American Idol - Season 8 - Top 2 - Performances

Tonight the contestants sing for the title! They'll each sing a song they've previously sung in the season, one song producer Simon Fuller chose for them, and the coronation song co-written by Kara DioGuardi.

Round 1: Songs from the season

Adam Lambert - Mad World by Tears For Fears
Adam makes his entrance at the top of the stairs, wearing a long trench coat and big emo boots. What a dramatic entrance. Do not like. He sounds good tho. He's doing as good if not better than when he did it earlier in the show. He really did control his vocals, and to me that is a huge plus. Good job Adam. Simon is being critical of Adam - is he trying to rile up his fans?

Kris Allen - Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
Kris is sitting down at the grand piano. Starts out slow and with the piano only, and then the band kicks in. Beautiful. I think he even put in more emotions than the first time he's done the song. He looses himself in that song, and the arrangements is just wonderful. Love, love, love it. Simon says that America has made the right choice voting him in the Top 2. Simon being nice to Kris? Trying to lull his fanbase to sleep? Simon even gives this round to Kris.

In my opinion, Round 1 goes to Kris.


Round 2: Simon fuller's pick

Adam Lambert - A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
Adam has two guitarists on either side of him. He's singing a song that requires a lot of soul... and his voice JUST. DOES. NOT. HAVE. IT. I don't think this song suits him at all. He's singing it well enough, meaning he's on pitch and he's putting his own spin on it, which I can appreciate. But I think more than ever that his wail really doesn't belong in this song. Holy Shit. No, please no. Randy "You Can Sing Your Face Off". Kara "Best song from the whole season from you". Paula "That was the best I've ever heard you sing ever ever". Simon "You Are 100% Back in the game".

Kris Allen - What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye
A guitarist, a drummer and a "box" player by his side, Kris sits on a stool with his guitar. He sings with soul, and he's sounding amazing. This is a really great song for Kris. I think the truncated version of the song might not have worked as great as it could have, but I think Kris did really great with this. Loved it. Randy "This is a little bit light for this point in the competition". Kara "You are true to yourself and have been from day one" Paula "You tore that song up and made Marvin Gave proud". Simon "I liked it but it was like three friends sitting in a bedroom playing Marvin Gave. Too laid back for a night like this". Oh Simon giving criticism to Kris? What's going on? Simon give this round to Adam "A million percent".

Round 2 goes to Kris no doubt.


Round 3: Coronation song

Adam Lambert - No Boundaries
Adam is sounding off a bit. This song really, but REALLY doesn't suit Adam. He did all he could with this sucky, sycky song. What else should we expect from an AI coronation song? Randy "You can sing anything, you can sing the phone book, but this was just alright for me". Kara "I'm moved and proud and thanks for giving me that moment". Paula "Adjectives cannot express what you've brought to this show". Simon "It's the mountains and the hurricanes. You have been one of the best, most original contestants we've ever had on the show. I believe with all my heart we have found a star in you".

Kris Allen - No Boundaries
And now Kris with the same song. I feel the tempo is a bit too fast for Kris, but he's doing well in the lower registered parts. The higher parts are sounding good, too, but he sounds like he's right at the edge of his register, which highlights a weakness rather than showing off his voice. The key is definitely too hight for him. I liked the acoustic guitar feel to this song better than the rock edge they put non it for Adam. Poor Kris has given this his all, but he looks uncomfortable. Randy "You should be proud of what you've done". Kara "I don't want you to be judged on that song, I think the key was too high. You are a compelling artist". Paula "You've done an amazing job to get where you are at. You deserve where you are in that spot light". Simon "First song was the highlight for you tonight. It's been amazing to watch you grow throughout the season (paraphrasing)". Again, Simon giving props to Kris? Putting his fanbase to sleep?

Round 3 goes to Kris, but both struggled big time with this dreadful song.


Carrie Underwood closes the show with her "Home Sweet Home". Meh.


How is it all going to be in the end? Find out on the finale...