American Idol Recap, May 19, 2009: Adam Lambert & Kris Allen Face Off

The Nokia Theater in Los Angeles was packed to its maximum of 7,000 with standing room only. The American Idol set was dressed up more than usual. It was the last night the two finalists, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, would sing on American Idol.

The first two songs were chosen by the performers themselves. Kris Allen had won the toss and elected to go second. So first up was Adam Lambert, who performed "Mad World", a highly successful song for him, judging by iTunes sales. Adam descended the stairs in deep blue mood lighting, singing soulfully. The long black coat and fog gave the set a mysterious quality and added to Adam's haunting performance of the song. Simon said it reminded him a bit of "Phantom of the Opera", while Randy compared it to "Twilight". Adam's facial expressions showed a deep, serious passion that only added to the mysterious song interpretation. Rating: A+

Kris Allen then played the piano and sang "Ain't No Sunshine", originally performed by Bill Withers. This is one of my all-time favorite songs, and I thought Kris did an outstanding job of interpreting the song. Randy called it one of his best ever. Even though I've been an Adam Lambert fan all season long, I have to hand it to Kris on this number. Of all of his songs, I think I like this one the best. Rating: A+

The next song choices were those that Simon Fuller, American Idol's creator picked for each contestant. Adam Lambert went first with "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke. If you have not heard Adam Lambert perform this song, go on YouTube and listen. This is perhaps Adam's best performance to date. From "I was born by the river..." to "It's been a long time comin' / but I know / a change is gonna come", Adam sang the epitome of what a blues song is all about. I don't believe I have ever heard this song sung so well, with so much soul. Adam Lambert showed his range, his enunciation, his emotional projection, and the depth of his style in this song. This has now become one of my all-time favorite blues songs.

Kara said "That may have been the best performance and interpretation since the beginning of the competition... a great combination of high notes and emotion." Paula was visibly struck by this song, saying, "That was the best I ever heard you sing... ever, ever, ever!" I have to totally agree with them. Simon gave the second round "1 million percent" to Adam. This song was beyond amazing. Rating: A+++++ ad infinitum.

Kris Allen then sang Simon Fuller's choice for him - "What's Goin' On" by Marvin Gaye, another of my all-time favorite songs. For me, although Kris sang this well, this serious song about war and society's ills was too light and happy and not soulful enough, certainly nowhere near Marvin Gaye's interpretation. But Kris is being Kris and sticking with his boy-next-door interpretation of songs. Simon said, "it was like 3 friends in a bedroom strumming along to Marvin Gaye." Rating: B+

The next song choice was the same for both competitors - "No Boundaries" by Kara DioGuardi, one of the judges. This was not an easy song to sing. The notes were bouncing all over the place, and yet Adam was able to touch each one exactly on key.

For Adam Lambert the song started off slow and steady, then the percussion and bass came in and added some momentum to the tempo. The lighting brightened up from blue to gold and deep pinkish purple, bringing in the inspiring "climb another mountain" segment. Interestingly, Adam Lambert does all of his staging, lighting, and direction, plus helps with the music arrangement.

Adam's voice picked up the pace and got into the higher notes, hitting every one on tempo and perfectly in pitch. His breath control on this song, although challenging, wasn't even noticeable. This song displayed his true command of even a difficult song - his true command of his vocals, phrasing, and pitch. The song drew to a close with a softening melody, back to the blue lighting, upbeat again, and finish.

Randy said, "Dude, you can sing anything." Kara praised him for singing her song so well. Paula Abdul said, "Adjectives cannot express what you've brought to this show Season 8... I'm in awe... I will be a fan forever." Simon said, "Over the entire season, you have been one of the best, most original contestants we've ever had on the show. The whole idea about doing a show like this is that you hope you can find a worldwide star. I genuinely believe with all my heart that we have found that with you. Congratulations." Even Ryan Seacrest called Adam, "a class act". Rating: A+

Kris Allen then sang the same song. From the beginning, it seemed Kris wasn't connecting with the song emotionally, but it got better the more he got into it. This song had a range that Kris was not comfortable with, and some of the higher notes were weak and strained as a result. Kris' choosing to go second in the lineup may have not served him well here. Having just heard Adam really sing this song, Kris' interpretation fell a bit flat by comparison. Rating A-

Kris is a good singer, and he thoroughly deserved to be on the stage with Adam. He gave Adam a run for his money. But in the end, Adam's range, presentation, staging, pitch, and emotional interpretations simply outshone Kris'. Kris Allen is a good singer. Adam Lambert is an outstanding, original singer and performer.

All season long, American Idol Season 8 has been full of highs and lows and has turned out to be an intense but enjoyable journey for the diehard fans. Whoever wins, only time will be the judge of which of these two excellent finalists will have star staying power and that special something that sells albums and fills stadiums.

Four hours of voting followed the show. The winner will be revealed in a two hour red carpet American Idol special on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

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