American Idol Finale Recap: Kris or Adam Can Win
Posted by ERIN in American IdolMay 19th, 2009, 11:40 PM
Tonight we sat through the final Adam Lambert wails and Kris Allen warblings on American Idol. I would’ve preferred an Adam vs Allison Iraheta finale but hey, it is what it is (Kat and I have literally heard this phrase 5+ times today).
Adam Lambert - Mad World Encore (VIDEO): On go the fog machines and here comes Adam sauntering toward us in a Matrix-style coat (looking more Trinity than Neo, but you knew I was gonna go there). I agreed with Paula (holy crap) and Simon that Adam was too pouty and overly-theatrical. His original “Mad World” performance was better because he was stationary, sitting and sullen. Tonight didn’t have the same effect, but was still good and Randy gave it an “A+. A for Adam!” (a very well job done, Randy - you can spell!).
Kris Allen - Ain’t No Sunshine Encore (VIDEO): Anyone else think the Allen family portrait they showed was reminiscent of the site du jour: AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com? Anyway, Kris’ vocal was a little shaky at the start and the song came off a bit lite-rock and try-too-hard serious, but it probably worked for his tweenage fans. Paula made me gag with her opening commentary, “Kris, you awaken the spirit in all of us..” *HURP*
Simon declares Kris the winner of Round 1.
Adam Lambert - A Change is Gonna Come (VIDEO): Moving on to the song picks by American Idol creator Simon Fuller. Wow, the opening instrumentals sounded a lot like “Cry Baby” (not like I’m obsessed er nuthin’). The judges LOVED this, but I thought it stank! Adam didn’t have the bluesy, soulful quality that would’ve served this song well. He did get back in his comfort zone by throwing in a patented Lambert screaming note at the end…so there’s that…
*** WE INTERRUPT THIS RECAP FOR A SURI CRUISE SIGHTING. WTF. ***
Kris Allen - What’s Going On (VIDEO): I thought this song choice was much better for Kris than “A Change is Gonna Come” was for Adam. I think the musical terminology for this performance is “easy-peasy” - it was right up Kris’ acoustic guitar-playing alley. Paula made me LOL with her enthusiastic comment, “Kris, I know ‘what’s goin on’: you TORE UP THAT SONG!” The other judges didn’t give Kris as much love (Simon thought Adam won Round 2). They really seem to be gunning for an Adam win.
Adam Lambert - No Boundaries (VIDEO): So this is the song (co-)written by love-her-or-hate-her Fourth Judge: Kara DioGuardi. I thought it was catchy fluff, as her songs tend to be. I gotta say, Adam was terrible with this song (Randy agrees with me, so suck it haters)! Part of it could’ve been the band and back-up singers overdoing it yet again and drowning him out. But the other part of it was definitely Adam’s fault: he was shouting, frantic, pitchy in places. I wrote down “Wow, gross” in my notes, so there! I think his voice was just all wrong for the song’s melody and pace.
Kris Allen - No Boundaries (VIDEO): After Adam’s iffy rendition, I wasn’t sure if Kris had the right voice for this song. But y’know, I actually think he was better! He didn’t use the rubbish back-up singers or big band, so it worked with his earnest/genuine voice. He was off in the high notes for sure, but both of the gents struggled with those. A shame that Kara wrote a song that is gonna be a pain in the buns for the winner to sing repeatedly. I liked Kris’ version more, but all of the judges gave him condescending, kiss-of-death feedback, so it’s clear that they preferred Adam’s version.
Who do I think will win? I honestly don’t know and am indifferent. Each guy has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’ll be interesting to see who pulls through. It’s all about fan-base at this point.
Who do you think deserves to win American Idol after tonight’s genial battle royale: Adam Lambert or Kris Allen?
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May 20th, 2009 at 6:14 am
Yes i like that….
May 20th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Oddly enough, Kris wasn’t even judged for his horrible rendition of that horrible song he sang at the end. His first song was good, but everything else he did that night wasn’t so good.
Adam was not his best but still much better than Kris over all.
He is OK, but doesn’t really even hold a candle to Adam Lambert.
I personally think that Adam will be lucky if he loses this competition.
May 21st, 2009 at 6:57 pm
wow, congrats to Kris Allen, he may have been surprised, but oh well, he won!
it seems like he’s gonna have to grow into his new “crown”