyone's mind. We got an update on a couple who were enjoying a trip to Rome, and a mother who was hoping to close escrow on her new home.

Then, surprisingly to me, given the age demographic, the discussion turned to the latest TV news. "Jon & Kate Plus 8," "Dancing With the Stars" and then -- my ears pricked up -- "American Idol."

"So who do you think is going to win?" I asked, thinking I already knew the answer. Boy, was I surprised. "I love Adam Lambert," the older lady sitting next to me gushed with a smile. "He reminds me of Elvis."

For the next five minutes or so, we all discussed the talents and merits of Adam and Kris Allen. "Ooh, I loved that girl with the red hair," said another lunch companion. "What was here name?

"Allison," I offered.

(It's no secret: I'm an "American Idol" junkie. I ran down the battery on my iPhone Tuesday evening, text-voting for nearly two hours for Adam Lambert).

But as I drove home after a most enjoyable brunch of iced tea, a half-chicken sandwich and great fellowship, I pondered the whole America-voting-for-their-Idol phenomenon.

Last night on the results show, it was revealed that nearly 100 million votes were cast for the two musical contenders.

They held very differing platforms, they came from very different backgrounds. One, a "glam rocker," has a theatrical background and wears fantastic eye makeup and flamboyant clothes. The other, a cute boy-next-door from Arkansas, is involved in his church and is newly married.

Each week, over a period of months, we learned about their backgrounds, their growing-up years. We met their parents, saw baby pictures, learned about their likes and dislikes. Each week, in their own way, they courted us, sought out our votes. If one direction didn't seem to work one week, they took a different tack the next. Little by little, we formed our alliances -- at work, in the social arena, and yes, even at church.

Adam or Kris. Kris or Adam. Who were you going to vote for?

Ironically, the night the final Idol vote took place, California voters were asked to cast their ballots on a handful of propositions designed to help bail the state out of its current financial hole.

The propositions failed, and voter turnout was as disappointing as expected.

Of the nearly 100 million votes cast Tuesday on "American Idol" -- to make up the 624 million votes cast throughout the season -- pundits say a large chunk were from tween/teen girls, those between the ages of 12 and 15.

I hope that when these young ladies turn 18, they put as much stock in voting in state and general elections as they did in voting for their next American Idol.

(May 21, 2009)