After four months, American Idol Season 8 is coming down to a surprisingly exciting and dramatic finale this week. It’s no surprise that longtime judge- and fan-favorite Adam Lambert has fought his way to the last elimination stage, but who would have predicted that soft-spoken and humble Kris Allen would be one of the last two standing? And not only is he standing, but he’s giving Adam a run for his money vote-wise. Ryan Seacrest reveled on last week’s show that only a narrow margin separated the top two contestants.
Here’s a primer for Tuesday and Wednesday’s two-part showdown.
Adam Lambert - Far from subtle with a love of the dramatic, Adam Lambert has been a contestant like no other. Along with being one of the most talented performers in Idol’s history, his edgy, his distinctive sound and his love of guyliner has also led to his being one of the more polarizing. Since many have speculated that Adam might be gay, there are plenty of questions around if and how that might be influencing voters.
Kris Allen – Until the last few weeks, Kris Allen’s name wasn’t mentioned at the top of the list. Danny Gokey was certainly favored in some circles, and so was Allison Iraheta. But each week, Kris’ star has continued to rise. This is likely due to the fact that he gets better each week (last week’s renditions of “Heartless” and Apologize” solidified his place as a finalist) and that he probably gains decent voting blocks from other eliminated contestants. For example, he would probably take more of Danny Gokey’s prior fans than Adam would. But when it comes to stage presence, he’s clearly outmatched.
Take our poll, tell us who you’re voting for and why, and we’ll publish the results prior to Wednesday night’s winner announcement.
(Photos: Fox)
adam is the one i have rooted for since his audition. he clearly is a singer of the level of freddy mercury, robert plant, and steven tyler. gay or not, winner or not he will mark a mark in the music world now.
Posted by: kevinp | May 19, 2009 at 06:14 AM
i don't like Adam, he just is so over the top and annoying and screechy. I'm more interested in smoother tones and a cute boy singing to me than some pock-marked frocker who probably isn't very rock and more interested in the "roll"
Posted by: ontarianitch | May 19, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Can we have a tie this year? I'd do them both. Can someone say 'threesome'?
Posted by: RavishingRob | May 19, 2009 at 07:34 AM
$5 says more than half the homos here voting for Adam are doing so not for his merits (or lack thereof). Rather, they're voting for him simply because he's gay.
A rocker? Hardly. Glam? Maybe. Painted up and taped-crotch is more his style, and that's perfectly fine. But singers like him are a dime a dozen and his flash-in-the-pan success will soon wane.
Kris - a singer and a musician. Someone with real talent. That's who I'm voting for. Not some stereotypically-effeminate once-drag-queen screecher.
Posted by: John Public | May 19, 2009 at 08:32 AM
ive been watching from the beginning and supporting chris.. hes amazing and it definitely helps that he is MAD CUTE
Posted by: steve | May 19, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Though I think Adam will win, based on a huge fan base (not just gay), Kris is also a very talented performer and I'd be just as happy with an "upset" winner. I think both will be catapulted to wherever they want to go with their careers, regardless of who wins. They have appeals to different segments of the musical public and each will be successful. I don't vote based on "gayness" but on talent.
Posted by: midnightvoice | May 19, 2009 at 09:00 AM
I vote on talent...and on how hot I think the contestant is! Kris is definitely HOT! He has definitely grown quickly over the past several months and that shows what a depth of talent and individual style he has. I just love 'im! PS: I have to give Adam LOTS of credit however because he is a fierce talent and proud to be himself. I'll be happy with either one, because I think both of them have a great chance of going a long long way in the future.
Posted by: Onlywayne | May 19, 2009 at 09:13 AM
Even though both men are very good, I will be voting for Kris. I'm just a bigger fan of his voice and his style. I will definitely but both of their albums though, they both have big careers ahead of them, as well as a couple others from this season.
Posted by: Jim | May 19, 2009 at 09:19 AM
My vote is for Kris. At least he doesn't SCREEEEEEEM nearly every song that he sings. Adam will probably win. He's an entertainer. But I don't care for the way he sings. And just wait until he comes outta the closet..oy vey.
Posted by: JET314 | May 19, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Haven't you noticed that Adam looks 40 underneath all that make-up? For 20-something, he's had a rough life, apparently. And his "singing" is horrific. If I wanted to hear that kind of screaming, I'd go to a maternity hospital.
Posted by: The Truth | May 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I vote that this show SUCK'S
Posted by: Arthur Graves | May 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I thought AI was really about finding the next best recording artist, and an unknown talent? Adam Lambert has already been "found." He was awesome in "Wicked" here in SF, but to me Kris is the musician. He's raw talent!
Simon said, "This isn't a popularity contest." I disagree. If you're a popular recording artist, you'll sell tons and tons of cd's, records, downloads, etc. True?
Posted by: Michael Mario | May 19, 2009 at 10:54 AM
The show is full of shit. They have rigged the competition so Adam can win and the more talented and more deserving contestants can go to other record labels. Frankly Adam sounds horrible. The majority of the performances by him were ruined with him screaming. But he is going to get a rude awakening when people half ass buy whatever bullshit album he puts out. So my vote is for neither one of them because that "Hearless" song Kris did was fucking bad too. The show needs to not rig the competition and truly make it "American Idol."
Posted by: Justin | May 19, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Kris is hotter...he should win. Isn't that how we gays vote? The hot ones always win!
Posted by: MuscleRunt | May 19, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Adam has a certain career ahead of him anyway...Kris is a sweet talented kid who needs the benefits of being named American Idol to really boost his career.
Posted by: Larry | May 19, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Kris is the cutest of all the guys, and I love his voice.
Posted by: msb45a | May 19, 2009 at 12:31 PM
I'll be voting for Adam. There are people on this board who obviously don't know what talent is when they see it. Very few people have learned how to connect there chest and head voices. Adam has done just that flawlessly. He wows me every time he opens his mouth. I was first introduced to him in the off-broadway musical THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (starring Val Kilmer). Adam was playing a slave, and he sang a solo that pulled on the heartstrings of everyone who heard it. His ability to emote is so much greater than Kris', and as a vocalist and performer I would much rather see Adam on stage than Kris. Versatility is the name of the game folks: I see the potential for a sold-out concerts worldwide with Adam. Kris' music will just get old and sound like everyone else's.
Posted by: Terrell | May 19, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Adam is a talented singer and performer, consistently and confidently demonstrating that he is a natural on stage. He deserves to win, but he does not need to "win" the Idol competition: he has a long career ahead of him.
Kris is also very talented. He deserves to win, with all the possibilities that a win will offer.
But who will America vote for? Some people will not vote for Adam based on a perceived sexual orientation (i.e., "Homo!")--without knowing for sure if he is or isn't.
Since both Adam and Kris deserve to win, I believe that Adam needs my vote to protect his right to success and to be who is he--nationally, and as an American Idol!
Now that's a role model for gay teens!
Posted by: splashpont | May 19, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Addenda to above: Adam style of singing is not to my liking--but he does it masterfully and deserves to win.
Posted by: splashpont | May 19, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Adam has a great vocal range and stage presence. He is unique, versatile, and creative with his performances and most always gets praise from the judges. This is a singing competition and Adam gets my vote to win, gay or not.
Posted by: Doug | May 19, 2009 at 02:22 PM
Adam is by far the better performer, but Kris is from Arkansas. The Southeast (Bible Belt) tend to vote more often and in bigger numbers.
Posted by: Jack | May 19, 2009 at 03:08 PM
It's so funny (actually not really) reading comments about who's gay who's not. It is as if America is still living in the 1950's. North of the border it would not even have been part of the discussion; and if anyone would justify a choice because of it, he/she would be regarded as poorly educated.
My vote will go to Adam. I do find KRIS super charming and VERY talented (he plays guitar and piano too) but lacking where Adam scores big: showmanship & power voice! It's nice to be timid when you visit the family but not on stage.
Posted by: Mickey | May 19, 2009 at 03:16 PM
Adam all the way, he is obviously the most talented performer EVER on American Idol - hands down. Yes Kris is cute, but my god, every song has been pichy and out of tune... reminds me of one trick pony Castro.
Posted by: Sam | May 19, 2009 at 03:30 PM
adams is hot and has a huge package and desever to win
Posted by: john | May 19, 2009 at 04:02 PM
What's wrong with you people?! Don't vote for the bible-beater! Self-loathing, sigh.
Posted by: Michael | May 19, 2009 at 04:29 PM
voting for Kris.... both are ridiculously talented guys, but Adam can get a record deal any direction he points. It would be like offering financial aid to a student who already has a full-ride scholarship. Kris needs this more than Adam does... plus i think he's just as, if not more, talented. i think if Kris wins, they'll both get the attention and opportunities that will allow them to live out their potential.
Posted by: ronjon80 | May 19, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Reading the comments posted here, it is clear why Prop 8 was lost and gays get no respect. ou complain when someone calls you a faggot or queer, but you don't mind tossing the derogatory terms around when it suits you. Adam and Kris are a better example of what we should be, they are friends first before the competition. They are both talented young men and either one of them will have brilliant careers. But Adam will be the more successful, because it is not records sold but how many people you can get into the stadium.
Posted by: Rndmacts | May 19, 2009 at 05:35 PM
i've to admit adam's voice is super..but to vote for the winner of the american idol i'd vote for kris..yes, it's the gay thing..i feel extremely weird to see the american idol is someone who is way too over the top, has the most makeup on his face (jesus!), a sorta "drag" (yes, adam dragged in some events). the truth is adam doesn't need to win the american idoa to be a successful recording artist..i'd vote for kris, who not only has a super voice (mayeb not so versatile like adam) but also a sweet guy (not drag, over the top, too much makeup)
Posted by: pete | May 19, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Mickey -
Don't you think that there are sections of the population who are still in the 1950s???
Posted by: Jack | May 19, 2009 at 06:12 PM
I think Adam Lambert would be really good in Dreamgirls.
Posted by: Sisyphus80 | May 19, 2009 at 06:23 PM
While I recognize Adam's talent, he doesn't reflect my taste in music. I like Kris' performances better.
...and yes, I'd rather sleep with Kris than Adam. ;)
Posted by: chris | May 19, 2009 at 07:59 PM
I really don't think Adam should have been on the show. He's been doing Broadway shows for a while. To me, it's not fare to the other people on the show. He should have been let go, like the girl was at the start of the show.
I voted for Kris.
Posted by: RyanO | May 19, 2009 at 08:01 PM
WFT on ragging on Adam's face calling it "pock-marked?" He apparently has some acne scaring. So what? And besides that you effing moron, it's "pox-marked." If you are going to throw as nasty comment at least get it right.
Posted by: staples2020 | May 19, 2009 at 08:13 PM
adam isnt a horrible singer. you guys just dont like him cuz hes not your style. kris is a good singer. but hes so bland...everyone sings like he does. i dont care to listen to sweet slow songs all the time...adams edgy out there personality makes him fun and something to jam to. im not a fan of his flamboyant guyliner shit....but his voice is awesome. now if it was cute kris with adams rockin voice...that would be perfect
Posted by: derkk | May 19, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Pop stars, talent?...in a word, yuck.
Posted by: AWC | May 19, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Oh boy, why am I not surprised that the same posters on these boards who are apologists for Carrie Prejean also LOVE Kris Allen, a southern evangelical, republican, MARRIED-to-blond-bimbo, cookie-cutter twink, who happens to be the most boring contestant on Idol ever (next to Danny Gokey). Yeah, I guess this explains the bewildering success of Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney with gay fans.
And a note to Adam: You have the talent and originality - Please don't follow the Clay Aiken path to fame! Fire whoever is advising you to make these coy statements on your orientation, "I know who I am." - Huh? Don't build a career by misleading overweight teen girls and their lonely middle aged mothers into buying your albums and concert tickets in the delusional fantasy you will someday marry them. Don't string the public along for 5 years - COME OUT NOW and let the chips fall!
Posted by: ryan | May 20, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Kris does have talent and I would not be disappointed if he won. I believe that he would benefit from from the direction he would receive after winning. But Adam is in a league of his own. He has out performed and out sang everyone in season 8 and quite possibly in the history of American Idol. If you prefer Kris' style more than vote for him, but I will be voting for Adam. I do prefer Adam's style but I also feel he is the more talented artist. Either way, neither one of them can lose. And the sexuality of either contestant had no part in my decision. I find it sad that people are voting based on sexuality. And that is from someone that thinks Kris is cute as hell.
Posted by: Mike | May 20, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Adam, he has a much better voice and know how to use it. Kris, just a cute ordinary singer. Hope Adam win. He deserve it. This is a singing competition.
Posted by: Tom | May 20, 2009 at 01:12 AM
i love them both. they both have excelent qualities and both are extreemly talented. i thought that it would eventually come down to the two of them. however if you are to base it on who is the MOST stage ready at this point id have to say, Adam has earned the ultimate win.
Posted by: tim | May 20, 2009 at 01:35 AM
and to the moron who thinks that the winner should be the one who needs it most and not the one who's earned it the most id have to say your an idiot as well as a moron. this is a SINGGING COMPETITION ok figure it out i love kris and think he's very talented but the one who's earned the title is Adam. hands down and he should be the winner.
Posted by: tim | May 20, 2009 at 01:43 AM
John Public insinuated Adam Lambert as a "stereotypically-effeminate once-drag-queen screecher." Wow, I don't know many drag queens that can even lip-synch properly, much less sing. My vote is for Adam. He has paid his dues for long overdue fame. "Rock and roll is a prostitute...it should be tarted up and performed!" As a grandmother said on the AI site, at least he has some "zing." Adamazing.
Posted by: farmboyWISC | May 20, 2009 at 02:27 AM
Kris is easy on the eyes. Adam make me sick, don't know why he just seems to be into himself to much
Posted by: Leo Charland | May 20, 2009 at 02:32 AM
Too many fantasizing "Kristians" in this crowd. Adam may end up not being the American Idol but he is already a world idol.
Posted by: farmboyWISC | May 20, 2009 at 02:38 AM
Neither.
I am so sick of this show.
Glam Rock was so 80s, & none of you kids could even imagine the hay day that Glam Rock never really had.
Some of the big time Glam Rockers whore more makeup than any bad drag queen on a comedy tour.
LAUGH OUT LOUD
Posted by: greg m | May 20, 2009 at 03:44 AM
When it comes to arranging songs and actually singing them KRIS absolutely moves my heart and soul - he is the boyfriend I wish I had - all cute and cudly with THOSE EYES - I love Kris Allen. I too feel there should be a tie because they are so different.Mainly because he is SO my type and those kind of guys are so passionate - I want Kris to have whatever he wants. Winning might not be his forte....whereas Adam could live his life in the spotlight.
Posted by: Bryan Lovsness | May 20, 2009 at 06:23 AM
Never heard of either of them. Who are these people and why should I care?
Posted by: Chris - EU | May 20, 2009 at 06:51 AM
Adam is the male version of Patti Labelle in my view ... I think an album with Adam and Patti would be hot hoT HOT
Posted by: Top040 | May 20, 2009 at 08:38 AM
I think Adam should win so Kris can come over to my house for me to consoul him :)
Posted by: Barry | May 20, 2009 at 11:19 AM
i think it's goin to be a very close race, each of them both bring their own style to every performance, it's gonna be a really close call tonight!! tune into fox at 7pm central!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Eddie | May 20, 2009 at 11:44 AM
While both of them are good in their own merits. You might think Adam is 'screachy' but really he is excellent for his style of music. I'm guessing you listen to more of Jason Mraz style if you go with Kris, which is fine cause I do to. However as one comment said, hell yes I'm going to vote for Adam simply because he is gay. Cause quite frankly they are both great and both will be just fine with great careers after the show, however I want to be able to say 'haha Look Mom and Dad that person is an 'American Idol' and yes he is gay." It would be just another big push for equality in my eyes.
Posted by: Bob | May 20, 2009 at 01:54 PM