American Idol: Every Underdog Has His Day

Ryan warns us in advance that tomorrow’s show may go a little long. Thanks for the tip!  After investing four months in this race, the last thing anyone wants to hear is “and the winner of American Idol, Season 8 is…” and have their DVR recording end.

Kris won the coin toss, so he’ll be going last tonight. They’ll each perform a “Greatest Hit” from the season, then a song chosen by creator Simon Fuller, and then the Idol coronation song.

Filed under the “That Makes So Much Sense” category: Adam’s parents tell us that he wouldn’t sleep through the night and was a habitual screamer. (Cue montage of Adam’s screams throughout the season). “I was very talkative, very hyperactive. I was bouncing off the walls all the time,” Adam says, then pauses. “Not much different than I am now, really.” That was pretty adorable.

For his chosen encore performance Adam is singing “Mad World”. It’s a perfect choice that showcases his ability to pour his heart out on the stage. Not only that, but some people didn’t even get to see this performance originally since the show went over its allotted time. (Which means they also missed Simon’s oh-so-rare standing ovation.) Agh! Who’s the creeper in the long dark coat? Oh, it’s just Adam. Other than that ensemble, the performance doesn’t disappoint. Goodness gracious, that boy is mesmerizing when he sings!

Randy loves that he’s singing something he sang during the season. Um, you know that was a requirement, right dawg? And he likes the coat. Strike 2, Jackson. Your dapper outfit only gets you so far with me.

“You look beautiful!” he says to Paula, genuine and friendly. Somehow the comment doesn’t sound like he’s sucking up, more like he’s complimenting a gal pal he bumped into at prom. She returns a handsome compliment and Simon leans forward like he’s about to smirk, “But did you like the song?” but wisely thinks better of it. Paula contrasts this more theatrical version with the initial subdued version and likes both.

Simon’s with me on the coat and calls it “Phantom of the Opera.”  “No! Twilight! Twilight! Twilight!” Randy chants. Shut up, Jackson. “It’s dress up, Simon!” Adam says, grinning like a little kid.

Kris didn’t like to sing for people when he was a kid, which doesn’t surprise me too
much. But in the cutest gesture, he gave his mom “Music Coupons” a few years ago
that she could present for a guaranteed song. “It was the best gift ever!” she enthuses.  Aww

He selects “Ain’t No Sunshine” for his encore. So good. And once again I love that he’s playing the piano himself. Allowing instruments was definitely one of the best innovations to come to Idol. This makes me want to see him tackle other Bill Withers material, like “Use Me.”

Randy makes some not quite fully formed analogy to the Lakers, and Kara notes that he makes his audience all feel like he’s singing to them, which is very difficult to do. True.

We pause this American Idol broadcast to bring you the word of the day, courtesy of Paula Abdul: Allenize (v.) (all/en/ize) to put a unique spin on a song, esp. when done by Kris Allen.

Simon acknowledges he wasn’t sure last week that America made the right choice, but that he takes it all back after that performance. Kris bows his head in amazement and Simon calls the round for Kris. I think it was very close, perhaps too close to call, but what do I know?

Next up are Simon Fuller’s picks. Adam Lambert knocks the Nokia’s collective socks off with Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”. I’m in awe of the performance. Also, he looks stunning, a word I’m not sure I’ve ever used to describe a man.  His silvery-gray suit shines in the spotlight and his teal tie adds just a punch of color. Anyway, “A Change Is Gonna Come” honors both sides of Adam’s persona- tender and sentimental, but with room for powerful crescendos. In that moment when he says “It’s been a long time coming…” the words truly show on his face. While watching a second time and writing this recap, I actually pulled out my phone and dialed again, so moved was I by the awesomeness of the
performance- and I’m a Kris supporter! The judges definitely feel the same way, even more so.

Paula says it”s “the best I”ve heard you sing, EVER EVER EVER!” Okay, I”m not sure I’d go that far. Simon says that he’s “100% back in the game after that”. I don’t really think Adam was ever out of the game.

Fuller must be a fan of that sweet soul music, because Kris’ assignment is “What’s Goin’ On?” by Marvin Gaye. He performs on the guitar with a small jam band center stage. It totally fits him. (Incidentally, I like that he’s represented both instruments he plays so far tonight). The judges dismiss Kris’ performance as too light, but I think they’re forgetting that it’s Kris’ style. I would have been disappointed if he’d performed with a full orchestra. Still, I think Adam outshone him (and that’s not even taking that shimmery suit into consideration ). Though we all need to be careful with that comparison tonight because glam and acoustic rock (as Ryan billed them at the start of tonight’s show) are so inherently different. By definition, glam rock is going to be more powerful and showy. We’re comparing apples to pineapples here; they’re both terrific, but in such different ways.

For once I really think Kara’s critique is accurate: “What I love about you is that
you’ve been true to yourself from day one. You have never tried to play to the
competition.” I definitely admire that about him, too. Paula thinks he made Marvin Gaye proud. Simon likens the performance to three guys strumming along in
their bedroom to Marvin Gaye.

Now it’s time for Silly Songs with Kara, the part of the show where Kara writes a silly song.

Adam and Kris will both perform “No Boundaries,” co-written by Kara DioGuardi.

I totally dig when Adam emotes, but during a few of those notes he looked too strained-like he was actually in pain. It could have been an awesome performance if he’d just toned it down a couple notches, I think. Randy found it “just a’ight” and “pitchy in spots,” but also said that he could “sing the phone book.” Wow. He managed to work all those into the same critique. I hope he did that on purpose and that he’s in on the joke his vocab has become, but I doubt it. Simon says he believes “with all his heart” that they’ve found an international star. Whoa, hold the phonebook Randy Jackson! Did Simon just use the word heart?! Over the past decade, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him reference his heart. I’m not kidding. Those words seemed so much more likely to come out of Paula’s mouth.

Uh-oh. I might call that Kris’ worst performance of the season. Don’t get me wrong- it still beats the “best” performances of many (Jasmine and Jorge, I’m looking at you). It just didn’t seem like a good fit for his voice, to me. Kara and Randy even think it was in the wrong key/too high. Somebody should have figured that out before performance night. Randy seems to think the song was a better fit for Kris than Adam, but I don’t agree. These American Idol power ballads are designed for voices like Adam’s. It might have really suited Kris if he’d been able to do a version with less accompaniment. Why can’t the guys play to their strengths tonight, instead of trying to fit a mold?

Kara doesn’t want him to be judged on that song, but rather on the incredible season he’s had. Simon thinks his highlight was still the first song and remembers his first audition. (I wish I could remember it- thanks for nothing, producers!) “Your mum and dad”s face tells me everything. They’re very proud of you and so they should be,” Cowell concludes.

It was an enjoyable show, but I totally would have reversed the program. Get the
coronation song out of the way early and have them end with their season’s best encore.

I’ve never had as much affection for both contestants as I do tonight, nor have I ever had a stronger feeling that they are equally deserving. I think and hope they will both be very successful after this is all over. They’re both such nice guys, too! The show closes with Carrie Underwood singing “Home Sweet Home” live. These montages always give me goosebumps…

Best of luck, guys! I’ll be voting!

I decided to write in live-blog style tonight. This…is American Idol!

8:02 Those are some white suits!

8:03 Kimberly Locke looks gorgeous.

8:04 Record setting 620 million votes for the season. Ryan gives props to the judges who have so wisely guided us. Um…yeah. Ryan turns first to “the man who’s here for you for me for you.” Hilarious montage of The Dawg ensues.

8:05 Similar treatment for the other judges.

8:08 Mikayla Gordon is on the scene in Conway, AR. Her young interviewee is speechless.

8:09 Carly Smithson! I didn’t expect her.  Product of a San Diego audition herself, she’s hanging out with Adam’s crowd.

8:10 All 13 contestants are back onstage! “So What?” If Anoop’s Twitter is any indication, they put in a lot of work on this choreography! A little cacophonous in parts, but that’s pretty much unavoidable when there are thirteen voices singing together.

8:16 David Cook is back with his song “Permanent.” Stop interrupting his performance with your hand waving, front row. Warm hug between he and Ryan. “Good to be, home,” he says. Aww. He only mentions his brother’s death when prompted by Ryan. Downloads of the song on iTunes will go toward cancer research via ABC2 . He also says he doesn’t think America could get it wrong which I totally agree with. Between these two guys, there’s no wrong choice.

8:21 Golden Idol Awards Time! “Outstanding Male” is the category and we’re treated to some of the stranger male voices of the season. Norman Gentle is the Heath Ledger of this field…Those other guys don’t stand a chance.

8:25 His speech is perfect…He walks up in Nick Mitchell mode, offers genuine thanks, then says:  “I wish I’d prepared something…Hit it!” and launches into, of course, “And I’m Telling You” Afterward, we find Ryan has borrowed the headband and glasses. LOL

8:27 Lil Rounds and Queen Latifah duet. They both look gorgeous, too. I want a top like Lil’s. Very slimming.

8:35 It’s Anoop, Alexis, and Jason Mraz singing “I’m Yours.” Now everyone is joining in! I think this is my favorite group number so far.

8:37 Kris Allen fans in the house… and now his journey. He’s dreamed of playing in big venues. Well, that dream is about to come true! “Opportunities are given and I feel like I’m just kinda runnin’ with this one,” Kris comments.

8:39 Kris does a song with Keith Urban, and it’s a nice song, too, even though I don’t like country. My Mom observes that Kris looked so natural and relaxed. He does. I bet it feels good knowing that this is just the victory lap for both of them, whatever happens.

8:46 All the Idol girls are singing “Glamorous.” I’m not a fan of this one. Nor do I like “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” Anybody else remember that Jasmine Murray sang that at her audition? Probably not.

8:49 BlackEyed Peas present “Boom Boom Pow.” What is with those prison-striped mummy back up dancers?

8:52 More Golden Idols, this time for “Best Attitude.” It’s between Bikini Girl, Alexis Cohen (her season 7 audition was also worth a nod) and another girl I didn’t remember very well, though her mother grooving to her bad vocal was pretty entertaining.

8:55 The winner is Bikini Girl. Hilarious. Simon mouths “Wow”. Randy does a double take. Glancing at her obviously silicone breasts, Ryan quips “I was going to ask what’s new, but I think I know.” She gets another chance to sing…plus another chance to be outperformed by Kara. My friend Paul observed Kara sang decently and looked hot. True. Much more favorable feedback than she gets for her judging.

9:02 Allison and Cyndi Lauper perform “Time After Time.” Cool! What’s that instrument she’s playing?  Cyndi devolves into some sort of spastic version of an Indian guru after a while and the jamming on the word time got a little annoying toward the end, but it’s a joy to see Allison Nancy Wilson…I mean Iraheta.

9:05 Conversations with the parents. They’re both proud of both contestants.

9:06 Danny Gokey… I- NO NO NO NO NO!!!!! WHO THE HECK LET HIM SING DAVID COOK”S SONG???? Hello. Goodbye.  He does a great medley with Lionel Richie. Why didn’t they do this and ONLY this, leaving out that unnecessary intro?

9:16 Ryan compliments Kara’s stomach that she showed off during the Bikini Girl excerpt.

9:17 Adam Lambert fans in the house! Now, his journey. In his audition he simply but surely felt he was the next American Idol, and in Hollywood promises to change up songs we’ve heard a million times. Wow, he really did do just that! Now Adam sings “Beth.” It’s not my favorite, and that winged outfit is so weird- Oh! Kiss is on! Now that crazy winged outfit makes sense! We get “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Talk about feeling like a concert! Gene Simmons cues Adam gleefully.  That was fun; he fits right in

9:27 Welcome Carlos Santana! “Black Magic Woman.” I’m having Guitar Hero flashbacks.

9:29 Matt gets to sing for a few moments, then they switch to Smooth and all the Idols eventually join in.

9:30 Final Ford music video! Just the two guys singing set to old video clips from former music videos.

9:31 David Cook presents the guys with a Ford Fusion each.

9:32 Michael, Megan, and Mr. Steve Martin on banjo. LOL Crazy. I’ve never seen Steve Martin in a backing role before… “Who’s gonna win?” Ryan probes. “I know it’s a long shot, but I’m hoping I do.” says Steve Martin.

9:40 All the guy Idols sing “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” Hmm. Well, some of you yes, some of you no. Although they all look very snappy in their tuxes. And here’s Rod Stewart! He looks and sounds a little old while singing “Maggie May.”

9:46 Outstanding Female Idol. All these other girls are no competition for…Tatiana Nicole del Toro. She performs her signature “Saving All My Love For You” to mock protest from Ryan and security. LOL

9:54 “We Are The Champions!” Perfect duet for these guys, though during the times when they sing together I can’t really hear Kris. He did the tender part nicely, though. I bet these guys are having a blast performing with Queen. Brian May looks genuinely pleased.

10:01 “You should both be very proud of what you achieved last night. The future’s all yours,” Simon says like a tough professor seeing his kids graduate.

10:02 A new world record was set with almost 100 milliion votes cast.

HOLY CATS! KRIS ALLEN!!! WHOA! Adam’s hug is genuine. I feel truly sorry him. He surely would have done better with less judge/producer hype. But I think Kris needed the title more. I’m also finding a great deal of satisfaction in Kris thwarting the producers and all their preconceived notions. Ultimately, the idol is America’s to choose, and Kris worked hard for every phone call he got. I hope his example reminds everyone what this show is all about. Our final image is a precious hug between Kris and his wife. I can’t wait to see what both these guys do in their careers!

Season 8, Episodes 38 & 39: Top 2: Performances & Top 2: Results (originally aired May 19 and 20, 2009)

For more on the American Idol season finale, read It’s A Kris by Inisia Lewis here.

For more on American Idol, click here.

Photographs courtesy of Fox Broadcasting Company.