American Idol:Kris Allen Hits His Stride

Kara DioGuardi referred to Kris Allen as the dark horse in the competition. I beg to differ. Kris has proven through his innovative arrangements and subtle heartfelt delivery that he's an artist that knows a little something about artistry. He's no dark horse trying to make his way out of the back field; he's a stallion running for the finish line.

Out of all the contestants on this year's American Idol, he is the one who has consistently put the judges advice to good use. Each suggestion he's been given, he has incorporated into his repertoire and come back with an even better performance. Randy Jackson is quick to point out that it's a singing competition. That's true but it is also a competition that highlights how a contestant progresses, grows and deals with the rigors of new found fame.

Adam Lambert is a singular talent, but American Idol has not necessarily helped to craft him into a better performer. He's a risk taker through and through. If you've seen some those get ups he's been photographed in on the Internet, you know that is not a lie. Adam Lambert came to Idol fully formed. Though he is humble and effusive one gets the feeling that his growth was already a done deal. His chameleon like ability to be whatever is called for is a testament to his talent. However one is able to chart Kris Allen's growth from week to week on the show.

He went from being that cute kid next door to that sexy guy to a guy who's record you can't wait to hear. Kris Allen has the knack of making everything old feel new and fresh effortlessly. Tonight singing "The Way You Look Tonight" which is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. One has to believe that Kris's performance of that song was what Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields had in mind when they teamed up and put pin to paper and brought the immortal arrangement and timeless lyrics to life. When he breathed new life into Bill Wither's, "Ain't No Sunshine", I was pleasantly surprised. Then when he dived off the deep end with Donna Summer's "She Works Hard For the Money" and came up golden, I was sure he was no one trick pony. Now that Kris Allen has made the classic, "The Way You Look Tonight" feel and sound like it Kern and Fields wrote it just for him instead of 73 years ago for the movie Swing Time, I know he's destined for greatness.

It's obvious that Adam and Danny are the one's to beat, Kris Allen could be a spoiler in the ranks. When Simon asks the question of whether the contestants think they can win American Idol, it really is a loaded question. As the Top 10 they were in stellar company. As one of the Top 5, there is no way to lose. Tonight Jamie Foxx gave Kris Allen one of the greatest compliments one artist can give another when he said in essence that he'd be willing to share his spotlight with him by doing a record together. That is high praise indeed. Even if Kris left tomorrow, it would not change the fact that he's an artist to watch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_You_Look_Tonight

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Kern