American Idol...Top 2...!!!

[AlanDale]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/Group-14b.gif
This is my story, of the guys in the ( Top 2 )
One is Mr. Performer, and one is Mr. Who?
We watched 13 do their thing
As week by week they did sing
So I'll say, either way, Glambert cannot lose

[AlanDale]

To...Adam Lambert & Kris Allen...!!!
From Myrna Earles-Cooke

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/Top-36-Idols/Adam-L.jpghttp://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/Top-36-Idols/Kris-A.jpg


A change, a growth, a road to take -
A dream, a step, a path to make.
In your reach awaits the world
Red carpet has indeed infurled.

I know you'll reach the stars someday
Teaching others along the way
That what you do comes 'round again,
A blessing given will a blessing send.

You will flourish on your own
You will soar to heights unknown.
And I can say that I was there
When you spread your wings into the air.


~ Congratulations ~

[AlanDale]

Does ‘American Idol’ want an artist, or a star?
Adam Lambert pulled out all the stops, while Kris Allen stayed low-key
Updated 10:43 p.m. ET, Thursday, May 14, 2009
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/ss-AI.jpg
By Craig Berman, msnbc.com contributor

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen could not be more different. Their musical styles and strengths don’t mesh and their personalities are opposites. But they share a skill that explains why they’re the two singers competing in the “American Idol” finale.

They listen.

The judges made it very clear what they were looking for in season eight; performers who could take a song and make it their own. While other singers took that advice from time to time, no singers took the message to heart more than Adam and Kris. As the other finalists fell victim to unfortunate song selections and karaoke performances, it was the originality of Adam and Kris that kept them on the good side of the four judges.

No finalist in history has been more memorable week after week than Adam Lambert. Sometimes the impact of an Adam performance may be felt more for its strangeness than its skill — his version of “Ring of Fire” caused guest mentor Randy Travis to spend the whole night wearing a “what is this guy doing?” expression — but most of the time, he hits the mark. His “Mad World” was missed by DVRs everywhere the week the show ran long, and it was good enough that the omission inspired outrage and not relief.

Adam's big weakness would seem to be that he's the most theatrical contestant in the history of the show, but he's turned that into a strength by embracing it. By going all-in and showcasing the lighting, effects, and costumes, he's turned his comfort with stagecraft and his Broadway-sized voice into his biggest assets. Nobody loves the spotlight more, and no other contestant has looked as comfortable standing in it. Instead, his weakness is that he's the most polarizing "Idol" figure in recent memory. He has fans who will defend him with passion, and detractors who would do anything to bring him down.

It's possible that the anti-Adam contingent will watch the finale for the sole purpose of voting against him. But Adam isn’t going to give anyone else much ammunition to hate him. Although when he’s singing he plays the part of the diva, he’s been nothing but respectful as soon as the music ends and always has kind words to say about his fellow contestants.

To win, Adam needs to keep on doing what he’s been doing; take chances, make songs his own, and perform like he’s going for broke. He enters the week with a slight edge, but Kris has been steadily improving and will seize any chance he's given.

Kris is Adam's opposite
While Adam is a natural under the bright lights, Kris looks to be the male version of Carrie Underwood, a small-town singer who uses "Idol" to jump into musical stardom. Even after months in Hollywood, Kris still has a country-mouse-in-the-big-city look that has helped endear him to millions of “Idol” voters. That wouldn’t be enough, however, if he wasn’t also talented. Kris has made every song his own, but in the exact opposite manner of Adam.

Instead of blowing things up to show-business size via lights, smoke, mirrors and costumes, he uses a stool and a guitar or piano to strip down the arrangement and engage with the audience. That makes him less of a spectacle than Adam but easier to listen to, and it has allowed him a number of memorable moments performing less familiar songs. It's always a risk to pick something like "Falling Slowly," which didn't receive a ton of airtime apart from the Oscars, but he was able to make turn that into a compelling performance.

Kris' biggest strength is that it's very easy to see the kind of album he would create and the audience who would buy it. Is there anyone out there who can’t picture him with a hit record that sounds an awful lot like, say, Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours?” It’s easier to give him a sellable label than it is Adam.

Like Adam, Kris has a weakness that can double as a strength. He doesn't come across with that star quality aura, and seems pleased and surprised to have made it this far. That humility is what makes him so likable, but most seasons that factor is less important in the season’s final days. In last year's finals the more likable David Archuleta fell victim to an edgier David Cook.

This is the stage where viewers are looking for superstar potential. That’s what Kris has lacked all season, and he has to show it here if he’s going to win. He can't look boring when he's going head-to-head against a singer who makes Prince seem tame.

It's easier to see Kris as a successful recording artist. It's easier to see Adam as a genuine star. Next week, the “American Idol” audience will decide which one they want.


MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30754468/)

[AlanDale]

Anticipating
A ding dong American Idol finale
Posted May 15th 2009 7:06PM by Allison Waldman (http://www.tvsquad.com/bloggers/allison-waldman)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/final2-1.jpg

Attention, Rosie O'Donnell: Simon Cowell promised that next week's American Idol (http://www.tvsquad.com/) will be a ding-dong finale. Break out the Drake's Cakes! Actually, Simon wasn't referring to Rosie's favorite chocolate cake treat, he was using perhaps the strangest euphemism he could come up with to hype the finale which he anticipates -- and rightfully so -- a great showdown between two singers who could both be deservedly crowned the winner of American Idol.

Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen might seem like a heavyweight versus a bantam weight, one guy who's already been splashed on magazine covers -- last week's Entertainment Weekly -- as the presumptive champ, while the other was nearly knocked on his butt by the judge's song choice that was so bad that Simon faulted Kara and Randy for setting him up to fail.

In fact, it's widely believed that most people were betting on a Danny Gokey vs. Adam Lambert finale, with Kris on the outside looking in. It looked like that to me a few weeks ago, but even after the stunning comeback by Kris this week, Adam is still the odds-on favorite (http://www.gambling911.com/entertainment/adam-lambert-still-250-favorite-win-american-idol-finale-051409.html) to win it all.

Still, this finale is going to be much, much better with a David (Kris) vs. Goliath (Adam) theme. You know, it's the cute guy with the sweet sound and the acoustic guitar up against a Mick Jagger/Freddy Mercury/Elvis and Dr. Frank-N-Furter rock sensation. The contrast is stark, maybe the best since Ruben Studdard faced off with Clay Aiken. It'll be really interesting to see how it plays out, what they choose to sing in the time they're given to make a last impression on the voting public. Then there's the matter of the vote: who will America really get behind when it's for all the marbles.

The big winner, ultimately, is Fox. It's going to clean up in the ratings.

Oh, one last thought: don't feel bad for Danny. I predict that he, along with both Adam and Kris, will be around for quite a while. These guys have all shown that they're very good singers as well as compelling performers. They'll pack arenas in the American Idol summer tour.

Remember, if American Idol has proven anything to us over the past few years, the contestant who wins the top prize is not necessarily the most famous name a year or two later. After all, Jennifer Hudson's Oscar and Grammy came after she lost on Idol.


TV Squad.com (http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/05/15/anticipating-a-ding-dong-american-idol-finale/)

[AlanDale]

Jason Mraz Set to Appear
On American Idol Finale Plus, the latest Internet Rumor: David Bowie, KISS
Published May 16th, 2009 in American Idol, AI Season 8, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen

Jason Mraz has announced via his official website (http://www.jasonmraz.com/#/news/) that he’ll be a “special guest performer” on this Wednesday’s American Idol finale.

Mraz joins a list of artists who’ve already been announced: David Cook, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas and Keith Urban.

Rumors are currently flying around the internet that Idol producers are trying to set up David Bowie to duet with Adam Lambert.

*Fingers Crossed*

The band KISS is also rumored (http://www.bravewords.com/news/113668) to appear.

UPDATE: Keith Urban will be dueting (http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1611520/keith-urban-hits-the-ground-running-at-minnesota-concert.jhtml) with Kris Allen.


MJs BigBlog (http://mjsbigblog.com/jason-mraz-set-to-appear-on-american-idol-finale-plus-the-latest-internet-rumor-david-bowie.htm)

[AlanDale]

Finale Information/Spoilers
16. May 2009

Here’s a few things that I’ve heard is going to happen at the finale. We will update as more info becomes available.

Cyndi Lauper will be doing a Duet with Allison. (She’s the “fun” girl from a previous post)

Keith Urban will be performing with Kris at the Finale.

Jason Mraz is confirmed to be performing. No clue with who.

They are trying to round up as many winners as possible to have a duet, a Beatles song. Scheduling conflicts are making this difficult - one or two probably won’t be in attendance.

Carlos Santana will be performing at the finale.

Bad news: David Bowie fell through. (There's like a 5% chance it will happen so they are still working on someone to perform with Adam at the finale)

David Cook, Lionel Richie, Queen Latifah and Black Eyed Peas have already been announced.

The band KISS is also rumored (http://www.bravewords.com/news/113668) to appear.


Joe's Place Blog.com (http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2009/05/finale-informationspoilers/)

[AlanDale]

Idols Kris and Adam Talk About Being The Final 2
By Kelly West: (http://www.cinemablend.com/features/About-Us-296.html#Kelly%20West) 2009-05-16 18:56:20

We have two finalists for this season of American Idol and right now it seems like Adam’s got the edge as far as popularity goes but Kris has proven himself to be a worthy competitor and who knows? The guy might knock people’s socks off this Tuesday night when he performs.

It’s still up in the air for now but while we wait to see how the eighth season of Idol concludes, check out these videos of the finalists talking about making it to the final two.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/final2-1-1.jpg (http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Idols-Kris-and-Adam-Talk-About-Being-The-Final-2-17574.html)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/final2-2.jpg (http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Idols-Kris-and-Adam-Talk-About-Being-The-Final-2-17574.html)

The finalists will perform in Part 1 of the American Idol finale on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX. The bloated two-hour (and seven minutes) season finale, airs Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET.


Cinema Blend.com (http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Idols-Kris-and-Adam-Talk-About-Being-The-Final-2-17574.html)

[AlanDale]

ANGEL VS. DEVIL
KRIS AND ADAM HAVE AN 'IDOL' SHOWDOWN
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/idol.jpg
By DEBORAH STARR SEIBEL
Last updated: 5:58 pm
May 15, 2009
Posted: 12:00 am
May 17, 2009

WILL THE NEXT "American Idol" be bold, brassy and wicked? Or the angelic dark horse? That's the tantalizing choice this week as America's favorite show heads into its eighth-season finale, pitting L.A. stage performer Adam Lambert against the soulful, devout Christian, Kris Allen (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Kris_Allen).

"Glambert," 27, has been the runaway favorite of the "Idol" judges. He's also the only one to get a standing ovation from Simon Cowell (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Simon_Cowell) after his rendition of Tears For Fears' "Mad World." But Allen, 23, has been quietly sneaking up the leader board. He has been impressive playing guitar and keyboards, most notably during his original acoustic rendition of Donna Summer's "She Works Hard For The Money."

"There are some unbelievable singers every year, like [David] Archuleta and Lambert, who start at the top and stay there," says "Idol" associate musical director, Michael Orland. "Then there are the ones that come out of nowhere, like Kris Allen. That week he did 'Ain't No Sunshine?' What was that? This kid is a big contender."

Well, Allen shocked the judges -- Simon Cowell raised his stern eyebrows -- when the dark horse was the first singer named as a finalist. Cowell had written him off many times, but Allen proved there was an audience for his simple and quietly confident style.

So who will take the crown? Two online betting services, Gambling.com and Bodog.com, agree that Lambert remains the frontrunner, but the odds have now tightened.

Before last Wednesday night's episode, Lambert's odds were 1-to-3 (meaning that you'd have to bet three dollars to make one dollar). Danny Gokey's odds were 3-to-1. And Allen's odds were 5-to-1. But now Gokey, an audience favorite who had never been in the bottom three, is out.

In the Lambert/Allen finale, "Adam's odds go down to 1-to-2.50 and Kris' odds improve to about 2-to-1," says Richard Gardner, the sports book manager for Bodog.com. "It's going to be a really tight race," says Chris Costigan, president of Gambling 911.com, who adds that Danny's fans are most likely to vote for Kris now.

"There's no guarantee that Adam's going to win." Gokey's shocking elimination, coming after the judges' heaped praised on him, caps off a season of controversy surrounding "American Idol." (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=American_Idol) In November, an obsessed Paula Abdul (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Paula_Abdul) fan who once auditioned for the show committed suicide and was found dead in a car parked outside the judge's Los Angeles home.

Then there was the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Kara_DioGuardi), who had a rough entry onto the judges' panel and still has no guarantee of coming back next season. "In the beginning, it was definitely a little uncomfortable for everybody," says DioGuardi. "There were a few cities where I felt like: How is this gonna work?"

Often, it didn't work. Having four judges meant sending the show into overtime and infuriating fans whose DVRs cut off before the night was over.

The most aggravating example was the week of "Songs From The Year You Were Born," when Lambert's rendition of "Mad World" was performed during an 8-minute overtime. He still got enough votes to stay in the game. But there would have been an uproar if Scott MacIntyre, the blind singer voted off that week, had been the last one to perform.

As the "Idol" singers have dwindled this season, it's instructive to note how many of their predecessors have had hits without winning the competition.

According to Billboard author Fred Bronson, the Idols have 225 number-one records to date, counting every domestic chart. "Lakisha Jones [from season six] just charted and she's the 40th 'Idol' finalist to chart," he says. Just as impressive is that no season has had less than four people on the charts. "These guys this season?" says Bronson. "They're gonna be on the charts."

AMERICAN IDOL
Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m., FOX


NY Post.com (http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/tv/angel_vs__devil_169463.htm)

[AlanDale]

"American Idol"
Power rankings and random news bits
May 16, 2009 at 10:31 AM - Posted by Bob Payne (http://search.nwsource.com/search?searchtype=cq&sort=date&from=ST&source=ST&byline=Bob%20Payne)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/kris-adam.jpg

This is my power ranking of the remaining contestants in Season 8 of "American Idol" -- the last one of the season! If you disagree with my ranking, by all means use the comments area to share your own.

I weathered the storm last week when I moved Kris Allen to the top spot, and I'm willing to take the heat from Adam Lambert fans again this week. I guess I'll go ahead and make my prediction official: Kris Allen will win Season 8 of "American Idol."

I strongly believe that Kris will gain the lion's share of votes from Danny Gokey fans. That along with the votes of the once-a-season viewers on Tuesday night will be enough to propel Kris to the title.

Here's the ranking:

1. (Last week: 1) Kris Allen (Little Rock, Ark.) — I consider his performance of "Heartless" to be the single best performance of the entire season so far, by any contestant. And obviously lots of other people felt the same way and picked up their phones to vote. I can understand why some people say he's boring, but I still think beneath that "aw shucks" grin is an artist with great potential. He's shown that through his song choices and arrangements this season. Videos (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Kris+Allen&aq=f)

2. (2) Adam Lambert (Hollywood, Calif.) — Ahh, the yin and the yang of Adam Lambert. "Polarizing" is the perfect word to describe his effect on the "Idol" audience. Some call him the modern Elvis, and say he'll be the most commercially successful product in the history of the show. Others cringe when he sticks out his tongue and unleashes a fury of high-pitched wails. In the end, I agree he could be a legend in the making, but he doesn't need to win "Idol" for that to happen. Videos (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=adam+lambert&aq=f)

Random news bits

• Another performer has been added to the lineup for the big finale on Wednesday night: Season 7 winner David Cook. Cookie only hours ago finished up his mega-concert in the Philippines with David Archuleta. I'll be posting vid clips of that show a little later. Archuleta joined Cook to sing a part of Cook's song "A Daily Anthem," the first time the pair has sung together since (last season's finale) last summer's Idol tour.

And what do you think the odds are that Susan Boyle of "Britain's Got Talent" will be a surprise guest on the finale? Wouldn't that be something?

• Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis of Bothell was on "American Idol Extra" this week. Watch the complete appearance on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX3Nq15WgDo). He talks about working on his new album and then performs a cover of Rihanna's "Disturbia." It's pretty awesome! The beat box is back!


Seattle Times.com (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/confessionsofanidoladdict/2009227916_week_16_of_ranking_the_field_b.html)

[AlanDale]

'American Idol' Power List:
Who will get the confetti shower? Adam or Kris?
May 18, 2009, 11:50 AM | by Michael Slezak
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI-Season-8/idolpower.jpg

Five months of unhealthy obsession, knuckle-damaging speed-texting, and forays into the disco, movie-soundtrack, and Rat Pack oeuvres has led us to this: This week's two-night, four-hour-plus American Idol season 8 finale. Word on (the street) mjsbigblog (http://mjsbigblog.com/paula-abdul-dishes-on-next-weeks-final.htm) is that Tuesday, the last two contestants standing will perform three songs apiece: The Idol "victory song" (possibly written by Kara DioGuardi); one track selected by producer Simon Fuller; and one "greatest hit" from earlier in the season (although I'm hoping Kris and Adam go the David Cook route and select a song we haven't heard 'em do before). Let's also hope Mr. Fuller doesn't saddle Kris with an album cut from the Happy Feet soundtrack. After all, a level playing field should make for a totally awesome, wickedly entertaining finale between two very worthy vocalists. So without further ado, the final Power List of 2009:

1. Adam Lambert (Last Week No. 1): A season finale without Adam would have been like a bowl of cereal without the milk: Dry, strange, and hard to swallow. The glam rocker has provided some of season 8's most scintillating moments -- "Mad World," "Black or White," "Tracks Of My Tears," and "Slow Ride," just to name a few -- and he's generated more buzz than any of his competitors. Top 3 week was not his strongest showing to date, however, and he needs to do what he does best for Tuesday's finale performances: Rock the mic as if the audience had shown up for an Adam Lambert mini-concert, and not a reality TV showdown. Oh, also, it'd help if the sound mix didn't play up the caterwauling backup singer who almost derailed "Cryin'." (Just sayin'.) Still, even if Danny's fanbase might trend toward Kris, the crown is Adam's to lose, especially since his rabid fans haven't forgotten the dreaded Bottom Two Incident of Rat Pack Week.

2. Kris Allen (Last Week No. 2): To continue our breakfast analogy (see above), Kris is like the Honey Bunches of Oats of the season 8 finale, bringing a crunchy, sweet, and universally appealing vibe to the proceedings. His Top 3 performance of "Heartless" was downright revelatory, adding to a powerful body of work that includes "She Works Hard For The Money," "Falling Slowly," and "Ain't No Sunshine." That said, with his laid-back acoustic style, Kris doesn't explode off the TV screen with the gale-force charisma of his outré, explosive competitor, and he'll no doubt have to battle once again against the best efforts of Simon & Co. to downplay his innovative arrangements and strong, radio-ready voice. Definitely the underdog, but most folks would've bet against him getting past Danny Gokey last week, and we all saw how that worked out.


Entertainment Weekly (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/05/kris-vs-adam-wh.html)

[AlanDale]

American Idol
Season 8 - Top 2 - Performance - Videos

The Finale...



* Adam Lambert — Mad World — Finale Encore — Video (http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp68/caseycarlson/?action=view&current=adam-madmp4ff.flv)
* Kris Allen — Ain’t No Sunshine — Finale Encore — Video (http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp68/caseycarlson/?action=view&current=krismovff.flv)
* Adam Lambert — A Change Is Gonna Come — Producer’s Choice — Video (http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp68/caseycarlson/?action=view&current=adam-2mp4ff.flv)
* Kris Allen — What’s Going On — Producer’s Choice — Video (http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp68/caseycarlson/?action=view&current=kris-2mp4ff-1.flv)
* Adam Lambert — No Boundaries — Coronation Song — Video (http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp68/caseycarlson/?action=view&current=adam-3mp4ff.flv)
* Kris Allen — No Boundaries — Coronation Song — Video (http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp68/caseycarlson/?action=view&current=kris-3mp4ff.flv)



Videos via Rickey.org (http://www.rickey.org)