2009.05.20
A super hot showdown
And then there were two. It's Glambert vs. Kris the cutie. Or, as Ryan Seacrest called it, the "guy next door vs. the guyliner."
Here's something else to call it -- a super showdown.
I think that best describes the final night of competition. In the end, I'm glad the finale is between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert because both bring such different vibes to the show. You have Adam the rocker and Kris the folk rocker. Plus, I appreciate that the guys seem to genuinely like one another. I guess it's a good example of friendly competition.
Later, I'll talk about who I would like to win said competition. But now, let's get into their performances.
Adam -- I was just sure that Adam was going to pull one of his rock anthems for his personal song pick of the night but, instead, he gave us "Mad World" and what a wonderful "World" it was. I've said repeatedly that my favorite Adam moments are when he shows his softer side. I loved the song. Still, I have to give props to Simon when he said the performance with the smoke machines and Adam's outfit was a little like "The Phantom of the Opera." And speaking of music of the night, Adam's next song was the classic tune "A Change Is Gonna Come." Adam took the R&B song and rocked it up, as usual. I wasn't such a fan of this one because it was just too screechy for me.
Kris -- Like Adam, Mr. Arkansas knows how to reinvent a song, and it was great to hear him sing "Ain't No Sunshine" again. I am a sucker for a guy who can play the piano, and Kris gave an incredibly heartfelt performance. His next song was "What's Going On," and, unlike the judges, I actually loved it. I enjoyed the laid-back vibe because I think it brought something different to the song.
The last song was "No Boundaries," which was co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi. I have heard better power ballads. In fact, last season's winner David Cook had a much better ballad with "The Time of My Life." But I digress. Ultimately, I think "No Boundaries" was better suited for Adam than Kris. Hmm, wonder if Kara planned it that way? The woman does love her some Adam.
So, now back to the big question. Who will win? My bet is on Adam, but my personal pick is Kris. I like Kris' voice and the fact that he is a triple threat, so to speak. He can sing and play the piano and guitar. Plus, I would buy his album. As for Adam, I think he is a talented artist who brought something unique to this season. That said, he is a little too screamy for my tastes. And that horrible arrangement of "Ring of Fire" that he did earlier this season still gives me nightmares. Yet, the judges have adored him this entire season. Let's see if voters feel the same kind of love.
As for the rest of Tuesday's show, how cool was it to see Carrie Underwood belting "Home Sweet Home" live? I'll answer that -- it was awesome. I also loved the montage of clips from the season. I got to see some of my early faves and the contestants who still frighten me a little. Let's call them the trio of terror. That would be Bikini Girl, Norman Gentle and last, but certainly not least, Tatiana Del Toro. In fact, as I type that name I can distinctly remember that crazy laugh of hers. Talk about nightmares.
OK, so tune in Wednesday for two hours of awesomeness, capped off with the crowning of a new "Idol" king.






The song that Kara co-wrote was dreadful. And the winner will have to release that pile of fail as a single.
Might be better to finish second this season.
Comment by Nona Nelson — May 20, 2009 @ 9:14 am
Well, the new American Idol said it himself, when Ryan turned the mic to him. I hope you caught it, he said "Adam should've won". I will be buying Danny Gokey's CD when it comes out. I will also buy Adam's, he has more originality than Kris. Kris sounds like every other pop star on the radio. I don't think America got it right. I agree with the other comment, the song Kara co-wrote is awful. Oh, I could've SO done without Tatiana and Bikini girl (with her new attachments).
Comment by Marilyn — May 20, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
I realy liked Adam better. I loved the Bikini Girl and Kara's Show....
Comment by Tony O — May 24, 2009 @ 11:12 am