AI 8 5-19-09 Adam vs. Kris

Two are left standing but only one can win it all. America who will you choose. THIS IS AMERICAN IDOL.

After 18 weeks, we are almost at the finish line. Season 8 has been one of the most fascinating seasons ever. With the exception of Megan, this group of contestants was one of the most talented ever and most stepped up week-by-week growing in poise and confidence on stage.

The final battle between Adam and Kris is going to be very entertaining and will be almost impossible to judge because it would be like comparing apples to oranges. It does not mean we will not try it though.

I think Ryan was stretching it with his description of the battle between the acoustic rocker vs. the glam rocker, Conway vs. California, and the guy next door vs. guy liner. Give me a break!

I am just hoping for a night of great musical entertainment.

For tonight’s final battle, each contestant will sing three songs. The first round will be a reprise of one of their earlier songs, the second round will be a song choice by Simon Fuller the creator of American Idol, and the final song is the winner’s coronation song (oh, joy – sarcasm intended) which was co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi.

Let us get to the nitty gritty!

Adam Lambert – “Mad World”

One of Adam’s big moments coming from the year you were born theme week. A performance many missed on their DVR’s because the show ran over. I am always impressed at the staging Adam creates. The dramatic lighting, the fog and that kick-ass floor length trench coat. The man knows how to make an entrance and instead of going full force, we got a very simple but haunting very controlled vocal. Adam needs to use his lower register more because it is very beautiful and was in full swing at the beginning of the song. There were a couple of flat notes during the transition to the higher key but other than that, this was a stellar performance.

Randy – this is it, I love your sensitive side, loved the coat and fog, I give you an A+

Kara – I am so happy you chose this song to repeat, the first time you sang it was when I realized what an incredible artist you were, you rocked it again

Paula – I am unbelievably proud of you, bask in it, this was subtle, haunting, great job

Simon – When you did this before it was your best performance, this was over-theatrical, like Phantom of the Opera.

Kris Allen – “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Kris and a grand piano, it really does not get better than that. This was a technically beautiful and emotionally powerful performance. There were a couple of very sharp notes during the transition to the chorus but it did not faze Kris. He is a true professional. This was like attending a concert.

Randy – it is nice to be able to tell what kind of an artist you will be; this was one of your best performances ever.

Kara – If Kris didn’t move you, there is something wrong with you. You have a way of creating an intimate bond with everyone in the audience by making everyone think you are singing just to them.

Paula – you awaken the spirit in all of you, you “Allen-ize” every song

Simon – I have to admit when I heard your name called last week I wondered if America got it right if I am being honest but I have to take it all back after that performance.


Simon gives Round one to Kris.


Adam Lambert – “A Change is Gonna Come”

Once again, Adam gave an incredible performance. He took a classic song and made it is own. For me this was a truly beautiful and soulful performance. This song emotionally moved me; I actually got tears in my eyes. The fierceness with which Adam sang “MY, change is gonna come” was unbelievable. This was a great song choice.

Randy – that song was amazing, you can sing your face off, unbelievable

Kara – that has to be one of your best performances and interpretation of a song this season, the combination of high notes, pulling back and showing your emotions.

Paula – this was the best I have ever heard you sing, unbelievable, you looked like a superstar, no matter what happens tonight, you will be iconic

Simon – you are 100% back in the game


Kris Allen – “What’s Going On

Kris is a true musician. This song has him getting out the guitar and stripping the song down to an acoustic version, which was a great choice for him. I really loved this performance. Kris connected to the song and he sold it. There were a couple of pitchy notes towards the end but again it really did not matter, great music does not have to be perfect.

Randy – it is a crazy night, this is a real duel, it was a great song choice and you sang it great but it was a little bit light for the space

Kara – what I love about you Kris is you have stayed true to yourself throughout this entire competition, I loved the social conscious song, you delivered, you uplifted the audience, you made us think and you can create change

Paula – you tore it up, you made Marvin Gaye proud

Simon – it was like three friends in a bedroom strumming to Marvin Gaye there was nothing to grab about it, it was too laid back

Simon gives Round two to Adam.


Adam Lambert – “No Boundaries”

It is hard to discuss this performance without judging the song but I will leave it for later. The song suited Adam but the arrangement was very straightforward and Adam really did not make the song his own. It was a good vocal performance overall but even Adam had difficulties with some of the transitions. If Adam wins I only hope they tinker with the arrangement allowing Adam’s vocals to really soar, you have to go over the top to make this song work.

Randy – you can sing but it was not my favorite, it was a little pitchy

Kara – I loved hearing this song with an artist with your level of talent, you moved me, and you made me proud

Paula – adjectives can’t describe this, remarkable

Simon – you are the most original contestants we have ever had, this show is looking for a star and you are that star

Kris Allen – “No Boundaries”

I felt sorry for Kris, the key was incredibly too high for him. I could not understand why they did not make some slight changes to the key. I found this to be a bit of a train wreck, it was pitchy, Kris’s timing was off, and his enunciation was very poor, he was slurring the words. I will give Kris kudos’s for trying to sell the song but in the end, it was just too big for him. If Kris wins, he too should be allowed to tinker with the arrangement and strip it down and with some slight modifications, he could make this work with his style.

Randy – the key was high, you are an amazing competitor, and I think the song suited your voice better than Adams did.

Kara – the key was too high, you are a compelling artist but I hope people vote for you based on the season and not this performance (coming from the artist who wrote it)

Paula – this has been one of the most compelling finales ever and you deserve to be in the spotlight

Simon – it is incredible, during your audition, you had no confidence or identity but tonight you showed confidence and proved you deserve to be standing on that stage.


The judge’s comments after Kris’s performance were like a death march, sorry kid you lose which is very far from the reality of the situation.

I have to bitch about the coronation song. The only one I have ever liked was the first one most likely because it was new and Kelly Clarkson sang her heart out. They are normally pretty cheesy and while there are some good cheesy pop songs out there these coronation songs do not have much bite to them. Kara has written some incredible songs but this would not be at the top of my list and the song really did no favors to either contestant. The producers simply have to develop a better method of picking the coronation song.

My other vent is I do not believe reprising of earlier Idol moments should be used either. A moment happens and then it is over. All the singers in the world do not constantly try to do their songs the same way repeatedly; they change them up when performing in concerts. The final battle is the last chance for the contestants to prove they should be there which means creating new moments.

I spent 4 ½ hours voting for Adam and managed to get in over 5,000 votes.

I do have to say after last night each of them deserves to win and I think it was a draw with neither contestant being the front-runner. While I would love to see Adam win for multiple reasons, I will not be disappointed if Kris wins. I will be purchasing both of their albums and they both will have great careers in music.

Tonight’s show should be a fascinating event and it is going to go long as Ryan kept repeating. I have another event to attend tonight as I am going to see Storm Large in “Crazy Enough” at Portland Center Stage, which does not get over until 9:30. I will be watching the majority of the event via tape.

Until tomorrow…