The Season 8 Finals!

I knew from the beginning that Adam Lambert would be here in the Season 8 American Idol finals, but Kris Allen has risen above all the others to surprise us and take the place right next to him. They are going to sing three songs each tonight to win our votes...

The first selection from Adam was his rendition of the Tears For Fears song Mad World that he did earlier in the competition. This time it was even bigger and better than before. We were treated to another grand entrance down a dramatic staircase and the stage was covered with fog. He wore an even more over the top glam rock, goth ensemble and his vocals were just has spectacular as we have come to expect.

Kris is going to have to step up to the challenge of following the Adam Extravaganza all night and for this first round he decided to resurrect his performance of Bill Wither's Ain't No Sunshine. He sat at the piano and brought his subtle style to this wonderful song. While his vocals have never been his stand-out feature, he still can entertain in a way that is appealing to the mainstream. He re-created this song just enough making sure not to offend anyone.

The second round features songs selected by the American Idol creator, Simon Fuller. For Adam the choice was Sam Cooke's 1965 hit A Change Is Gonna Come. This song allowed Adam to interpret a different kind of song than usual: the social anthem. He once again demonstrated that he can elevate a song to a new and exciting place with his exceptional vocal skills. He seriously commands the stage and provides pure energy and entertainment.

Marvin Gaye had his own social anthem with What's Going On that peaked at #2 in 1971. Kris Allen decided to use his acoustic guitar this time around and delivered his watered down version of the song. With his pretty face and light vocals the vibe at this protest/demonstration was very laid back.

And now the time has come to debut the inspirational first single for the American Idol winner. This year the song is called No Boundaries and it's a message that Adam Lambert has exemplified every week. He brought his complete originality to what could have been something very sappy. Instead, he made it so much more than inspirational. It was a driving force of immediacy and motivation!

Kris Allen had to then take on the same song, No Boundaries, but there was definitely a problem. Without his piano or guitar he only had his vocals to take on stage with him and that left him with one huge boundary. His vocals aren't nearly impressive enough to inject the necessary inspiration into the lyrics.

One of these young men is being sent Home Sweet Home tomorrow night while the other will be crowned the Season 8 Miss American Idol. In order to provide an example of the standard of excellence that has been set, The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, graced the stage to demonstrate what Adam or Kris must live up to. She performed her stellar rendition of Motley Crue's power ballad to close out this fun night of musical entertainment.

The prediction for who will get that crown tomorrow night is easy. It completely belongs to Adam Lambert. He has the impressive vocal range and totally fearless stage presence to rise up to the standard Carrie built. Kris is very good, but safe. He breaks no barriers and pushes no envelopes. The American Idol winner should do all that and more and Adam Lambert far exceeds expectations.

On an editorial note...

Turns out I will not be home to watch the show live tomorrow night and see the glitter shower down on the winner. My full review of the performances will, therefore, be posted late.