As Adam Lambert has been singing his socks off, and his heart out, for weeks on American Idol, our staff has been singing the praises of this unique contestant.
The season eight title is clearly his to lose. But should it be?
Having already graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly, and made headlines around the country, Lambert has already won Idol. He will get a recording contract, he will top the charts for years to come and his musical dreams will come true.
Considering his talent and popularity, these goals will undoubtedly be accomplished, regardless of whether or not Adam takes home the crown Wednesday night.
Heck, one could argue that NOT being named American Idol will open Lambert up for the kind of versatile career he appears to be striving for.
Remember Chris Daughtry? He's often said his early elimination from season five allowed for a certain artistic freedom; he could instantly embark on a rock album, without the constraints often in place on American Idol champions (whose first single, in most cases, is the cheesy ballad they sing on each season's finale).
It's not hard to imagine Lambert actually benefiting, in the same way as Daughtry, from falling just short of victory.
But Kris Allen needs that crown. Kris Allen has worked hard for that crown. Kris Allen deserves a long, successful career, one likely not possible without that crown.
Allen is an incredibly talented artist, but he doesn't stand out like Lambert.
He's flown under the Idol radar all season, finally receiving true, overwhelming recognition last week for his cover of Kanye West's "Heartless," an especially brave performance considering Kanye himself performed the same single on the same stage just a few months ago.
Adam Lambert and Kris Allen left Danny Gokey behind in the semifinals. The competition is down to two!
Could Kris have a John Mayer or Jack Johnson-like career, even if he comes in second? Of course. He reminds us of those guitar-playing singer/songwriters, mostly due to his style and musical arrangements, though the fact that he's easy on the eyes doesn't hurt.
Still, contrary to his attention-grabbing competition, Allen would really benefit from the American Idol title.
It would separate him from other aspiring artists in his genre; not merely because he won the most popular competition on television, but because he pulled off the greatest finale upset in the show's history to do it.
Will this victory take place? It's highly unlikely. And we certainly won't shed any tears when Lambert is named the winner. He's a great performer and talent.
But here's one vote for Kris Allen. It's our way of hoping season eight produces two champions.
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51 Comments
May 15th, 2009 1:20 PM
Well, AI voters have put the two best into the final. I think that America will get it right and Adam will win. And, I disagree with you assertation that if Kris wins it will be the biggest upset in Idol history. If Kris wins it will be a bigger voter fiasco then infamous Clay-Ruben final vote, it will prove that AI final voting doesn't reflect who is America's choice, but how millions of votes can come from a handful of well organized fans using computer technology and unlimited messaging votes. 5,000 text messages each from 10,000 voters is 50,000,000 -- almost half the expected vote total. In other words, the residents of Conway AR could make Kris the next American Idol.
May 15th, 2009 1:23 PM
I wouldn't be too quick to name Adam the winner. There's a growing concensus that Danny's voters will go with Kris. I also agree that Adam is already a winner. Get that kid a record deal now!
However, as a true fan of Adam, and being aware of what a sweet kid he is, I know how much he wants to win. He has a kind enough heart that he'll be thrilled to see Kris win, but when you get this far, I can't imagine that you don't want the whole thing. I would like to see him win only because I think he really wants it.
That having been said, I agree that carrying out the appearances and responsibilities that go with the title might cramp his style and keep him chained down for his first year. On the other hand, David Cook doesn't seem to have suffered too much by wearing that crown.
May 15th, 2009 1:34 PM
So the winner of American Idol shouldn't be the best, but who "needs it the most". Thats so old. THe BEST should win... they all need the title or they wouldn't have tried out for the show.
May 15th, 2009 1:34 PM
Yes, but what will Adam do with that cheesy ballad? Of course, he should win, and we need to make sure he does.
May 15th, 2009 1:39 PM
Thank you Hilton for bringing out the good points! I've always like both Kris and Adam but will support Kris all the way to the finale, esp. because he is such an underdog throughout of the whole season! The judges were still trying to manipiulate the voters for a adam-danny finale even at the very last top 3 show. However, "Heartess" must really have blown them away too for them to finally say some kind words towards Kris and not threw him under the bus for no good reason Go KRIS!
May 15th, 2009 2:03 PM
So give it to Kris out of pity? Not because he's the best but because he needs it more? Give me a break. It's this type of thinking that makes a mockery out of AI even more than it already is.
If Adam is the best he should win. Enough said. Feeling sorry for Kris and voting for him is absolutely ridiculous and proves once and for all that this program is nothing more than a popularity contest. How do you know Adam will succeed without winning? How can you assume anything other than from your own personal bias?
And for the record...Kris has worked hard? Adam's worked equally as hard and for a heck of a lot longer.
I'm voting for Adam.
May 15th, 2009 2:18 PM
Frennie, Well said. Great minds think a like.
May 15th, 2009 2:30 PM
I have been voting my a-- off for Adam the whole season. To me he is an amazing singer and performer. He has natural presence that you don't learn: You either have it or you don't. I like Kris a lot too. He is very talented as well. I just don't buy that someone doesn't "need" to win AI. I think the best singer should win. And that's Adam hands-down. He deserves the title. Period.
May 15th, 2009 2:37 PM
imo, I don't think either Adam or Kris care too much about who win at this point. All they care is that they will do their best and to show us what kind of singers they truly are. They are the only 2 singers throughout of the whole season who had stayed true to themselves and never a copycat like Danny...
May 15th, 2009 4:05 PM
I love Kris and Adam. May the best man win. I am from Arkansas but I like Adam the most .I hope all of them get a recording deal.At least the top 4. Don't underestimate Arkansas. They vote a lot!!!!I myself even though love Adam,vote for Kris always!