Idol Chatter: Lambert and Allen's Clash of Styles
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WHEN ALEXANDER HAMILTON and Aaron Burr met up in Weehawken, N.J., for their storied duel in 1804, each man brandished a Wogdon pistol.
But "American Idol's" Adam Lambert and Kris Allen come to their face-off with such different skill sets that they might as well be packing a trout and a squeegee.
With last week's somewhat surprising demise of earnest soul man Danny Gokey, the "Idol" audience is left with two very varied sounds: Lambert's theatrical scream-rock and Allen's lo-fi sunny strumming. The sonic sparring begins tonight; on Wednesday, the eighth American Idol will be crowned.
In Lambert's corner is a vocal horde of Internet-savvy fans and reverberated buzz from his early star-making performances -- not to mention constant love notes in the press from opinion-shaping "Idol" judge Simon Cowell.
On the other side of the equation is Allen, whose stripped-down, melody-friendly songs have won him a steady stream of fan support.
Lambert's performances are awash in colors, costumes and characters; Allen's are simple, stripped-down affairs. While last week was relatively low-impact for Lambert -- both of the songs he performed fell below his usual level of excellence -- Allen appears resurgent. He even won a compliment from Lambert-backer Cowell.
What do the singers have in common? Serious vocal chops, a flair for reworking songs to fit their styles and millions of eyes focused on them with no clear outcome in sight.
» TUESDAY NIGHT: Adam and Kris take the stage for the final performance show of the season. Who will wow us? What will they sing? WhatEVER will Paula wear? We shall see.
Till then, what do you think of each contestant's chances? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Photo courtesy Fox
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Addison Road
I think it will be an exciting show - to see what each of them will do to entertain us! But I whole-heartedly disagree that Adam's performances last week fell below his usual level of excellence. Those songs, especially the Aerosmith number get better and better each listen and I want to keep listening to them over and over. He toned down his costuming and delivery and let his vocals shine. I thought both he and Kris were fabulous, but I'm still Adam all the way!
By Deanna Damonte , Posted May 19, 2009 4:57 AMI think this is the first final 2 where I'll be happy with either winner. We'll see what happens tonight, but going by their work to date, both contestants have put together impressive bodies of work. Kris may be less polarizing, but Adam has the huge stage presence. It really is a matter of tastes, but I think both these guys will do well after the show.
By EOC , Posted May 19, 2009 8:26 AMGreg another great preview. I agree this will be an intense duel of the new millenium! These boys both have amazing voices...though I'm more into the low-key vocals of Kris Allen...but that's just my humble opinion. My mom would say the opposite! I just can't wait to hear them both tonight and I seriously cannot wait to see who's crowned the eighth American Idol on Wednesday! Holy moley this is an exciting year!
By Lisa A. , Posted May 19, 2009 10:34 AMARE SIMON AND PAULA “BREAKING UP”?
By Bruce , Posted May 19, 2009 12:05 PMWill tonight be one of the last times we see them together?
Let’s hope not. ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o