Kara DioGuardi Sings, Strips as Bikini Girl Katrina Darrell Returns to American Idol for Finale

One of the most enduring stories during Season 8 of American Idol was that of bikini girl Katrina Darrell. And since she made such an impact on the American Idol judges, it was only fitting that they bring the bikini girl back for one last go-round.

Every season, American Idol salutes some of their more memorable auditions and contestants. They have taken to calling those awards Golden Idol Awards. They presented three this season: Outstanding Male, Outstanding Female, and Best Attitude. Although she could have won Outstanding Female (for being memorable), Katrina Darrell won Best Attitude.

Of course, the producers had to show the moment when bikini girl first walked into the audition room. They replayed the contentious scene where Katrina Darrell told Kara DioGuardi that her singing was no better than her own, the scene where Paula Abdul stood up for her colleague, where Simon Cowell compounded the disrespect by agreeing with Darrell. But they voted her through to Hollywood...

Still, it was a new and improved bikini girl, all tan and glowing, that walked out and received her gleaming award. She kissed Ryan Seacrest firmly on the lips and told the audience that "this time he kissed back." Ryan, who sarcastically commented on Darrell while she remained in the competition, deadpanned, "I'd ask what's new with you, but I think I know."

Ryan was staring at her enhancements.

But Katrina Darrell wasn't done. She pranced out in her high heels, singing Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love." But she hadn't gotten far when she was joined by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. They then have a mock duel and Kara DioGuardi simply out-sings the bikini girl, leaving her shaking her head, her arms crossed.

Kara had to not only have the last note, but she also had to have the last, well, strip. Just as one thought it was all over, Kara DioGuardi popped open the black dress she had worn for the American Idol finale. Dressed in a black bikini, DioGuardi quite the sexy judge. But she quickly covered up, her modesty overcoming her need to upstage Katrina Darrell. As she struggled to keep the two halves of her dress together, she hugged the bikini girl and Ryan Seacrest explained that some of the American Idol people had bet Kara that she would not strip in front of a live national audience. Now, he said, they would have to contribute to Kara's favorite charity.

Kara DioGuardi, obviously embarrassed, echoed that she did it all for charity.

Showing off a trim 38-year-old body, sans enhancements, that could compete with Katrina Darrell's twenty-something bikini girl body probably didn't have anything to do with it at all...

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"American Idol," Fox Television