Diana attends the 'Idol' finale

Before heading back to Nashville following her stint in the Los Angeles production of Back to Bacharach and David, Diana attended the finale of the eighth season of American Idol at the Nokia Theater on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19-20.

Following the performance episode of the finale, Diana was interviewed by Mike Galanos of HLN's Prime News about the dual roles of amateurs vs. professionals on the show. On the topic, she said:

I think people now realize that "American Idol" is such a launching spot for anyone's career. People that maybe would have not done it a few years ago, saying, "Oh, I'm too professional," maybe take a little bit of a second glance at the show because they realize it's such a launching pad. But I do think it's a little harder for the everyday Joe to get in it.

As for her activities on the red carpet, Diana spoke with many media personnel, including Denise Martin of the LA Times' "Idol Tracker" blog:

3:06 p.m.: Third season runner-up Diana DeGarmo, who's wearing ankle boots along with her part leopard-print, part-bedazzled dress tells us she's been sporting her fluorescent purple locks since November. Her inspiration? Boredom! -- DM

Yahoo! Music's Lyndsey Parker chatted with Diana on the red carpet Wednesday about her hair color and her Unplugged In Nashville EP that's out on iTunes:



She also talked to MTV News about working with Kara DioGuardi in the past and possibly working with her in the future, and Entertainment Weekly caught her dueling "mic lightsabers" with Blake Lewis.

And finally, Diana gave her two cents about the "American Idol Experience" attraction at Walt Disney World.