//American Idol Recap: Adam Lambert And Kris Allen Fight To The Dull Finish//

Three songs. Two guys. One big stage. That was the breakdown for last night’s American Idol performance finale. It would be the last time the final two season 8 competitors could show America why he deserved to wear that coveted crown.

In one corner you have Adam Lambert. He swept each week with high-octane performances and glowing, almost frenzied reactions from the crowd and judges. In your other corner is Kris Allen. The quiet crooner hardly got TV time before making it into the semi-finals, but his impeccable singing chops carried him from little known to finalist.

So, who would come out on top?

Kris and Adam both had the chance to sing three songs: their personal choice from songs they’ve already performed this season, songs chosen by Idol producer Simon Fuller, and the winner’s first single, co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi.

Kris won the coin toss and decided to go second leaving Adam to kick off the night.

Let’s take a look at how it all went down:

Adam Lambert – Mad World: I just knew Adam would chose his star-maker “Tracks of My Tears,” but he decided to revisit “Mad World,” the song he sang during ‘year they were born’ theme week. And, folks, it was a trillion percent better than the first time. He entered at the top of a staircase wearing a black trench coat, taking each step amid the fog. His voice was haunting, controlled and beautiful while he stalked the stage adjusting his facial expression just slightly to match the emotion of the song. Simply incredible! Randy gave the performance an A+. Kara thought the performance showed he’s a real artist who raises the bar for the other contestants. Paula loved the “theatrical taste.” And Simon loved it but thought that it was maybe a little too theatrical. Oh, eat poo, Cowell! Adam rocked it! What a way to start the night!

Kris Allen – Aint No Sunshine: Adam skipped singing his obvious star-making song, but Kris took full advantage of the opportunity. Motown week was good to Kris when he first performed “Aint No Sunshine” and it was just as good to him last night. He stayed behind the piano but the passion that poured out of him was enough to match the theatrics that pushed Adam’s performance along. OK…Kris did get some dramatic stage lighting, too. Randy loved that he could tell what kind of artist Kris will be and thought it was one of his best performances of the season. Kara loved the intimate bond Kris creates with each performance. Paula’s spirit was awakened with his “Allen-ized” performance. Simon wasn’t sure if American made the right choice in choosing Kris for the finale, but completely takes those thoughts back after that performance.

Round one, according to Simon, goes to Kris. I’m on the fence, but I’m leaning more towards Adam.

Adam Lambert – Change Is Gonna Come: Simon Fuller chose what could easily be one of the best R&B songs ever for Adam to perform and Mr. Glambert was up for the challenge. The arrangement was give a slight rock & blues makeover with Adam adding some crazy-yet-awesome vocal flip flops (and did ya see the stink face? He was feeling it!). Randy thought it was unbelievable. Kara thought it was his best interperatation of a song all season. Paula thought it was the best he’s ever sounded and whatever happens with Idol, he’ll be “iconic.” Simon felt Adam was “100% back in the game.”

Kris Allen – What’s Going On: So Fuller must have been in an old school R&B mood because he chose another genre classic for Kris. Kris took the acoustic route with his guitar and a few band members to bring just a little more life to the performance. While Kris sounded great, the performance never really grabbed me. The arrangement wasn’t exciting and it felt small for such a big night. Randy agreed saying it was a little lite for the night but we got a “real live duel competition.” Kara loved how true Kris has been to himself. Paula said he tore the song up and made Marvin Gaye proud. Simon loved the song, but compared it to three friends in a bedroom strumming along to Marvin. Eek! But agreed!

Simon calls round two for Adam. Again, agreed!

Adam Lambert – No Boundaries: Yes! We finally get to hear the new Idol song. And it was co-written by Kara DioGuardi. She knows all about these cheesy Idol songs, so there’s no way she’d add to the embarrassment for another season, right? WRONG! The song is lyrical mush. It was like watching a crime take place seeing Adam try his best to give the song any real credibility. Not even his epic high notes could save the track (or the rest of the overall pitchiness). The song was a total dull dud. This is supposed to be the big finish song? Blah! Randy thought it was just alright. Kara thanked him for giving her a great moment by singing her song. Paula was in awe and is a fan forever. Simon cracked on the song a little before calling Adam one of the best original contestants ever and feels they’ve genuinely found a superstar in Adam. Shame out last look at Adam had to be so corny. Damn you, Kara!

Kris Allen – No Boundaries: OK…so some good news: the song sounds a little bit better with Kris’s voice. Bad news: it still sucked beyond reason. Kris had a little issue with the lyrics and strained his voice throughout much of the song to try to fit into the correct key. He never did quite find it. Definitely not his best performance. Randy called Kris an amazing competitor. Kara thinks Kris is a compelling artist who should not be judged by the song. Paula said he deserved to be there in the spotlight last night. Simon thought his first performance of the night was his highlight but recalls his growth from the beginning to this point.

Simon failed to call a winner for round three, but I’d give it to Adam because he at least tried to make the song interesting.

Predictions: Truth be told, I’d love to see Kris win. From the moment I saw his plaid shirt and heard that tiny snippet of his audition, I was in love. But Adam will win it because his fanbase is huge, and he’s performed his butt off week after week.

The big results finale is tonight! Tune in to see some incredible performances and the new American Idol named. It’s scheduled to go long so if you’re recording it, set your TiVo accordingly.

Tweet This Buzz This Delicious Digg This Facebook Reddit Stumble This