AI8 recap, Finalists x 2 (05/19/09)

My apologies to all you Danny Gokey fans for completely jinxing him. I honestly thought he was the safest of the three to make the finale. Goes to show you how much I know.

I’m flying solo tonight as my wife Kristin is in Chicago for work, so there may be misspellings, grammar errors, etc. I’ve been known to dangle a participle here and there.

Seacrest calls tonight “Acoustic vs. Glam,” and among other things “The Guy Next Door vs. The Guyliner.” Laughs all around. That Ryan Seacrest sure is funny (you can’t see it right now, but I’m totally rolling my eyes). Kris won the coin toss and chose to go second. Interesting choice.

Three songs tonight. The first one will be contestant’s choice, the second will be producer Simon Fuller’s choice and the last will be the “winner’s single,” co-written by Kara.

01 – Adam, Mad World (Tears for Fears)
I finally got to see this performance, as when he originally performed it (Finalists x 8), the TiVo cut out since they went like 10 minutes over that night. Very good again. A little weird with the long coat and dry ice though. Completely ‘80s, as it had a Phil Collins “In The Air Tonight” feel to it. Randy gave him an A+ on that one. Kara was so happy that he chose that song because he rocked it again tonight. Simon said it was a little bit over-theatrical (um, this IS Adam we’re talking about Simon…) and reminiscent of “Phantom of the Opera.” I thought it was fine. But I still can’t see listening to a whole CD of Adam’s screaming. I wish he’d have done the “Tracks of My Tears” song instead.

02 – Kris, Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers)
I thought this was an interesting song choice because I thought he was better during Disco Week with the Donna Summer song and even last week’s version of the Kanye West song. Looking back, I think I said he was good when he did this one originally, but the fact that I can’t remember it means it wasn’t that memorable for me. I’m still not a huge fan of Kris’. Was he better tonight than he was when he sang it during iTunes week? I don’t know. The judges sure seemed to think so. Randy called it of his best performances. Kara said if Kris doesn’t move you, something’s wrong with you. I guess I’m going to the doctor tomorrow since I feel nothing when he sings (except that “She Works Hard For The Money” song). Paula completely flubbed her pre-arranged statement. Simon didn’t think he deserved to be in the finale, but took it back after this performance. He also gave round 1 to Kris. I think it was close. Maybe Kris comes out ahead, but not by much.

03 – Adam, A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke)
Adam did well with this one. Understated at times, but with a big finish. Toned it down with a grey suit and aqua tie. Randy said he can sing his face off. Kara said it might have been his best performance and interpretation of a song. Paula said it was the best she’s ever heard him sing. Simon said he was 100% back in the game. This sure did make up for any perceived shortcomings from his first song.

04 – Kris, What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye)
Kris reminds me of the guy in “Animal House” whose guitar got smashed by John Belushi. That guy was actually singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop. “I gave my love a cherry that had no stone. I gave my love a chicken that had no bone. I gave my love a story that haaad no end. I gave …” Cue Belushi smashing the guitar. Sorry. Kris was truly a dark horse in this competition. Who’d have thought he’d get to the finals? And he’s probably the odds on favorite to win. I’m guessing that Danny Gokey’s votes are going to Kris and not Adam. Randy called it a great song choice, but a little bit light for this point in the competition. Kara liked that he’s always been true to himself. Paula made some lame attempt at humor by saying she knew what’s going on. Simon panned it saying that it sounded like 3 friends strumming to a Marvin Gaye song. Said it was too laid back. He gave round two to Adam by a million percent.

05 – Adam, No Boundaries (Kara DioGuardi, with Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allen)
I think that with a new song, it’s an advantage to going first, as this will be the first impression everyone gets with the song. Adam did well with it, although he’s not as confident as with songs that he knows. I thought he got a bit screechy at times, but most of these “original” songs are power ballads and Adam does power ballads. Randy said he can sing anything (was that a compliment or a dig to Kara?). Not his favorite performance, just a’ight. Kara was moved and proud to have him sing her song. Simon chose not to judge on that song (he was giggling at Kara’s song, I think), but added that he is the best, most original contestant ever on the show. He added that they’re looking for a worldwide star and they found it in Adam. This was probably tough on the guys, as they had to learn 3 songs, one of which they’ve never heard before. I thought Adam was decent with this one. But he’ll still be in the bottom 2 tomorrow…

06 – Kris, No Boundaries (Kara DioGuardi, with Cathy Dennis and Mitch Allen)
Kris looked naked up there with no guitar or piano. He looked like he didn’t know the song and I could swear that he missed a word early on. Although how would I really know that since I don’t know this song? I think Danny Gokey would’ve sung this song the best. Randy thought the key was a little high for Kris. But thought the song suited Kris better than Adam. Kara didn’t want Kris judged on that song because it was a little too high for him. Simon thought his clear highlight was his first song and that he thoroughly deserved to standing on that stage tonight. Which means he thinks Adam should win, but thought Kris belonged in the finals.

Like most finales, I don’t think tonight will sway voters one way or another. If you liked Adam or Kris going in, you’ll like them after tonight. Don’t think many people were on the fence with these two. I’d like to think Adam will win, but it seems as though Kris has more voters and will maybe gain more votes with the fallen Danny Gokey. My wife Kristin has said for weeks now that Kris is really the only one that NEEDS to win this competition. Adam, Danny and even Allison are set. They’ve showcased enough of themselves to get a record deal. Kris may have too, but winning and having a guaranteed deal with American Idol is bigger for him than anyone else. So, I really don’t care who wins.

I was going to include some commentary on Joan Rivers winning The Celebrity Apprentice over Annie Duke, but it’s just too late right now. If you’re so inclined, e-mail me and I’ll give you my thoughts.

Thanks all. It’s been fun. See you next season. I think. And thanks to Mike Rico and Jim Rutter for filling in for me this season again.