American Idol, May 19 - Guy Next Door Vs. Guy with the Eyeliner

To quote Ryan Seacrest, tonight's American Idol was "a battle of the acoustic rocker vs. the glam rocker or the guy next door vs. the guy with the guyliner." Adam Lambert and Kris Allen performed three songs tonight; a song of their choice, a song chosen by Idol producer, Simon Fuller and a new song written by Kara DioGuardi. Kris won the coin toss and elected to go second.

Adam's personal choice song was Mad World that he performed on the "Songs from the year they were born" show. Randy loved seeing Adam's sensitive side and also loved his long coat and the fog. Kara loved his song choice and called him an incredible artist that really rocked it tonight. Paula said she is unbelievably proud of him and told him this was his moment. Simon said, "I thought it was going to be your best performance but it was over theatrical with the long coat and fog. It reminded me of Phantom of the Opera." Kris, at the piano, chose Ain't No Sunshine, a song he also performed earlier in season. Randy said, "This is what I love about you. You saved some of the best for last. This was your best performance on this stage." Kara commented on the intimate bond that Kris creates with the audience with each song he performs. Paula said he awakened a spirit in everyone and called him a great artist. Simon said, "This is a competition and last week I wasn't sure that America made the right choice. I take all of that back after that performance." Simon declared Kris the winner of round one.

Adam performed Change is Gonna Come chosen by Simon Fuller. Randy said, "That is an amazing R&B classic song. You can sing your face off. That was unbelievable." Kara thought it was his best performance of the season and loved his interpretation. Paula said it is the best she's ever heard and called Adam a superstar. Simon said, "You are 100% back in the game. Congratulations." Kris performed What's Goin' On also chosen by Simon Fuller. Randy said, "This is a real live duel competition. You sang it great, but it was a little light." Kara said Kris has been true to himself since day one and thought it was a very uplifting performance. Paula said he would have made Marvin (Gaye) proud with that performance. Simon said, "It sounded like five friends strumming along to Marvin Gaye in their bedroom. It was too laid back for the finale show." Simon declared Adam the winner of round two.

Adam and Kris performed No Boundaries written by Kara DioGuardi for the finale. After Adam's performance, Randy thought it was just all right. Kara was moved and proud that he sang her song. Paula said there are no more adjectives to describe Adam. Simon said, "I'm not going to judge you on that song. You are one of the best most original contestants on the show. We found a worldwide star in you." After Kris's performance, Randy said he was very proud of the amazing job Kris has done in the competition. Kara said, "You should be judged on the fact you are a compelling artist and fans should vote on the season." Paula feels Kris deserves to be in the spotlight. Simon said, "The highlight was your first song. You thoroughly deserve to be standing on this stage." Carrie Underwood closed out the show with a live performance of Motley Crue's Home Sweet Home, the going away theme song of the season.

Rumors are rampant on the Internet about the stars that will appear on tomorrow night's finale. Potential performers include Keith Urban, Steve Martin, Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Cyndi Lauper, Lionel Richie, Queen Latifah, KISS, Carlos Santana, David Bowie and last year's winner, David Cook. Voting lines are open for a full four hours tonight. Tune in tomorrow night at 8:00 PM EST on FOX for the two hour live finale to see if America chose Adam, the predicted winner throughout the season, or Kris, the quiet dark horse, as the Season 8 winner.