The Showdown

It is the week I have been waiting for. The final two, the Idol finale, and the start of So You Think You Can Dance. I am not sure how I will get anything accomplished! Tonight Adam and Kris were able to pick one song for themselves, Simon Fuller picked a song for them, and they both will perform a song that Kara co-wrote for the finale. Ryan called it a battle between the acoustic rocker and the glam rocker. Randy is dressed in a coat and tie, Kara in a fancy black dress, Paula in a green dress, looking like she has been in the tanning bed just a little too long, and even Simon pulled out a sport coat for the event. The Nokia theatre is full of past contestants and stars, and Ryan wastes no time getting us started.
Adam Lambert lost the coin toss, so he is the first performer of the evening. He starts with "Mad World", a song that I personally loved the first time he sang it. Mom and Gary immediately are distracted by the cowbell(?)sound in the background. It is Adam in all his glory, with the smoke and shadows looking like Keanu in the Matrix with his long coat. I can tease him all I want about the over the top performance (I much preferred him sitting and telling the story the first time around), but vocally it was solid and with the large crowd in that theater, I am sure it had a different effect live. Randy thought it was an A+ performance. Kara was so happy he chose this song and thought he did great. Paula thought he was handsome and she was proud (don't ask me to repeat Paula tonight, it is just too exhausting). Simon thought it was over theatrical, bringing up Phantom of the Opera, but he thought it was a good song for him.
Kris Allen sang "Ain't no Sunshine", and it is even better than his first performance. It for me, feels like a real moment, and I believe him. Randy said he saved the best for last. Kara agreed and said if you can't feel a Kris Allen song than there is something wrong with you. She commented on how in a huge arena, he can still make you feel like he is singing just to you. Paula talked about how he awakens the spirit in each of us. (If you didn't watch it live, fast forward Paula and be glad). Simon said that when Kris made it to this point last week, he wasn't sure America got it right, but after that performance, he absolutely takes it all back.
Simon Fuller picked "Change is Gonna Come" for Adam, and I am impressed with his vocal, and with his control. It is really for me, the best I have heard Adam sing, and I have heard this particular song every single season on Idol, but never with this much originality. Randy said "the reason you are here is that you can sing your face off". (Really?) Kara thought it was his best performance ever and showed both sides of his personality. Paula went on and on and finished with "you will be iconic". (It is painful sometimes to listen to Paula). Simon thought he was 1000% back in the game.
Simon Fuller picked "What's Going On" for Kris, and he sits with his guitar and completely turns this song into a Kris Allen classic. I hear the message behind the music and I totally love his version. Randy said it was a real live duel, but he thought the song was a little light for this point in the competition. Kara thought it was perfect that Simon Fuller gave him this song, and that he was the one who could deliver it and change people with it. Paula thought he tore it up. Simon thought it was like three friends in a bedroom singing, way too laid back for this point in the competition.
The next round is the one I dread every season since "A Moment Like This". I hate the made for Idol song, and I am pretty sure even with Kara's name attached to it, it will still be dumb.
The name of the song is "No Boundaries" and Adam is first.
It is as cheesy as every other one of these songs, and the lyrics actually cause me to wince. It is so trite that I can't wait for it to end, despite how hard Adam is trying to sell it to me-and he tries really hard. Randy thought it was just okay. Kara thanked him for that moment at the end for her. Paula said she is in awe of him and will be a fan forever. Simon started in about "the mountains" in the lyrics and then decided to just not critique the song but Adam's time on the show this season. He complimented him on his talent and his originality, and thought that they had found a contestant with world wide appeal in Adam Lambert.
Kris comes out to sing the song next, and it is only slightly more believable this time around, although vocally it is not exactly in his range. Randy thought he was an amazing competitor and Kara thought he was a compelling artist. Paula thought he did an amazing job. Simon thought he deserved to be in the finale and that he should be so proud of himself.
Who will take the crown when you have two such amazingly talented singers that are so different from each other both perform to the best of their abilities? I of course prefer Kris,but in all fairness to Adam, this is not a judgement on his talent but just the style of music that I prefer. I know just as many Adam fans who will be thrilled after how he performed tonight and no doubt be sure that he has won it. No way can I predict what will happen tomorrow night. It is that time of year when I switch from American Idol gears to So You Think You Can Dance, so this is my final Idol blog. If you aren't a SYTYCD watcher, I will be back next season for AI my faithful readers. Thank you for your comments, your angry emails when you hate my opinion, and always for laughing along with me as we enjoy this crazy pop culture ride that is Idol. I wouldn't be staying up past my bedtime if not for you! Until next season, Idol Annie is signing out.