Final 2 - Upset Edition

Let’s get right into this.

Wait a minute, I have two sideline issues that I need to mention first: (a) I cannot put into words strong enough to express my disgust for that chessy mess of a song written by Kara DioGuardi. I know that every year the American Idol winner’s song is stupid, but this was just a special kind of stupid. And, (b) I’m not sure why Simon Cowell even had buttons on that shirt. That was just ridiculous. Now, on to the performers:

1. Kris Allen, Contestant’s Choice: “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers – I will admit again that I have totally underestimated Kris all season. I have thought him to be boring with a few occasional surprisingly (to me) good performances. When he sang this song earlier in the season, he showed what potential he had. Tonight, in his reprise, I believe he was even better than the first time.

Simon Fuller’s Choice: “What’s Goin’ On” by Marvin Gaye – I was very concerned when we were told what Simon Fuller (creator of “American Idol” and the Spice Girls) had chosen for Kris. This is as iconic as “One” last week. Those Brits seemingly love to throw challenges out there to give those that think are really good a chance at greatness or flopping. Kris did not flop. Far from it. The judges that did not believe he did something special to “make the song his own” were being plain dopey. I had thought “Ain’t No Sunshine” (both times) were Kris’s best performances this season. Then, he surpassed that with this song 12 minutes later.

Common Song: “No Boundaries” by Kara DioGuardi and two others – This terrible song of drivel, in my opinion, was written for the expected winner Adam. While Kris couldn’t do much with it, I will say that he was competent with it. My bias could very be showing here, but I honestly feel that he performed Adam’s song better than Adam. I hated both versions, but I tolerated Kris’s more.

2. Adam Lambert, Contestant’s Choice: “Mad World” by Tears For Fears – Oh, the drama of Adam. The lighting. The smoke. The long coat. The boots. It’s all about the “Adam Lambert Experience” as he now always feels that he has to be bigger than the song. Maybe it is because of all the hype about him and him feeling that he has to live up to it. Maybe he is bored with just plain singing (or he fears we would be bored if he just sang without all the theatrics). I don’t know. But, this performance is a primary example of why I think Adam will not sell albums. His game works the first time he does something, but I am not excited whatsoever to see it a second time. When he first did this song earlier in the season, it was surprising and haunting and stood out. When he did a second time, I (for one) did not care and actually fast-forwarded my DVR a quarter of the way through his performance. Of course, he is a good singer, but, if even he doesn’t think that is enough, I’m not going to feel bad for not caring.

Simon Fuller’s Choice: “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke – Another chance at flopping or greatness with an iconic song. When Sam Cooke sings this, you know he is singing about a change in society. When Adam Lambert sings it, it seems like he is singing that HE is the change that is coming. He has made some good choices in the past of holding back from his customary over-the-top shrieking on the right songs. Not last night with this one. Adam remains polarizing to the end. If you like his over-the-top act, then this was for you. If you never liked it, well, you know where I’m going. If you are in the middle (like me), you just want him to do it at the right times. On “Cryin’”, shriek away. On “A Change is Gonna Come”, not so much. But, maybe that’s just me.

Common Song: “No Boundaries” by Kara DioGuardi and two others – How many more ways can I talk about the awfulness of the song? Adam did the best he could and did act out the song in addition to singing it. I am not an Adam hater, so I’ll just leave this song alone.

At the beginning of this season, the son of one of my very best friends commented that Adam is “so now” or “current” (I can’t remember exactly which one). Mrs. RAD has commented rather to the opposite that Adam is more “retro-outrageous” and is not very original at all. But, while everyone has been talking about the Adam phenomenon all season, Kris has quietly shown up every week too and humbly stated this week that he belongs as well. Adam might be “current”, but that doesn’t mean he is “tomorrow” as well. He is a passing fad like Acid-washed jeans. I am having a tough time imaging an entire album of Adam Lambert songs, and I know I wouldn’t buy it. Meanwhile, as soon as Kris’s version of “What’s Goin’ On” is available on iTunes, I am getting it. As much as it is derided, there is a reason that “pop music” sells. It is popular. And, so is Kris.

Adam has his definite fan base and so does Kris. The other contestant who also had a fan base this season was Daniel Gokey. Surely, many of them have gone away and are not voting with him gone. But, for those that will vote, can you see them going for Adam?

American Idol Winner Prediction: Kris Allen

Take care. Your comments are much appreciated.