Review of American Idol May 19th, 2009: Conway Vs. California May the Best Man Win

Tonight was the Final Performance Show of Season 8 of American Idol. It has come down to the guy from Conway, Arkansas and the guy from California. Two very different performers. Adam and Kris said they were both "totally" ready for tonight. Each final contestant has three songs they will sing tonight. The best song of the season, a song picked by the Creator of American Idol, Simon Fuller and the winner's new single co written by Kara DioGuardi.

Starting off the final performance night was Adam. He picked the best of the season's from the "Year Of Birth Week", with "Mad World". He had a dramatic entrance on top of the stairs with just his silhouette showing. He did a good job on the song. Randy said, "this is it" and "it's down to the wire". He gave an A+ plus for Adam. Kara said she was happy he chose that song. She said that he is an incredible artist. He rocked tonight! Paula said she was unbelievably proud of him. She told Adam to bask in the moment. Simon said he thought it was a little theatrical and more like Phantom of the Opera. Simon received a lot of boo's from the crowd for that statement.

Kris chose "Ain't No Sunshine". He played the piano on this performance. My personal opinion is that Kris has a very romantic voice. That is just my 2 cents. He is my personal pick that I would like to see win. Randy said that he can tell exactly what kind of artist Kris is. He thought Kris' performance was the best on that stage. Kara said that if you can't feel when Kris sings then you just can't feel. She said that Kris has the true markings of a great artist. Simon said we have to remember that this is a competition. He said last week he wasn't sure America made the right decision but this performance from Kris makes him take that back. Simon called the winner of Round 1 Kris.

Round 2 began with Adam singing the song choice by the Creator of American Idol, Simon Fuller. Simon Fuller chose "Change Is Gonna Come" for Adam. I thought it was a good song choice for him. He sang it well and with emotion. Randy said it showed the real reason Adam is here. He can sing! Kara said it may have been Kris' best performance. Paula said it was the best she has ever heard of sing. He looked like a super star. Paula said that Adam is going to be iconic no matter what happens with American Idol. Simon said Adam is 100% back in the game.

Kris Allen's song chosen by Simon Fuller was "What's Going On". He had the guitar out for this performance. Kris always has a reggae sound to his songs, which I love! He showed his artistry by making the song his own. Another awesome performance from Kris. Randy said that this is a real live dual competition. He said Kris' performance was a little bit lighter than he would have liked the night. Kara said that Kris has been true to himself since day one. Paula said he tore the song up! She said he would make Marvin Gaye proud. Simon said that Kris didn't grab a hold and make the song his own. Simon called Adam the winner of Round 2.

Adam began Round 3o of the night singing "No Boundaries" co written by Kara DioGaurdi. This will be the winner's single. I could see this song being a hit for Adam. Randy said that is was a little pitchy, but he has said it before and he will say it again. Adam can sing! Kara said she was moved and proud. Paula said that adjectives can't express what he has brought to the show. Simon said he is not judging Adam on the song, but the season. He also said that Adam is the most original contestant they have had on the show.

Kris brought a whole new feel to the song. He also sang "No Boundaries". Randy said Kris should be very proud of what he has done in the competition. He said he thought the song fit his voice better than Adam's. Kara said that Kris is a compelling artist and an incredible performer to watch. Paula told Kris to take it in. She said it was a compelling finale and that he deserves to be standing on the stage.

The night ended with Carrie Underwood singing "Home Sweet Home".

Tune in tomorrow night to see who brings home the American Idol honor. May the best man win!