American Idol Finale Night One!
Last night, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert sang three songs in hopes of becoming the next American Idol. The first was their pick of their favorite performance from the season, the second was a song chosen for them by American Idol’s creator Simon Fuller, and the third was a song co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi. Both Kris and Adam gave it there all, but by the end of the show, it was kinda clear who was ahead, at least in the judges eyes.
Kris Allen has been labeled the “dark horse” of the competition, whose boyish charm and good looks gave him an edge early on. My favorite performance by Kris last night was “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Usually I make fun of the statements the judges make about performances being “compelling and intimate,” but honestly, if I had been at the Kodak Theatre along with the thousands of other people to watch him perform this live, that’s what it would have been for me. His voice has a way of conveying emotion, and this song, which he chose as his favorite performance of the season, showcased that beautifully. I loved that he played it on the piano too. Check out “Ain’t No Sunshine” here:
Adam Lambert has been labeled the “most current and original” artist American Idol has ever had. Out of the three songs he sang, “Change is Gonna Come” was my favorite. Simon Fuller chose the song and I liked it best because it kept the extreme high notes to a minimum and showed that he can sing a song without screaming the whole way through it. Don’t get me wrong, his range is really impressive, but it’s also tiresome. I liked that the song gave us a bluesy side of Adam and that it added depth to his otherwise one-dimensional “rock god” persona. Even rock gods need to switch it up sometimes, which is exactly what this song did for him. Check him out singing “Change is Gonna Come” here:
Both contestants had their moments to shine – Simon said Kris won round one with “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Adam chose “Mad World” for that segment, which came off theatrical and weird – think “dry ice, overly theatrical, kind of like phantom of the opera with Ryan at your side.” You can always count on Simon to be brutally honest, even in the finals.
Round two went to Adam with “Change is Gonna Come.” Simon Fuller chose “What’s Goin On” by Marvin Gaye to sing for this round, which got mixed reviews by the judges. It was an acoustic take on the classic socially conscious song, which Simon thought wasn’t too laid back for the setting and “a night like this.” Paula loved it though – “I know what’s goin on – you made Marvin Gaye proud!” Awesome play on words there Paula – I wonder if she practiced that.
Which brings us to round 3. The people at Idol made an interesting decision here – they decided to have both Adam and Kris sing the same song that just so happened to be co-written by Kara DioGuardi. Adam did really well with the song. It was higher pitched and we all know how much he loves that! Simon said he believed that they had found a “worldwide star” in Adam. Paula said words could not express how much she loved him. Kara was “moved and proud.” Sweet.
Then came Kris‘ turn. The song was in too high of a pitch for him, and it seemed like he was struggling through it. I thought the song fit Adam’s tone and voice much better than it did Kris’. At the end, the judges pretty much said good luck and goodbye to Kris, with hopes that America votes based on the competition as a whole and not just the final night.
Hmmm what does that mean judges? You think Adam should win? That was the overall feeling I got. Adam definitely won round 3, which would technically mean he won the finals.
There could still be an upset all you Kris Allen fans out there! I like him a lot, really I do, but I don’t think he’s going to win. Sad but true. Tune in tonight to see if we’re right! 9pm on FOX – p.s. Ryan said about 4 times that the show will go over the allotted time, so don’t forget to “set your DVR” accordingly!
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