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'American Idol' final sing close to a dead heat

Fox

Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are the final two standing in the competition to be the next "American Idol."

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 19, 2009

Updated: 05/19/2009 09:36 pm

"American Idol" finalists Adam Lambert and Kris Allen faced off in a triple-song showdown Tuesday night that only proved that either one could carry this season's title.

It's down to the dark one, Lambert, the 27-year-old rocker and polished theater performer, and the dark horse Allen, the 23-year-old balladeer and kid-next-door from rural Arkansas.

Both opened with personal favorites from this season, with Lambert singing the haunting "Mad World" and Allen countering with the soulful "Ain't No Sunshine." The judges appeared to call it a draw, although Simon Cowell had doubts about Lambert's outfit, comparing it with something out of "The Phantom of the Opera."

For the second song, both did their interpretations of R&B classics. Lambert won all-around praise for his take on Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," while the reaction was mixed for Allen's acoustic version of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On." The women judges, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi, loved Allen's soft take while Randy Jackson and Cowell felt it was too soft.

Cowell said it was like some guys strumming in the bedroom trying to do a Marvin Gaye cover.

Both finalists were required to sing "No Boundaries," a pop song co-written for the "Idol" winner's first CD by DioGuardi. Neither performance was a knockout because the song didn't impress. But it was better suited for Allen than Lambert. Simon said he wasn't going to judge the song, but he declared Lambert one of the best and most original performers in the show's history.

The outcome, to be revealed Wednesday night in a two-hour-plus finale on Fox, is in the hands of viewers. The show starts at 8. Host Ryan Seacrest twice warned viewers that the results show will run past 10 p.m. Abdul noted that whatever happens, Lambert is going to be an iconic superstar.

KRIS ALLEN

Age: 23 From: Conway, Ark.

Song: His personal pick was Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine."

What the judges said:Randy: "One of your best performances ever on this stage." Kara: "You have a way of creating an intimate bond with the audience." Paula: "You have a way of personalizing every song." Simon: "When you were announced last week I wasn't sure if America had made the right choice. I take all that back now."

Song: He followed with Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On."

What the judges said:Randy: "That's a great song choice, but it's a little bit light for me." Kara: "You have been true to yourself from day one." Paula: "You tore that song up and made Marvin Gaye proud." Simon: "It was like three friends in the bedroom strumming to Marvin Gaye. It was not right for a night like this."

Song:He finished with the DioGuardi-penned song "No Boundaries."

What the judges said: Randy: "You are an amazing competitor. That song fits your voice better for me." Kara: "I don''t want you to be judged on that song. I want you to be judged because you are a compelling artist. I hope people vote on the season." Paula: "One of the most compelling finales ever." Simon: "Again, the highlight was the first song you sang. You thoroughly deserve to be on this stage tonight."

ADAM LAMBERT

Age: 27 From: Hollywood

Song: Adam went soulful on Gary Jules' "Mad World."

What the judges said:Randy: "I'm going to give you an A. An A for Adam!" Kara: "Not only are you a great singer, you are an incredible artist." Paula. "You look astonishingly handsome. This is your moment. This is a great song for you." Simon: "A little bit over-theatrical. A little bit of 'Phantom of the Opera.' "

Song: He kept the ballad mood with Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come."

What the judges said:Randy: "You can sing your face off, and you are unbelievable." Kara: "That may be your best performance of the entire competition." Paula: "Adam, that was the best I've ever heard you sing. You look like a superstar up there. No matter what happens, you are going to be iconic." Simon: "You are 100 percent back in the game."

Song: He also finished with "No Boundaries."

What the judges said:Randy: "You can sing anything, but that was not one of your best." Kara: "I am moved, and I am proud and I thank you for that moment." Paula: "Adjectives can't express what you have brought to the show this season." Simon: "I'm not going to judge that song. Throughout the entire season you have been one of the best and most original performers."

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