Some Heavy Idol Talk

OK, so, I have watched American Idol for the last couple of seasons and as of this one I feel officially out of touch with the mainstream. Last night, in case you havent heard, the rocker got beat out by the crooner. The analogy I have used is this:

Kris Allen is like Bryan Adams, a good vocalist who performs well and is enjoyable to listen to, he just isnt overly creative with the songs. He sings well.

Adam Lambert is like Freddie Mercury, an unbelievable vocalist with unbelievable range who is extremely creative with the material given.

Last night Bryan Adams beat Freddie Mercury and I am just blown away. In the finale episode, after all is said and done and all that's left is the waiting for the big reveal there were several performances in which the finalist got to sing with various big name musicians. Someone sang with Lionel Richie, another with Queen Latifah. Kris, who has been the underdog for a while now, sang with Keith Urban.



It was a good, if not great, respectable performance but ultimately kind of meh. Adam comes out for his turn and gently starts singing "Beth" and as Candace and I are trying to figure out who sings the song he says, "Ladies and Gentlemen... KISS!" and proceeded to blow the doors off the place.



It was a phenomenal performance. Oh, and then he lost to the Kieth Urban guy.

I admit there is a big difference in style and think in the end that is what mattered. Not the guys themselves but HOW they performed. Adam is a showman and in many ways a front man who needs a band behind him to rock it out. Kris is very much the solo artist. I suppose I am a little torn because I think Adam will be more successful through coming second. He will not be tied to the obligatory self titled solo project and can be freed up to pull a Daughtry (whose album has gone quadruple platinum), something I think would have been better for David Cook last year as well.

I guess I just am bummed that Adam's talent wasnt recognized as the best talent. Clearly he vocally dominated the competition the entire time, there is just no question. Kris's dumbfounded reaction to his win last night was proof that he never never expected to win. He couldnt produce words... he had nothing to say because he knew superior talent when he saw it and I think that is what bugs me a bit. Like most reality shows it is not about the best, there is more to it then that. But then I guess that is what reality is like in the end. Being the best does not automatically make you the success in reality.