photo: fox
American Idol
Finale
Original Air Date: May 19, 2009
Patricia Morris Buckley — Associate Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com
While Adam Lambert has been the frontrunner for so many weeks now, it seems strange that choosing between the final two isn’t as easy as it once appeared. It’s like being offered two really great kinds of ice cream and not being able to have a scoop of both.
Adam is a wildly talented vocalist who also seems like a genuinely sweet guy. He’s also a great showman. While I’m not a big fan of his musical genre, I would definitely buy a ticket to see him in concert.
Then there’s the less bombastic, rather quiet Kris Allen. I heard a phrase about him that sums up his appeal — radio friendly. I have a few of his performances from iTunes and I’m amazed when I hear them. He’s seriously good, but he doesn’t indulge in the vocal gymnastic that AI contestants love to do. I would seriously buy his album.
When I sat down last night after the finale, it really came down to who had done the best all season long and then the choice was easy — Adam. He rarely missed notes, always imprinted his artistic vision on his choices and delivered performances that were extremely entertaining. Kris is also able to make a song his own, but he didn’t get the straight A’s that Adam did.
Again, it would be nice to get a sundae with a scoop of each flavor, but that isn’t what a contest is about. I comfort myself with the knowledge that the Top 4 will probably all get signed by labels (and hopefully, Anoop too).
So here’s a quick look at last night’s performances. The first song had to be a repeat performance, the second a song chosen by show creator Simon Fuller and the last a song co-written by Kara. Can I get it out of the way right now that Kara’s song sucked? And the socially conscious songs from the ‘60s picked by Fuller didn’t help us much in selecting a “contemporary artist!” OK, I feel better now.
ADAM: Mad World
This time it was even more theatrical with fog (I couldn’t see him for the first 15 seconds) and Keanu Reeves black trench coat from Matrix. But he did any even better job vocally this time.
Randy loves that he showed his sensitive side and gives him an A+. Kara knew from the first time she heard him that he was an incredible artist. Paula calls him handsome and is proud of him. Simon thinks it’s Adam’s best performance to date, but calls him on the theatrics.
KRIS: Ain’t No Sunshine
He’s on the piano instead of the guitar this time and slows it down a little (I know because his original performance is on my iPod).
Randy thinks it’s his best performance on this stage. Kara praises the way he has of creating an intimate bond with the audience. Paula thinks he “Allenizes” every song and is a great artist. Simon admits he hadn’t been happy with last week’s results but after this performance has changed his mind – he calls the round for Kris.
ADAM: A Change is Gonna Come”
I like the slick suit and vocal shadings, although he does get a bit screechy in spots.
Randy calls it unbelievable. Kara likes his high notes and interpretation. Paula says it’s the best she’s ever heard him sing and adds that he will be iconic. Simon says he’s 100 percent back in the game.
KRIS: What’s Going On?
He’s back on the guitar and adds some nice texture to the song.
Randy likes how light Kris is. Kara praises his ability to be true to himself. Paula says Marvin Gaye would be proud. Simon compares it to three friends in a bedroom singing to Marvin Gaye and says it’s too laid back for such an important night.
ADAM: No Boundaries
He makes the most of a lame song, although he may be trying too hard.
Randy says he can sing anything but is pitchy in spots. Kara is moved and proud to have him sing her song. Paula promises to be a fan forever. Simon says he’s one of the most original contestants the show has ever had. “I believe in all my heart, we have found a worldwide superstar,” he says.
KRIS: No Boundaries
I liked the beginning but it flattened out for me by the end.
Randy says the key is too high for him, but calls him an amazing competitor (in other words, welcome to second place!). Kara says he’s a compelling artist who has been incredible week to week and hopes people vote based on the whole season. Paula calls this one of the most compelling finales. Simon says he thoroughly deserves to be on that stage tonight.
Nope, don’t bother telling me who you voted for … we’ll know tonight. Then give us you Two Cents!
TheTwoCents 
I haven’t really watched this season, but I caught most of the finale waiting for Glee to start. I didn’t really care for either one, to be honest. I remember Adam in Wicked. I’ve seen a lot of Fiyeros in my time (most of them on youtube and other sources haha), and Adam was definitely my least favorite one. As you said, he has a tendency to get very screechy. He’s a fine showman, sure, but I’ll pass on his singing. What genre would he go on to sing later anyway. Falsetto screechy pop? Is he the next Barry Gibb? Adam-mania missed me completely.
But Kris didn’t impress me, either. He was a fine singer, but I didn’t see or hear anything particularly special. He’s definitely radio friendly pop. But there’s a lot of radio-friendly pop out there. What does he bring to them table to set him apart, other than the fact that he was AI, which doesn’t really give him much of an edge in the market.