The Finale: Who will win American Idol?

vs.

The Final Two: Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen.

Adam Lambert:

One of the frontrunners from the first moment he auditioned. Had the silliest "scandal" of all time when he was outed during the first few weeks, as if no one could possibly suspect! Theatrical to a fault, although he has rained it in at times. His piercing falsetto is a take it or love it prospect though. Seemingly performed last every week.

-Best Performance: For me, Tracks of my Tears. There were a few other people may argue. Nice, beautifully arranged and sung, and just a shining moment.

-Worst Performance: Ring of Fire. Total indulgent mess. Just hard to describe.

So far, Adam has not really been in danger. There was one time where he was left to the end to be safe but I had trouble believing he was bottom two - I think they just left him toward the end for drama.

Kris Allen:

Does slow and steady win the race? Gracefully dodging early hiccups (Simon trying to sabatoge him by killing the little girl vote by showing Kris's wife, and some horrid early performances) Kris has been a solid part of almost every show. Has overcome seemingly being ignored by the judges at times.

-Best Performance: The Way You Look Tonight. Again, just IMO, he ditched the guitar, he really sang, and he shined on a night most people seemed determined to screw up their chances. This was the week Simon said Kris can't win. Well, I guess we will see.

-Worst Performance: All She Wants to Do is Dance. UGH. The little girls jump around him, he strums his guitar, it's cheesy and annoying.
Kris is not my favorite, I must admit. It's just I know a lot of guitar players, and this strum the guitar and play a sing songy version of a popular song is either not that hard, or I have extremely talented friends. (Compared to a reworked David Cook rendition, for example.) Kris has been vulnerable in several weeks but has been a survivor. If this is a result of him having a loyal fan base that pulled him through then he may have a better chance. There is really no way to tell.

They will sing three songs:

1) One they have done already. Interesting dilemna for Kris here, Heartless got a great reaction but that was last week. It's not going to make the same impact one week later. Adam will go with something slow and impactful you'd think, Mad World or Tracks of my Tears.

2) One Simon Fuller (not the judge) will choose for them. Interesting here. Kris is harder to pick for as he seems best with mid tempo ballads, something he can play along too. He may need to ditch the guitar on this or the last song. Adam will probably get something more uptempo to counteract his first chocie.

3) The coronation song. (Not yet sure it's one song for both or one song each.) These songs are really hit or miss, with more miss. Adam has more flexibility and should be able to do more with it. Really depends on what the song is.

Kris has won the coin toss and will perform last. I don't see which of the three rounds favors him.

Can Kris win? That is the ultimate question. Nothing is impossible, but it strikes me as highly improbably. Much like season six (when we lost Melinda which left us with the Jordin vs. Blake finale) this is a matchup of contestants where one goes in needing to be very solid to win, and the other win needs to go in not only needing to be good, but having the other contestant falter. What is the chance of that really? This has all the feeling of a coronation, with only the people who want Kris to win really thinking he can win.

7 finale's so far. In every year except year 2, there has been a clear front runner and that person has one. I think this is one of the closer finales, with only year 2 really being closer. There, something for those who think Kris can win!

As far as indicators go, they all point to Adam (search numbers, polls, odds, etc.).

Carrie Underwood, Jason Mraz, David Cook, Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas, and Keith Urban are scheduled to perform. There is a rumor (started by former contestant Scott) that Michael Jackson would be there as his band is there. They might just be working with someone else though. It's not like he is currently touring. I would imagine tons of ex idol contestants too.

So in closing, I fully expect Adam Lambert to be crowned our 8th American Idol Wednesday evening. What do you all think? So far I am 7 for 7 in my final predictions (predicting the day prior).

Remember

If Adam Wins…Randy 1st $300 Henry 2nd $175 Kip 3rd $70 Ken 4th $25.

If Kris Wins…Henry 1st $300 Stephanie, Kip and Randi tied $90 each.

Not everyone has contacted me with how to reach them, maybe you are waiting for winning?

Should be fun.

JUAN