05/19/09
Post details: The final performances
As I'm writing this, millions of fingers are dialing or texting, casting votes for the next American Idol.
But just who that will be will remain a mystery until Wednesday night. Trying to predict who that will be is nearly impossible.
Tuesday was the battle of the acoustic rocker and the glam rocker.
Here is what I thought of both Kris Allen and Adam Lambert in the finale.
Each had to sing three songs: one of their favorites from the season, a choice from creator Simon Fuller and a song co-written by Kara.
Adam (Mad World) -- This was my favorite of all his performances. I hope he puts this on his album. Still as good as the first time we heard him sing, if not better.
Kris (Ain't No Sunshine) -- This too was one of my favorites by Kris. I think he had more memorable performances during the season, but still one of the best!
Adam (Change is Going to Come) -- IT was kind of a more subdued Adam. I was hoping for a real rock song not so much blues. Still a good performance, but not what I was looking for from him.
Kris (What's Going On) -- I love the arrangement with acoustic guitar, bass and drums. This showed the power of his voice. True to what he does as a performer. Loved it!
Adam (No Boundaries) -- It was a good performance, but it doesn't sound like the type of song he would sing. Personally -- with him singing it --- I don't like the song.
Kris (No Boundaries) -- This song was too high for him and it's too bad because he's much better than this.
Overall, after hearing them both sing it, I hate this song. It's horrendous and doesn't suit either of them. They should have picked a good song, not just one written by Kara.
For me, both Adam and Kris were at their best in the first songs. The rest of the show was kind of a letdown.
It really is difficult to call this one. I can tell you I'm probably more apt to by Kris' CD than I am Adam's. But If I have to choose a winner, I pick Adam Lambert as the next American Idol.
Comments:
ADAM (Mad World) - I think his first performance of this song was probably my all-time favorite AI moment of all time so I wasn't expecting anything to top it. He brought the visual effects with the dried ice and his long, black coat which gave it a very gothic feel. His vocals were strong. What's wrong with theatrical? It worked for Freddie Mercury. I just love this song.
(A Change Is Gonna Come) - This was Taylor Hick's audition song and that was also a very special AI moment for me. But hey, Adam has a bluesy, soulful side here that I hadn't heard before. He controlled the song beautifully where he let the lyrics shine through. And he sure worked the suit also.
(No Boundaries) - Please, please, please AI - no more coronation songs. These songs do nothing for anyone - the performer, the song writer, the judges and the American public in general. A huge yuk. But having said all of that, Adam got out of it everything he could.
KRIS (Ain't No Sunshine) - I would love to sit in a dark lounge somewhere and just listen to this guy on either piano or guitar. He is truly gifted in his musical interpretations and did a great one on this song. Am I starting to hear just a bit of vocal fatigue? I'll hold judgment until the next performance.
(What's Going On) - Yeah, I'm thinking Kris' voice is starting to leave him. I love this song and have Robert Palmer's version downloaded. I don't think this is a song that Kris would chose for himself and with his fading chords, it just didn't rise up to the level of his first song.
(No Boundaries) - Well if I had any doubt whatsoever this song sealed the deal. It was totally out of his range and with an overused throat, he struggled through it. One more time - please drop the original song and give these guys every chance to do what they can with what they have left.
Now, who wins this thing? If you vote based on overall consistency from week to week, it's Adam's, hands down. I don't think he had an off week vocally, just maybe some odd choices (Ring of Fire, even though I liked it). I picked Adam in my February 4 blog and have never waivered from it.
Kris' Dirty Laundry was horrible. But you know what? That's nitpicking, really. He had so many more high points than low points. I originally had him picked in the bottom five of the original 13, so great job Kris, you won me over big time.
I think this is how it will shake down. I believe that Danny Gokey's votes will swing Kris' way and that may very well be the difference. Unfortunately there are people in this world who won't vote for Adam based purely on what they perceive his 'lifestyle' to be and that's very sad. But let's face it, Adam is going on to huge things and finishing second on AI won't hurt him at all. In fact, it will probably be a blessing in disguise.
I hope we get to see Norman Gentle and Tatiana del Toro tonight. I'm kind of missing their drama.
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