Tuesday, May 19, 2009

American Idol: The Final Showdown

Jackie's TV Blog, American Idol

Well, tonight was the big showdown between Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. I think we've all known all along that Adam would be in the final and it's very obvious that the judges want him to win. Kris has been a dark horse all along. But, as I've watched him all season, I think I'd prefer Kris over Adam for the win. Let me tell you why ...

Adam is extremely theatrical. While he does have a good voice, he depends on theatrics and often screams to songs. While the judges often comment on other people screaming, he seems to float on by with it. I prefer his voice on softer songs like the rendition of "Mad World" which is strikingly similar to this version by Gary Jules. (Nope, Adam's not the creative genius they've made him to be.) Adam screamed the Sam Cook song tonight -- and got mad praises by the judges. Go figure.

Then there's Kris. While I don't see me running out and buying his stuff, I think he's definitely got a Jason Mraz/John Mayer vibe going on. That's very popular these days. Plus, he's an actual musician and I think he'll be writing songs as his career progresses. I've been one partial to singer-songwriters since my childhood. He did an excellent job singing "Ain't No Sunshine" once again.

In ten years I can see Adam doing reprisals of Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In ten years, I can see Kris having a career which parallels folks like James Taylor, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Who's the winner?

BTW - Kara's song did absolutely nothing for me ... sung by either contestant.

28 comments:

Delee said...

The song they have both contestants sing is always lousy, if you ask me. Never have liked them and that is the first single put out by the winner...yuck!

I could care less who wins in the long run. I do agree, Adam would be great in Rocky Horror Picture Show....

joy n said...

Jackie, I totally agree with your assessment of Adam's singing. His screaming turned me off to him a long time ago. His theatrics don't interest me in the least. He can do a nice ballad but I don't think he enjoys doing them and I'm a ballad kind of girl.

Also, for some reason, it gives me the creepies the way he flattens his tongue in his mouth for those screaming notes. It just looks icky to me.

I really like Kris' voice and think he does an excellent ballad. If he put out a CD full of them, I'd buy it.

Sorry, Adam, I can't imagine spending a dime on you, but maybe those judges who love you so much will.

Jennasmom said...

Jackie, I agree about Kara's song. I fell asleep during both performances of it. I think the show was geared towards Adam tonight. The Kara song was too high for Kris, but geared toward Adam who, as my mom says, sings like a girl. Albeit, a screaming girl. I don't think Simon Fuller did Kris any great service with the song he picked for him to sing. They said it was too laid back for this stage of the competition. Well, then why did Simon Fuller pick it? Could it be they want Adam to win? I really don't care who wins - I'm still upset that Allison wasn't there tonight. : (

dla said...

I completely disregard the song they both sing. It always sucks, and should be eliminated from the show, IMO.

So, with that being said, they each sang two songs. I thought Adam nailed both of them and Kris nailed one of them.

However, I don't care who wins, and I believe Adam's career may be better without the title of American Idol, and Kris may actually benefit from it.

Adam has been my favorite throughout the season, without a doubt.

You say to-ma-to, I say to-mah-to, and all that jazz. :)

Olympic Reporting said...

In My Opinion Kris Allen is the American Idol Winner.

meb said...

I agree about Adam's screaming... just don't like it, but maybe he'll tone it down, or someone will tone it down for him for the future. But... dla... I'm with you... I happen to love his theatrics, I believe it's part of his charm. And let's face it, when he's not screaming, he has a pretty good voice, (I don't care if it sounds like a girl).

There's a contestant on the British talent show that has this deep voice when he speaks, but when he sings, he has a very soprano voice, so much like a girl that even tho Simon loved him, his comment was, "It was so not what I expected and reminded me of a dog meowing"... and that was a compliment.

I like Kris as well, but he's not a performer like Adam. With that said, I really don't care who wins. I don't vote, so I'll take what I get.

Later

Anonymous said...

Opinions are great and here's mine.

Adam Lambert is the best talent Idol has ever uncovered. The "screaming" is vocal range people. Kris Allen is a sweet boy that will do well in coffee houses. Looks like a chimp when he sings. Actually. Adam will move on with his career faster without the win but it is a matter of princial that he does win since this is a singing competition. He has been a frontrunner from the beginning and to think that Kris can beat him is absurd.

Connie in Fla said...

Jackie,Ahem and Ahem. I tollally
agree with you. And Joy n I give
you three Ahems! You both hit the nail on the head,right on! Lets see
what happens the next few years.
Hope we will not be disappointed.

joy n said...

The entertainment tonight has been really great. I especially loved Kris and Keith Urban singing together. It actually got me up dancing and it felt GOOD! Those two can kiss this girl ANY time. This show is rockin' tonight!

And now it's Danny Gokey and Lionel Richie. I think I just died and went to heaven!

dla said...

joy, thanks for the endorsement. I was debating whether I wanted to watch tonight, and you have convinced me!!

See y'all after the show ends on the West Coast...

SueGee said...

The show sounds pretty good! Can't wait until its on here on the left coast!

I have found this a pretty entertaining season, but I'm not torn between the final two, I really don't care LOL. I haven't bought anything by any present or former idol - so I don't need to have a favorite.

joy n said...

Now a little Carlos Santana and Black Magic Woman. His was the first concert I went to in L.A. when I lived there. Oh, the smoky days of '72.

joy n said...

Kris and Adam just got their brand new cars. Ford Fusions. Hybrid.

joy n said...

Rod Stewart singing Maggie.

Lars said...

Hi Jackie

joy n said...

Well. that Tatiana thing was a bit over-rehearsed, I think.

Ha, I swear, my wv is dingbt. How fitting for a comment about Tatiana.

joy n said...

I won't name the winner here in case I spoil it for someone.

This was a very entertaining finale.

joy n said...

I forgot to mention earlier that Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas also performed earlier tonight.

joy n said...

Holey Moley!

Karen in Oregon said...

can someone say who won??

joy n said...

Since you asked and I'm dying to say.............................

KRIS WON!

Jackie S. said...

Karen - Kris won ... I posted a bulletin.

Karen in Oregon said...

Thanks Jackie I just saw that WOOOHOOO I was hoping so I really liked Chris :) thanks again for all your updates Jackie you are the best

joy n said...

Sorry, Jackie, I didn't know you were here.

Anonymous said...

hey jackie

my name is also jackie and i am from south africa, i have always wanted a blogging buddy from overseas and i am excited to have found you coz so far you like the same things as i do. i love watching idols but we can only get them via satelite so we get them way way too late, rite now we are still on the eliminatioin rounds, its sad but true, i cant wait to see the finals which will be in a long time but thanks to you i now know who won.if you are interested in checking me out- jacquelinemodise@blogspot.com looking forward to hearing from you.

Anonymous said...

In Adam's defense, I don't consider it screaming if it sounds really really good (imo). Adam reaches high notes in tune. He does an excellent blend of using his chest and head register when he sings. He has had many memorable moments throughout the season. (Kris is often forgettable and IMO that isn't a good thing. I think it makes it more likely that Kris will be forgotten after the season.) Adam's voice overall has a beautiful tone even when he is just using his low and mid and high notes (and not his highest notes).

Nina

Anonymous said...

In Adam's defense, I don't consider it screaming if it sounds really really good (imo). Adam reaches high notes in tune. He does an excellent blend of using his chest and head register when he sings. He has had many memorable moments throughout the season. (Kris is often forgettable and IMO that isn't a good thing. I think it makes it more likely that Kris will be forgotten after the season.) Adam's voice overall has a beautiful tone even when he is just using his low and mid and high notes (and not his highest notes). Also If I can't have you was completely rearranged by Adam himself and was a stunning ballad.

Nina

Anonymous said...

You're right. That's your opinion but apparently NOT the majority of the voters opinion who decided that Kris should win. Adam will do fine on his own. Why keep bashing Kris? Many voters disagree with you.