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May 19th, 2009
08:04 PM ET
Top 2: It's on!Two men. One title. Who will be the next "American Idol?" I love that the show started with a flashback. Adam and Kris both look so cheesy and cute in their first audition. With about a million votes separating them last week, I anticipate that the race may be tighter than earlier suspected. Let's go! - Lisa Respers France, CNN.com writer
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Only a quick comment to Susan Faith....VERY WELL SAID !!!!
Congratulations Susan, you're absolutely correct....
All of this season leading to the finale, is been Adam Lambert and the rest of the Idols...one by one they were eliminated...the only question was who'll be next to him at the finale...we know is Kris...the jury is out if Gokey could have pull out an upset...don't think so...last night was not a terrific night, the producers are to blame for that...both singers did their craft...it showed why Kris moved ahead of Gokey...Scream On...being the main reason...our sweetheart Allison lack of support was disapointing to us....we still believe they should allowed both of them to sing an studio version of one of their favorite songs...One – studio version, all four minutes of it, would have excited the Nokia theatre audience..is Adam Lambert's one of his most beautiful songs
Adam Lambert will win American Idol season 8....despite of all the gay haters, extreme right evangelical activists, Gokey's frustrated / never support Adam-fans....congratulations to ADAM LAMBERT !!!
Consistency pays off. From the first performace to the last, Adam has been not only consistent but extremely creative. He has a very distinct voice that people will not forget. Although Kris is popular, he does not have the vocal range that Adam does. Good luck to you tonight Adam. You are truly a unique individual and deserve to win.
I'll tell you what's going to happen. "American Idol" is going to turn this country into bumbling idiots, uncapable of thinking coherently about anything other then "SHOULD I TEXT FOR ADAM OR KRIS?! LOLZHAHAHAHA!!!" This show is an insult to Americans, as is the vast majority of television in general. If you need to contact me, I'll be busy watching the History Channel, because if I'm going to waste my time, I may as well learn something doing it.
Adam has been the best this season on American Idol. He's the only reason I've watched the show! The song "Boundaries" that he and Kris were forced to sing was such a mess! If I were Kara, I'd pull that song and rewrite it...it was terrible! I am looking forward to Adam's first CD.
Love, love, LOVE the Adam Lambert! But part of me hopes he does lose so he doesn't have to put out that horrible song Kara probably spent 15 minutes writing. That dribble did both of the contestants a disservice.
And on a side note, you can support your Idol choice without tearing down the other contestant, it's cheap and tacky. If the actual contestants can at least appear to be civil adults, so can you.
I honestly think Adam will tonight but I voted for Kris because he's the under dog. Both are awesome singers if I had a choice I'd buy Kris's cd before I'd buy Adam's because I don't care for all the yelling or high pitch notes Adam does somethimes. I wish them both the very best of luck. I will for sure be buying Kris's cd as soon as it hits the stores. And I look forward to seeing Adam all over Tv he's going to be around for a long long time. He's not going to be like the previous 4 winners, almost one hit wonders. Adam is going to be like Kelly Clarkson in 7 years from now he'll still be making great music. As for Kris we have to wait and see. It was a great race this season. I always knew Adam would end up in the top two.
The BEST final two ever!! I love them both. I do think Adam out-performed Kris last night though. Kris' first song was phenomenal but this next two were not as good. Second song fine, last song actually bad. Adam sang all three perfectly, however, I wasn't crazy about the choices. BUT he sang them so well. I think this will go to Adam, like his style or not. He never blows it.
I never thought that I would get “worked up” over a singing competition. However, American Idol, this season,
is much more than a mere singing competition. It’s the representation of acceptance of diversity vs. acceptance of
the boy next door.
Since I believe we all need to embrace diversity and encourage our youth of today to be themselves, I wholeheartedly
support Adam Lambert. I resent him being called androgynous. I resent that he is called effeminate. I resent that some
people don’ like him merely because he is different.
As I watched Adam Lambert return to his hometown high school somewhere in San Diego, I was impressed that as he spoke
to the teenagers, his first remarks were directed toward being/accepting who they are. In essence, he said, if you are
different, that’s great!
What a role model. We have far too many stereotypical “idols” out there. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great
when we can have a singer who is clean-cut, substance-free and can actually sing. They’re also needed.
Adam is also clean-cut, substance-free and yes, he can really sing. He is also different. He is a chameleon while maintaining
his identity. Honestly, I don’t care if his sexual orientation is gay. There are so many gay children in our country and world who
have NO role model, who grow up thinking they’re strange because they’re different, that it is time we provide a person who
can impact millions by his mere presence
For those of us who aren’t the perfect blonde, blue-eyed, beautiful young lady who can belt out a country song to make
everyone take notice, there needs to be an Icon to whom we can relate. I don’t want to take away from Carrie Underwood who made
me love every word that comes out of her mouth even though I’m not a Country-song type of gal. However, Carrie is not a role model to those
who are struggling with feeling different. She is the girl next door as Kris is the boy next door.
What’s wrong with being different?
Recently, I’ve engaged in conversations with a 15 year-old dancer. She is beyond her years in talent.
She is bullied, harassed, made fun of and has been tortured in public domains including My Space. Her dance school has turned a blind
eye. Thankfully she has a mature head on her shoulders and a very supportive family. Still, some of the things that I hear her say from her
deep, deep hurt, scare me.
In the past few weeks, two boys, eleven years old, each went to their homes, one in MA and one in GA, and hung himself. Why? Each boy
had been bullied and taunted for an extended period of time. One was called a virgin because he was originally from the Virgin Islands. He
spoke with an accent. He was a good looking boy, so good looking that his punishment from his cruel classmates was to call him gay.
The other boy, African American, was an avid athlete. He didn’t look like a “typical” athlete in the opinion of his school companions. He was
too “sweet” looking. They tormented him with comments of being gay, a faggot, pretty.
Dead. Both dead. Why? I believe that when senseless things happen, such as the death of these two boys, WE must all take note.
We are being sent a message. We must hear the message and join together to heal this world.
We need to support these children and all people who are different. We need to honor people who are different. We need to bond together to tell
others that when someone is different, whether it be a brilliant dancer, a child from another place, or an athlete who doesn’t look “typical,” they
deserve respect from all of us.
About now you may be asking yourself what any of this has to do with American Idol and Adam vs. Kris? That’s a valid question with an
excellent response.
As we have the opportunity to choose to whom our children look up, admire, resonate with as a role model, we need to remember that we’re all
different. Kris, albeit a nice young man, does not represent people who are different. He’s vanilla and I don’t mean his skin color. He blends in
so well with “typical” in our society that it scares me to think we could have him as our next American Idol.
What happens to those children who don’t look, act, or feel like Kris? Doesn’t that give the bullies even more ammunition to point out that these
kids are so different? After all, a bully could say, you don’t look like Kris, you don’t act like Kris… man, you’re different… you could be ADAM!
Yes, there are millions of “Adams” in this world. Those children need someone who looks like (as in being different), acts differently, and most importantly
feels different.
On May 18, 2009, Stephen Holden of The NY Times wrote that he wonders, ” . . . whether the country is ready to hand the crown to an androgynous, seemingly gay 27-year-old fireball from San Diego. Or will his sexual ambiguity (“I know who I am,” Mr. Lambert has replied to questions about his orientation) be an impediment?
Yes, Mr. Holden, IT IS TIME for our country to embrace DIFFERENCE and to provide a role model for those who prefer someone with whom they resonate. After all, we all don’t care for peanut
butter and jelly (Kris Allen). Sometimes we find ourselves born to enjoy hot tamales (Adam Lambert).
I welcome your comments and feedback. Honor Our Differences and Cherish Our Similarities.
Adam was excellent with his type of music. Kris was excellent with his type of music. I will buy both of their cd's. Winner? Who knows. I still think the "call in & vote" process is fixed. The winner will be whomever the judges want it to be.
I don't like either one of them. I think the Idol was voted off last week because they (the producers) wanted to clear the way for Adam to win. I hated the song and Adam is an OK singer but, I think the judges build him up to be better than what he actually is...all that yelling when he sings every song is getting old. At this point I don't care who wins.
When I think of an American Idol, only one name comes to mind, Kris Allen. He has an awesome, musical voice, and is very talented on the instruments. I agree that Adam is talented, but to me for more of a Broadway or theatre arena. I am gay, but cannot support Adam, just because he may be too. I do not like his screaming style of music. Kris is an awesome vocalist, who has a pure, wonderful voice. I am sick and tired of the judges and America oodling over Adam. I don't see what is so great. I do think that they both did a great job last night. But I would much rather look at and hear Kris Allen, a wonderful musician. Good news too, the number for Kris were busy all the way up to 1 am. I only got through fifteen times to vote, and I hope that it helps him win American Idol 2009!!
Go Kris! The musician and the gentleman!!!!
God Bless you.
Well, it is over!!! I will say that Kris has a good heart and a nice voice and trys really hard and I applaud him. But it votes were made, I hope it was for his talent and NOT his cuteness because that would be a big lie and an injustice for the American Idol Winner, which I believe Kris would agree too. Adam, has a trained voice and I believe he will win. But for either one – I wish them well !!!
Adam, Kris, Alliso, Danny, Matt, Anoop, Lil Round they will all do good and wish them success.
It can go either way- on the 1 hand sometimes it is better to not win and be the runner up bcuz this way you can kick-start your career right away! If you are the winner- you sort of belong to Idol for months and then have to bring your fans back to you! So, I kind of think runner up is best and therefore if Adam wins- that is ok for Kris- cause he will do better than fine!
Either way- both were very entertaining and not hard on the eyes either 🙂
Kris should win. Plain and simple. He can do so much mare than Adam can. Quite frankly, I am very bored with Adam. He always does the same things with almost every song. His album would be a bunch of songs that sound a lot alike. KRIS on the other hand is versitile. He can play the piano, the guitar and can sing in a bunch of different ways. Either person could win it, but I think that KRIS SHOULD WIN.
Adam nailed all the songs, even the ones he got some criticism on the judges were reaching for something to criticize. Theri criticism was lame, even their criticism of Kris. Why would they give that Boundaries song to Kris except to week him out as not being able to hit the notes. Kris knew he was sunk when he came out for that last song and so did we.
Adam all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Adam is awesome and a true talent!
Kris and Adam are two different types of singer/performers and I like them both! Does anyone really believe that their performance or the way they were judged last night would change the minds of the way the fans would vote? I believe that most people who have a vested interest in the outcome by voting every week already have a favorite and will have voted for the person that they have liked better all along.
Anyway, regardles of who is dubbed the "American Idol", I'm sure the "loser" will still get a record deal and have a great career.
I pick Kris as winner of this years Idol show; Adam has a fabulous voice, looks, style, stage presence etc, but his androgynous nature and mostly falsetto voice reach a more limited audience than Kris does.
The judges almost always tout Adam's brilliance, yet he fell into the bottom three on one or two of the latest shows. I think this bears out the idea that, ultimately, he is 'bought' by a fairly limited niche market, despite his brilliance. Some of the judging has panned Kris for his lack of "edginess' etc. From the very beginning of Rock there have been highly successful artists who were never trying to be "edgy".
If i were channel surfing the radio, it's very unlikely i'd stop on an Adam song, and very likely I would stop to hear more of Kris.
Should a brilliant niche artist be chosen over an artist who can almost certainly fill more seats and sell more merchandise?
I'm a 40-year-old mom with a 10-year-old daughter.
We both love Kris Allen! He is such a crooner, but my daughter thinks he's cool and cute. We have downloaded his songs and play them every morning in the house and while driving.
I just hope he gets a record deal as soon as AI is over so we can hear more of him.
BTW, "No Boundaries" was too high for Kris but it still sounded better with him singing the song. I think if he was given the chance to make some adjustments, he would have nailed it perfectly. But it really doesn't matter, he's going to have a CD for sure. And we're going to buy it! I hope he has a concert in Texas as well.
Kara's "song" absolutely sucked. No one could sing that one. By the look of it (or sound of it) the 2nd place finisher may be better off. Song choice is everything and that one was a LOSER.
Go Adam and Kris! Both will be a success in his own right.
let's start saying that Ryan Seacrest's remark was totally uncool,perhaps since there are so many doubts about his sexual orientation he commented on the eyeliner(maybe he doesn't have what it takes to wear it)
if Kris wins,it'll be a crooked victory,like his smile
Kris is like a Disney stuffed toy,at the end another bland performer
Adam is the one making AMERICAN IDOL interesting again
Adam deserves to win.
I'm sorry, but every song that Adam sings sounds like the same old SCREAMING to me. He is not a bad singer, but he screams everything. Kris on the other hand SINGS.....and he is gorgeous to look at. Adam looks like a freak, and not a cool freak, just a weak freak. The problem is, Simon likes him and for some unknown reason, so do the other judges which is why I think they picked a song that Adam could scream but picked a song that was difficult for Kris. Kris has it hands down, but we all know that these 'contests' can be manipulated and corrupted. The majority will vote for Kris, but will they be honest about it, or will they 'claim' that Adam got the most votes? God bless Kris...he deserves it.
It is the Musician vs the Showman the game on …Ryan Seacrest comments to Simon Simon Cowell about his nights can’t resist his closet comments.
Did anyone else notice that KRIS SCREWED UP THE WORDS on the 3rd song. First verse. I thought they were gonna call him on it.
I think Allison should have been in the final. She's the one with the real raw talent. I would buy her CD before any of the others.
Adam is THE star. Whether or not he wins American Idol is really moot. He was clearly the more talented and better performer today. Kris is too predictable. If Adam doesn't win, American Idol will go down next year because it's a sham.
Adam is not just going to be the next American Idol; he is going to be the next international super rock star. I hope "Mad World" is on Adam's first album.....he totally nails it and sends me chills when he sings it. Adam Lambert is the entire package, and a gentleman, to boot.
You have to like Kris....he's very talented and also very much a gentleman; he just has a very different style.
But, people, if by some strange fluke Adam does not win the title of American Idol, he will win regardless. He has already won and I've heard is being inundated with recording offers. He's a bright, shining star and a musical genius and he deserves all the very best. I wish him a happy, successful and long recording career and will wait anxiously for that first CD which, will TOTALLY ROCK!!!!!!!!
Kris was fantastic and should win. The "No Boundaries" song is pretty awful, but Kris sure sang it much better than Adam. So what if it was a bit high for him? Adam screamed it the whole time – it actually hurt my ears. I'm so tired of the judges fawning all over Adam. Yes he's talented, but he's also full of himself and every performance is just that – a performance. Kris not only has amazing talent, but he also is humble and sincere. I would much rather listen to him on the radio than Adam.
NO BOUNDRIES?
Where in the heck did 'No Boundries' come from?
You just can NOT be serious to have two finalists
singing the same drag of a song in such high
competition!
I can't think of any artist who could make that so called
'song' sound good.
An unbelievably horrible mistake took place tonight by
involving that.
Adam & Kris are both awesome!
KISS? How about Queen? Adam is the only singer that could match Freddie Mercury! Kris may go the same way as the grey haired dude from a few seasons ago. what was his name again???
ADAM ALL THE WAY!!!
Simon sure looks disinterested tonite.Probably more than ever at this stage of all of the other finals..Kara always judges like she has an attitudeShe may be gone..As for the contest.It clear that Adam has more talent,BUT MUSIC ALONE,wont be his major suit.Movies<(musicals, etc) may be in for him,No other Idol can brag about that.But Kris may have more of a broader fan appeal in the long run.I guess that we may have over a total of 90 million(ching,ching ching$$$) phone votes,and dont be suprised it will be within a million and possibly Kris pulling it off.But since hes straight and married,he wont win.Thats an Idol fact
There is no question that if this decision rests on talent and consistent, high-powered, all round talented performance, Adam is the next American Idol. But if there are enough teeny boppers out there, it could go to Kris. Kris can definitely sing, and sometimes very well, but he is not in Adam's league and doesn't fit my image of an American Idol. However, as has been said, it's not so important any more to be the winner. They will both have successful careers.
Oh and for those who don't like Adam's "screaming"....he's always note-perfect, even when he's belting it out. And for the record, when Elvis first came out he was called obscene, and they said he "mumbled". When the Beatles came out, they said THEY screamed, too. Mark my words.....he's the new "IT" guy for this generation.
People will be talking about this year on Idol for a long time to come. The reason is that this is the year that Adam Lambert was discovered. People, we are watching the birth of the “next big thing”. Adam has the range of Freddie Mercury, the swagger of Robert Plant and the sneer of Elvis Presley. He is note-perfect on everything he sings, and he brings a unique twist to each performance. We are in the presence of greatness here. Remember it, and be glad you got to see it from the inception. People will be talking about this young man for many, many years. He is about to enter the public consciousness as a music icon.
On a side note...."No Boundaries" had to be the low-light of the season for both contestants....horrible song...simply atrocious.
It's a singing contest and Adam Lambert can definitely sing, no doubt! But if you look at the whole picture, Kris Allen, not only a great singer but have other talent to bring in and that is playing the piano and guitar. Additionally, Kris is more suited to be the 'American Idol'. If I have younger kids, I would want them to follow Kris' style, his whole outlook is better. Don't get me wrong, I am not against Adams rock star wanna be, if they are competing for the next Rock Star Idol, then the winner is Adam but that is not the case. Kris is more rounded and well fitted to be the next American Idol, so I am voting for him. But shall see, tomorrow. Either way, they are both amazing singer...
Adam all the way !
Tonight was, by far, not my favorite night of watching 'American Idol'. I loved Adam's 'new' Mad World – him walking down the darkened staircase in the long coat worked perfectly. I was taken from the first note. It might have been better if he had gotten to the bottom and sat in a chair and 'replayed' the first time he had done the song but I was taken. Kris actually did a fantastic job with 'No Boundaries' and I'd probably be more apt to purchase his version rather than Adam's but my fingers are nearly bleeding from voting for Adam (its 2.5 hrs after the show has ended). Adam deserves to win but they BOTH deserve to be mega stars. I'm sure I'll be purchasing both debute albums.
Adam – go baby go !!!!
Kris – you'll be a star also so please don't be too disappointed if you don't win.
JD
Do you REALLY want our American Idol o be the freaky Adam??????
Mike,
I've been saying that all along. Every time he opens his mouth, I can only think "Kiss."
The final son, for Kris, was a little high for him (I honestly believe on purpose). But you know what? I really enjoyed it so much better than when Adam screeched it. This season, I don't and never have, had a favorite. But I always tune in every week. Kris has definitely got my vote between these two guys. It's 11:19 pm, EST...and I STILL cannot get thru to vote for him!
Honestly and truly...Adam was a shoe in from the get-go!!....even the judges said it time after time...He is Rock Super Star written all over him...Over the top or not the range of his voice is unbelievable...not to mention he looks the part...He is gorgeous!!!..I bet his first solo CD debuts close to the top of the charts...to repeat what the judges have said...he has got to be one of the most talented and charismatic contestants ever.
I could write a better anthem using only the words found on a soup can label. What a train wreck. That's what happens when people write by committee. It went better for Adam but then what doesn't? If Kris wins it will be because of his million dollar smile. If Adam wins it will be because there are more music fans than homophobes voting. Good luck Adam. Kara, don't quit your day job.
The finale song was a bit high for Kris but he was way more believable than Adam!!!
I predict an upset tomorrow
"No Boundaries." What a piece of crap. Even Adam Lambert couldn't redeem song mill garbage like that. The chick judge who wrote it should be thrown off the show. What horrific dreck..
Adam would work as the next lead singer for KISS but that's about it. I think Kris is more suited for the modern pop and soul. Kris is more gifted with instrunments and vocals; He will be the last man standing!
IDOL is OBSESSED with KRIS. It's clear that the producers of AI would rather KRIS win OVER ADAM
Kara seemed so pleased with that horrible song they had to sing. Both of them seemed off key at times due to that horrible song. I knew they'd be all over Adam and criticize Kris a little more. Kara wants everyone ot judge Kris on the whole season. Well duh, with a crappy song like you made him sing, I hope people do just that. Adam has a fabulous voice, but does he always have to scream and make that KISS like face when he does it – all tongue!
I like Kris and hope he wins AI. Adam screams too much. At first Adam sounded ok to me, but the screaming that he does in each song just wears one out and becomes a bit boring.
I would buy Kris's cd if and when he puts one out, but not Adam's...
Thumbs up to Kris!!!!!!
Boundaries ??? .........Someone definately went beyond all boundaries in writing that song.......(song ???) If that's what you want to call it. That has to be one of the worst written "songs" ever produced for public entertainment.
Both of these guys could sing the phone book , and that's what they should have done. It would have sounded much better.
What a hell of a burden to put on Chris , and Adam.......
Who ever win's there both winners, Will come down to country verse rock-n- roll
I have a feeling that Adam's gayness will cost him votes. Kris' first number might give him enough of a lead to take him to the winner position. Both deserve to win. Maybe Adam more than Kris considering the entire season's performances.
KRIS totally SLAYED tonight, he has got my zillion votes.
But people what's going on?? It's a mad world where Kara shows NO BOUNDARIES thinking a change is going to come when clearly there ain't no sunshine on the horizon with that HORRIFIC SONG!
It was a close call... we might be surprised to see Kris standing at the end tho. IMHO he is climbing up while Adam has been on top for a lot of the season. I would buy a CD from either one of them.
Adam was amazing!
It looks like the judges have already made up their mind! But, wait America.
There is a star and his name is Kris. If you don't believe me ask Randy
Kris is the new American Idol.
Adam sorry! you are a Rock Idol but not American Idol.
Krisssssssssssss
Kris should win! Last song was totally unfair to him. It was written for Adam. I like both these guys, but let's be fair!!!
adam lambert is the IDOL and it is a MAD MAD WORLD!
Screaming Adam!!
Adam's "A Change" was ADAMMMMMAZZZIGG!!
I can't watch at home..I have to work..so this is the next best thing. Lisa thank you!
The best final 2 EVER. I bought tickets for the Idol Tour and can't wait to see whichever one of them is crowned the American Idol. Both will have amazing careers.
I really hope that Adam wins but I am not ready to count Kris out. I think he is holding out on us..
Lisa I'm in the U.K following your blog, it's 1:09 am here,I can't sleep, the anticipation is killing me. They show American Idol here on Thursdays and Fridays but I can't wait that long to know the results..=),,Go Adam!!!!!
I am oh so ready for this....it is soooo exciting.
REASONS to VOTE ADAM american idol 2009:
he has a strong voice
he has a balanced voice
his vocals are not shaky
his vocals INCLUDE NON screaming, NON screeching, NON yelling vocal notes
his songs choices INCLUDE CALM, QUIET, NON loud songs
he interacts with the audience, in studio and at home
he takes all criticism into consideration
he does NOT disrespect others
he does NOT talk back to judges in a rude matter
PLEASE REMEMBER AMERICAN IDOL IS A SINGING COMPETITION