Well, gang, here we are. The last night of American Idol 8. We’ve discussed Adam Lambert’s potential significance as a gay performer (months before the mainstream media, I might add), the unbearable shrieking of Danny Gokey, and our general fatigue with the show.
And I’ve got to say… since I really like both Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, I was only vaguely interested in last night’s performance episode. I mean, yes, I voted for Adam Lambert eight times (what?), but it’s not like I’ll be angry if he doesn’t win. I would have hit the roof if David “Lip-Licker” Archuleta had taken the crown last year, but this time, America gets the gold either way. Without the potential for rage, I guess I just can’t get invested in the final showdown.
Also, neither Adam Lambert nor Kris Allen was good enough last night to make me passionate, but it doesn’t really matter. I’ve already made up my mind to like both of them, and this late in the game, that’s not going to change. (Do you think there were any undecided voters watching last night?)
Of course, there is the issue of the coronation song. Over at Low Resolution, Roommate Joe is asking some very good questions about it.
As for tonight’s show… I’ll be watching on super fast-forward, since I hate the way they trot out the season’s biggest freaks and make them dance (both literally and metaphorically.) I’m hoping for at least one great live performance, a la Fergie and Heart last season. Mostly, I’m just ready for the train to stop for another year.
What are your thoughts about tonight? Are you craving a particular outcome?
7 responses so far ↓
1 ferretrick // May 20, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Honestly, just like you, I could be happy either way. I think winning the title would benefit Kris’ career a lot more than Adam’s, so I’m sort of rooting for Kris. Adam could headline a Broadway show tomorrow; Kris needs to find good songs and put an album out.
Actually, you know what would be awesome? If Adam and his eyeliner and everything else that goes w/Adam got the Footloose remake instead of the most boring prettyboy in a cast of boring pretty boys, Chace Crawford. And, unlike Chace, Adam actually stands a chance of not being compared unfavorably to Kevin Bacon.
And, 2 hours 7 minutes tonight? After 3 hours of DWTS last night? Kill me.
2 maria // May 20, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I agree, I called it waaay back that these two would make it to the finals.. I personally have been rooting for Adam the entire time, for both obvious and non-obvious reasons, but I sincerely think both of them deserve it. And, I think both will “make it” sooner than later even if they don’t win Idol. This is the only season I’ve ever followed and probably the last, too..
3 Chris Ronk // May 20, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I’m sorry but Kara’s song was really horrible.
Oddly enough, Kris wasn’t even judged for his horrible rendition of that horrible song. His first song was good, but everything else he did that night wasn’t so good.
Adam was not his best but still much better than Kris over all.
I personally think that Adam will be lucky if he loses this competition.
4 Lynne // May 20, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I voted for Adam til my fingers turned blue. But the best part of him coming in second place is the fact that his name will not be forever linked to that disgusting hurricanewreck of a song called ‘No Boundaries’. What a disaster.
Charice Pempengco (17 yr old Phillipino songstress) debuted a real winner on Oprah this Monday – ‘A Note to God’ by songwriter Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. Google that song by Charice – she’s had over 100,000 hits in 2 days. It’s a perfect example of a well-written song with simple lyrics, masterful music and phrasing building to an unforgettable climax. The chorus and orchestra in the background was a huge assist in building this masterpiece.
Poor Kris to have to hang his hat on that song of Kara Diogaurdi’s. How does something like that get past Simon Fuller? I guess the same way those twin disco divas made it on the stage.
I think Adam deserved the win for all his imaginative interpretations and outstanding vocals, but Kris is superb and outshines Adam as a musician. So, no losers in that contest.
5 Camille // May 21, 2009 at 1:38 am
I agree with you on almost everything regarding this season. My fatigue came in the form of simply being bored because I knew everyone was going to be good each and every time. It seems completely counter-intuitive, but once the excitement of seeing Sleeve-Tattoo butchering and/or awkwardly dancing through song after song was gone, I just stopped caring for a while…even though I wanted more than anything to be cheering for the best.
But in the end, these two won me over and I actually went into the last night not knowing who I wanted to win. At that point, I would have been pleased with either outcome.
The only thing I disagree with you about is that neither was good enough last night to incite any passion. Yes, 5/6 were good, but I thought Adam Lambert’s performance of “A Change Is Gonna Come” was not only the single best-performed song of the season, but an inspiration as a symbol for the changes that…well, are coming. And though American Idol’s main voting demographic may not be ready for that message, Adam, standing on that stage and singing that song, just as relevant 40 years later, was enough to convince me that he truly had transcended the entire competition.
6 Destiny // May 21, 2009 at 11:07 am
I have to admit that I’m really disappointed. I’m not disappointed for Adam because I believe that not having the spotlight of American Idol will be good for his career, but I am disappointed in America. American Idol is a singing competition, and Adam is the better singer hands down. Kris’s ability or lack there-of as a musician is irrelevant because the competition is about singing, and I think America (or at least the part of America that votes for American Idol) looks foolish and closed-minded right now for choosing the singer who is clearly less talented.
7 ferretrick // May 21, 2009 at 1:00 pm
“My fatigue came in the form of simply being bored because I knew everyone was going to be good each and every time.”
I’ve long believed that the judges and producers carefully select a mix level of talent for the semi-finals, to keep it interesting. How else do you explain Carmen Rasmussen, John Stevens, Sanjaya, etc. making the final rounds of a singing competition for which millions apply? They know that if every contestant was a Melinda Doolittle or Adam Lambert the show would be all the same, and boring. The audience needs a couple “why are they even there” people to mock and a few middle of the roaders, as much as it needs the superstars.
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