The American Idol finale just ended. Or, I should say, the final night of singing just ended. Adam Lambert vs Kris Allen. And I have to say, I’ve kind of fallen in love with Kris Allen because, over the course of the season, he’s surprised me more than anyone else. (Last week’s version of Kanye West’s “Heartless,” anyone? I’ve listened to that repeatedly.)
Adam is Adam: a diva, a great singer, a glam rocker, dramatic, a bit much, all that. Fairly static in what he’s going to do. I’ve known what to expect. Yet, I still don’t know what you do with him as a solo artist. Kris, for me, has been the more surprising and versatile of the two: playing piano, guitar, changing songs up in fresh ways, without those soaring vocals of Adam, yes, but with an accessibility factor that should not be underestimated.
For me, the difference is this: Adam invites you to stand there and watch him. Kris invites you in. I admire Adam’s performances, but there’s no room for anyone else, if that makes sense. He doesn’t want to share the moment; it’s always his. On the other hand, I feel what Kris does. He shares. There’s a warmth there that makes room for the audience to join in.
Adam says, “Look what I have.” Kris says, “I have this, want some?”
It’s the difference between just standing there drooling with envy over my friend’s 1965 Mustang convertible with the Pony interior and my friend smiling, tossing me the keys, and saying, “Wanna take it for a spin?”
That’s the difference, to me.
Perfect analogy!
I’m a little biased towards Kris anyway, considering I live in Kris Allen Central, but Adam is way more suited for Broadway. You could really tell that when they sang the Kara song last night. He was HOOOORRRIBBBLLLE. He’s just not got a pop voice.
Lisa — The Kara song is HORRIBLE. Un-singable. They need to dump that turkey but fast. Adam is a rock star — that’s what he is. He’s not pop. And I don’t know where you put a solo rock star. Not that they don’t exist, I just don’t know where you put him or what you do with him. I think both these guys will have careers post-Idol and this is the first time I’ve thought that about the final two. And actually, the runner-up has more freedom. From what I’ve read, that initial Idol contract is pretty restrictive.
I think about you every time Kris sings. Funny, I’m in Adam Lambert Central. He’s from San Diego.
My wife and I were just saying, we’d like to see Adam in concert, but we’d buy Kris’s album
Yes, trace! You’re a genius. And re: Kahra’s song? More blergworthy than “Inside Your Heaven.” And a complete mess of a melody.
I’m so tweeting this.
(I’m a loser.)
Kara’s song! Sarahk! I could expound FOREVER on its horrors. I just may.
JFH — Yeah, that’s a good way to put it.
Perfectly said!
Beautifully written, and spot on!