Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen: Who Will Be America’s New ‘Idol?’
They say it’s all about the singing. But there’s much more than just talent to talk about as Adam Lambert and Kris Allen step up to the stage for tonight’s season eight finale of “American Idol.”
Tuesday night, Lambert showed off his vocal prowess by making good of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” and Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” while Allen belted out “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”
Both contestants also sang a song penned by newbie “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi, “No Boundaries.”
It all led up to the main event of the season — tonight’s two-hour finale, which will determine which contestant scores the coveted “Idol” crown and recording contract with “Idol” affiliated label 19 Entertainment.
Among the stars expected to grace the stage for the final Lambert-Allen showdown: The Black Eyed Peas, Queen Latifah, Keith Urban, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper and last year’s “Idol” winner, David Cook.
Hanging over tonight’s finale is the overwhelming speculation that Lambert will win it all. Online betting sites tout the 27-year-old musical theater veteran as the almost certain victor: Betfair.com gives Lambert a 76-percent chance of taking the “Idol” title.
One factor that could tip the scales in Allen’s favor: fans of Danny Gokey, who was eliminated from “Idol” last week, putting their votes towards the underdog. Some 88 million votes were cast in the last round, with only 1 million votes separating Lambert from Allen, according to host Ryan Seacrest.
But in recent weeks, Lambert has also emerged as the favorite of “Idol’s” judges, guest performers and critics. The usually snarky Simon Cowell came out in full support of Lambert earlier this month, telling Oprah Winfrey that there’s no way Lambert won’t win because he’s fearless, he’s unique and “he’s got swagger.” Paula Abdul called Lambert the Michael Phelps of the current competition.
Last Wednesday, pop star Katy Perry wore a cape bearing his name for her “Idol” performance of “Waking Up in Vegas,” the same week Entertainment Weekly gave him a cover.
The attention showered on Lambert hasn’t been lost on his fellow “Idol” contestants. After losing to Lambert in the eighth week of competition, Matt Giraud spoke out about the judges’ perceived alliances.
“The judges have their favorites, and they’re going to make sure they do well,” he told ABC News Radio. “There were times when I felt, like, invisible in the competition.”
Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen: Who Will Be America’s New ‘Idol?’
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