After I asked JLo my first question, she said: “This is like therapy!” It was nice to see her talk about herself, when celebs at her high level will never go there. She was very excited about her secret performance tonight. Jennifer Lopez is everything you have ever heard about the big, big stars of the past: glowing, enchanting almost walking in different light. But she was real too.

And go Phillip!

Check out the American Idol page for all of Paul’s featured interviews, photos and videos from L.A.

Also be sure to check the American Idol Backstage Scoop on Storify for more updates from our friends covering the Idol finale across the CBS Radio network!

For all the details on the 11th season of American Idol, visit AmericanIdol.com.

AMERICAN IDOL (R) and IDOL 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. (c) 2012 FremantleMedia North America, Inc. and 19 TV Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by FremantleMedia Enterprises, www.Americanidol.com, FOX and its related entities. All Rights Reserved.