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American Idol: Is Adam king, or will Kris dethrone?
The coronation of Adam Lambert as king of American Idol is only hours away … or is it?
Kris Allen and the Idol voters might have something to say about that.
The rules for tonight’s finale: Adam and underdog Kris pick their own favorite song from this season, then sing one chosen by Idol creator Simon Fuller, and close by singing the winner’s single co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi.
Kris won the coin toss and decided to go last. Good move.
Round One:
Adam picks “Mad World,” which most people would agree is one of his best performances and the one in which he cemented his status as the front-runner.
My take: Good choice because it doesn’t have him screaming and screeching, and he connects better with the masses on something like this. I don’t think this was as good as the first time he did it, but it was very solid.
The judges’ take: Randy gives Adam an A+. Kara exclaims, “You rocked it again tonight.” Paula says it was a great song for Adam, and “I thought you did a brilliant job.” Simon thinks it was good but “a little bit over-theatrical.”
Kris chooses “Ain’t No Sunshine,” which answers one office debate we had today about which would be his best pick. Some argued for his version of “Heartless.”
My take: This was the song that I first thought Kris might be in the competition for the long haul, but I think this version won’t “wow” anyone. For example, my 16-year-old daughter wasn’t impressed enough to stop her biology homework, and she was working on worm anatomy.
The judges’ take: Randy says, “I think that was one of your best performances ever on the stage.” Kara says, “You have a way of creating an intimate bond with everyone in the audience.” Paula adds, “You put your mark on all of your songs.” Simon admits that he wasn’t sure after last week’s performance that Kris was right choice for the finals. “I absolutely take all that back now after that performance,” he says.
Round One goes to Kris, according to Simon.
Round Two:
Fuller has Adam sing “Change is Gonna Come.”
My take: Adam takes a pretty basic arrangement, which I like, then he belts out his famous high notes that excite the crowd, if not me. I just wouldn’t buy it, but I understand why the vocals and the performance are loved by others.
The judges’ take: Randy said, “You showed that the real reason you are here is … you can sing your face off.” Kara calls it the best interpretation of a song yet, and Paula thinks “that was the best I’ve ever heard you sing.” Simon, “You are 100 percent back in the game. Congratulations.”
Fuller picks “What’s Going On” for Kris.
My take: I expected this to be a good fit for Kris when Ryan announced this was his song, but the reality was far less satisfying than the image I had in my head. It was fine, but it just wasn’t great.
The judges’ take: Randy, “It was a little light for me.” Kara says Kris has been true to himself since Day One. Paula says, “You tore that song up and made Marvin Gaye proud.” Simon, “I thought it was too laid-back for a night like this. Sorry.”
Round Two goes to Adam, Simon declares.
Round Three:
Both singers get “No Boundaries,” a new song intended to be the first single for the winner of American Idol.
Adam goes first.
My take: Regular readers know how I hate this part of the competition because the songs rarely fit the people. Adam puts his spin on this one as much as he can, but this just is not what his supporters will want to hear from him. I think he was generally fine, but the song was not.
The judges’ take: Randy, “I’ll say it again: You can sing anything … but it was just alright for me.” Kara gets a bit self-serving and thanks Adam on behalf of songwriters. “I’m moved, and I’m proud,” she said. Paula says, “I am in awe. I will be a fan forever.” Simon says, “Over the entire season, you have been one of the best, most original contestants we’ve ever had.”
Kris is up next with his version of “No Boundaries.”
My take: Kris manages a version that you could imagine on the radio, but I swear he blew a line early on. Anyone else notice? This song gets Kris out of his comfort zone, and that really isn’t a good place for him to be.
The judges’ take: Randy wasn’t wild about it, but says “That song fits your voice even better than Adam’s.” Kara says the song was too high for Kris, and she tells people to judge him by his body of work. “You have been an incredible person to watch week to week.” Paula declares the finale as one of the best ever but never really said what she thought of the performance; Simon agreed that Kris should not be judged on this song, either. “You have thoroughly, thoroughly deserved to be standing on this stage tonight.”
I don’t recall hearing who Simon thought won Round Three, but I would imagine he thought Adam.
I don’t think this night changed anyone’s mind. If you were for Adam before tonight, you still are. If you backed Kris, you saw nothing to make you change your mind.
And, if that is the case, Adam is the king after all. The crowning should come Wednesday night. Or will it?
Vote in our polls and offer your take.
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Comments
By Denise
May 20, 2009 5:44 PM | Link to this
I don’t think that Adam should accept the crown yet.His performance was good but Kris is very good and the more commercial of the two.
By Heather
May 20, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this
If I remember correctly, Simon didn’t think Kris should mention his wife so as not to “turn off” the ladies. LOL As if had he been single, he’d be more approachable and get more votes. Hillary - as to your question about why they let Kara write the song. I’m not surprised about that. She is a very accomplished song writer, but she (and her co-writers) completely missed the mark on this one!
By Mel
May 20, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this
It’s interesting that Simon whould tell Kris not to mention his wife. He must of instructed Adam not to mention his “personal” life as well. Kris is much better suited to be an American idol and I hope he wins tonight.
By Hillary
May 20, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
I know that I want Kris to ultimately win because I think he’s the better American Idol. I’d actually buy his album whereas I’m still not sure what kind of album Adam would do… likely rock but with that awful winner song I can’t imagine it fitting in nicely with anything else he’d do. And if it’s the metal rock stuff it’s not my style. That being said, they are both extremely talented and either way they’ll both get deals and be successful. I hope that Kris does win tonight though. I thought all of the performances were pretty good last night and agree that they probably didn’t sway anyone differently from what they were leaning towards. The only thing I didn’t like was the terrible “No Boundaries”… why did they let Kara write the song? Really? Miley Cyrus’ song about climing mountains is better than that…
By Kim
May 20, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this
Re: Comment about Chris not mentioning his wife. He did in week 1 or 2 and Simon actually told him he should not have brought her up. It was quite uncomfortable. I think that’s why she has not been addressed again.
By Kim
May 20, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this
I think it’s really close! I just wonder how many Danny fans just didn’t vote at all like me - what they decided could really sway it. Kris is the sweet cutie-pie and Adam is the glammed up rocker guy. Which will America choose? So who is all supposed to be on tonight? I really haven’t been into the results shows this season because they just seem like hour long commercials to me - loaded with random people that have something to hock. I want it to be about the contestants - not whoever has something to market at the moment. Do the top 10 all get to sing again? Cos I would enjoy that…
By Dave
May 20, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this
Hey Rachel way to toss a little bigotry and name calling into the conversation. Anyway…I thought last night was a very boring show and the song by Kara was a painful. It would be in Adam’s best interest not to win so he does not launch his career with that song. Adam is a more polished performer and will have a great recording career and will most likely end up back in musical theatre. Kris will have to wrok hard to build a career and keep himself relivant. Like many past Idol contestants who have tried but were soon forgotten by the public.
By Dave
May 20, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
For being the last performance show of the season, I thought it was the most boring show all year long. And that last song, absolutely horrible. I mean, I hate to sound like Simon but come on. What an awful way to end the season, performance wise. Both guys are great though and good luck to either of them.
By Michelle
May 20, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
I hope that Adam wins tonight..But either way, both will still have recording deals and make tons of money. I am very disappointed again about the song that they have chosen for the winner.. It was “horrible!”…. Did anyone else think the song was good?? My 10 year old could of thought of comeup with something better… Something else I was wondering, has anyone noticed that this entire time on the show Kris “NEVER” mentions his wife. Athough they always show her, he has not once said anything about her nor did he when they went back to their home towns..Kinda makes you go hmmmmm???????
By Go Adam
May 20, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
I sure hope Adam wins tonight!!! Kris sings OK, but can’t sing his jeans off like Adam. Originally I was a Danny fan. Just because Danny got voted off doesn’t mean I’d switch my voter calls to Kris. I hope Kara doesn’t write any more songs for the show. I think both guys didn’t like having to sing it. Seems like every year the song they write gets worse.
By Heather
May 20, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Yes, I caught Kris flubbing the line but he covered really well. And it doesn’t change my opinion. I still want him to win. I was a little irked at the comments made that his second song was the wrong choice for last night. He didn’t have a choice! So, to me - it’s hard to penalize him for that. The last song was hideous. If I were Kara, I would be embarrassed to take credit for it. Here’s hoping that Danny’s votes go to him. I had a heck of a time getting through to vote on any of his numbers last night…in fact, I think I only got one vote in. It’s gonna be a long day waiting for tonight! :)
By JKirkwood
May 20, 2009 9:15 AM | Link to this
First off, its nice to know that at a time of record unemployment and other troubles in the US, that some hack British guy can make millions off of the idiotic public who would rather argue over something that doesnt matter in the first place, but anyways… Kris should win, however the “American Idle” audience doesnt actually care about real talent, they just care about the stupid gimmicks Adam does. Adam and Simon should start going together since its so apparent that Simon has a huge man crush on him.
By nacar
May 20, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
Glad you said that about Kris blowing a line. I was pretty sure of that, too! It surprised me that no one mentioned it. And my vote? Adam, all the way.
By Rhonda
May 20, 2009 8:16 AM | Link to this
I hope Kris wins! I think Adam is great but I can’t stand to watch him or listen when he does the screaming part in his songs; he is consistent when it comes to that high pitched scream and soon as goes to screaming I fast forward and I wonder how many others are turned off by that also. It could hurt him in the long run.
By Trish
May 20, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Could the judges gush anymore over Adam???? It’s sickening. Seriously, he is not all that. He had some good moments, but the screaming is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. I could almost see his head getting bigger with each of hte judges comments. I vote for humble Kris!!! I would rather listen to Kris any day of the week!! Go Kris!
By mom
May 20, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this
Well I hope Kris wins this because well…Adam if you listen while looking away it kinda seems as though he screams out his words. I was an Adam fan at first but all his songs end up like this. Kris on the other hand has different sounds and doen’t sound like he is screaming when you just listen to him to him. I think more will buy his music, we have enough of Adams out there now!
By Kelle
May 20, 2009 7:47 AM | Link to this
Thanks Ben for an outstanding commentary on the show last night. Adam and Kris are such completely different artists that it is impossible to predict who will win tonight. Personally, if you remove the last song, I think they both had solid and enjoyable performances. Was there enough to change anyone’s mind…naw. And speaking of the last song…that’s 10 minutes or so of my life I’ll never get back. That has to rank as the worst Idol winner’s song ever! Both the guys struggled with it and you could tell, were not real comfortable singing it either. I wonder if the show is contractually committed to recording that song for the winner’s first single. I hope not because it just sucks! I disagree Kim about tonight’s show. Yes it is a lot of stuff to put in two hours for 5 minutes of “and the winner is…” but the list of guest stars is huge (sorry, heard it on the radio and don’t remember) and I’ve always enjoyed the last show of the season. Can’t wait!!
By Squeak
May 20, 2009 7:39 AM | Link to this
Adam is unique and can sing his jeans off. Kris is a good singer but not Idol material. Adam should win because this is a singing competition. Good luck Adam,I cant wait to go to one of your concerts.
By Kris fan
May 20, 2009 1:49 AM | Link to this
I really hope Kris wins.I think Kris’s style of music will be more sought after than Adam’s style.Adam is too much of a drama Queen.We already have too many of those in Hollywood.After this season I am honestly thinking about not watching it anymore because of the judges. They have gone out of their way to support Adam the whole season .I do believe there is a hidden agenda!
By ELW
May 19, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this
If Kris wins, Adam will still do well in his career. However if Adam wins, Kris will probably do one album and sink back into obscurity. So I will not be upset if Adam loses because he will be sought out.
By Shantei
May 19, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
Hi Ben! Ok, Round 1, I honestly was bored to tears when Adam sung. I was hoping that Kris would sing Aint No Sunshine and he did! I loved it! Round 2, Adam was amazing! He sung Sam Cooke with such passion that you could see it! Kris was…Ok. I could see him singing that on a cruise ship. Round 3, I hated it for both of them. Adam could hit the notes and it was better suited for Kris, but the song was horrible. Too cheesy. So round 3 was a tie. And Ben, I did catch Kris blowing the line, he turned his head away from the mike so no one would catch it, but we did! Lol! Right now any one of them could win, but it will probably Adam.
By Kim
May 19, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this
I was glad to see Adam do Mad World because that was my fave of his from the season and I liked this. Again - he had the big dramatic stage entrance, not so much for Kris. I remembered Ain’t No Sunshine as a good one for Kris, and as he began, I was like - yeah I like this one, good arr..ange..ment…zzzzz OH - what, huh? Adam’s second song was good - but I was thinking - Okay we’re about halfway through - here it comes…waait for it - sca - REEEEEEAM - there it is. Predictable much? I LOVE What’s Goin’ On - but I thought Kris’s version was dismal. And the single - see what I mean about the crappy song they give them to perform??? I liked Kris’s styling of the song better but he didn’t have the chops for it and sounded strained throughout it. What a ridiculous song choice. Overall - I still don’t care - neither of them moved me or wooed me to any earth shattering degree. THe highlight of the show for me was that Anoop was behind Kris’s family - ha! And a 2 hour PLUS results show for 5 minutes of results? THAT is ridiculously overinflated. Are you kidding me???
By Aaron
May 19, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this
I think Kris will win because he will pick up more votes from Danny’s fans. People relate better to him and his music. More people would buy his CDs.
By rene
May 19, 2009 9:54 PM | Link to this
OK, I’ll go first tonight. Adam will probably win, but ‘ya know… Kris could pull it off. Mainly because I think that the Danny fans will go to Kris. Anyway, the performances were good-none of them blew me away though. I did feel bad that the judges seemed to have written Kris off at the end. Tomorrow will be interesting for sure. This season has been a good one I think!