Will the 'American Idol' finale originate from Madison Square Garden?

 As "American Idol" fans are aware, the woods are full of rumors that their beloved show will originate from Madison Square Garden in May. The rumor is a delicious one, even a beautiful one, and as a result, there's no bigger downer than having the facts stand in the way of a good story. 

 In this particular case, the facts are inconclusive. I just got an official "no comment" from MSG on this, which you may interpret any way you like. The  Hollywood Reporter set those aforementioned woods on fire with a report this morning that cited a source saying this was definitely going to happen, and then cited another source saying it was not. 

  Which you can also interpret any way you like.

 But the value of an MSG tie - and this is where I must offer the obligatory "MSG is owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday" disclaimer - is considerable.

 Foremost, this is MSG, not some hydroponically sealed palace in Hollywood - the name of which at the moment escapes me. This is also New York, which remains very much one of the most exciting, beautiful and flat-out wonderful cities on the planet. Why would you not care to have an association with New York (besides the weather)?

 But "Idol" also needs to understand that New Yorkers haven't totally embraced the show in recent years; it's become more of a Southern show, a Midwestern one, or as they say in the TV business, a C&D county one. We've seen it all here, and there's little to excite us about a declining music talent competition that usually treats New York area contestants - recall Pia Toscano - like week-old latkes. (And by the way, if you happen to be someone from the South or Midwest reading this, please don't take this as a dismissal - I love the South and Midwest. It's simply that  you have now officially become Idol Country. )

  MSG is an emblematic New York venue - which certainly means "Idol" could redress some of this. But I wonder if voters will feel the same way?

  Nevertheless, if there is a vote to be cast, please allow me to cast mine for MSG. My reasons, in no particular order:

1.) Midtown Manhattan

2.) A possibility of a tie-in of some crazy sort with Billy Joel, who is now artist-in-residence. (In fact, make this the number one reason, if you wouldn't mind.)

3.) The sheer energy of the Garden - and after last night's Knicks win over the Heat, I'm actually feeling it a bit more.

4.) The possibility that this could revive area interest in "Idol."

5.) The obvious fact that it would get a tremendous amount of media coverage - and for Fox that represents a very potent reason. 

 The downsides? Honestly, none come immediately to mind.