American Idol Top 4 Idol Chatter and Idle Chatter

[Tatania]

Lots of press leading up to the final tonight. I thought this this article from the Boston Herald (May 18) was very balanced and accurate.

Love him or hate him, Adam Lambert electrifies American Idol
By Chuck Barney

No matter how the votes stack up after Wednesday’s finale, and no matter what happens from here on out, this season of "American Idol" boils down to one singular sensation.

It’s all about Adam Lambert.

Fans of Kris Allen can go ahead and protest. Who knows? Their cutie-pie underdog might even pull off the upset.

But it doesn’t matter. Adam Lambert rules.

No other contestant in "Idol" history has dominated America’s favorite show and the buzz surrounding it like the charismatic raven-haired rocker from Southern California. Even viewers who previously shunned "Idol" tuned in every week specifically to see what kind of thrilling twist Lambert, 27, would bring to an otherwise familiar song. Bursting off our screens, he became the epitome of the term "good TV."

Meanwhile, the judges, led by Simon Cowell, have had a huge (and sometimes unbecoming) crush on him. So have the denizens of cyberspace, who gleefully wallow in full-blown Adamania.

"He’s like an atomic blast," wrote a commentator on our TV blog. "He’s intoxicating," said another.

What might be most surprising is that Lambert’s popularity spans the genders and ages. "I am a 67-year-old grandfather, and even I can see that Adam is far and away more talented and gifted than any of the others," wrote one of our posters. A 57-year-old woman echoed those sentiments. "There has never been a contestant who measures up to his range, style, and pure talent," she wrote. "I adore him ... I wait each week to see what he will do next. (’Idol’) must feel that they really hit the jackpot this year!"

The fact that Lambert’s rise shattered almost everything we have come to expect from the show only bolstered his allure. He was an eye-popping, jaw-dropping surprise. And for a show that has leaned so heavily upon formula and stock archetypes for eight seasons, surprise is a very cool thing.

As Time magazine music writer Josh Tyrangiel pointed out, "Idol" has become a reliable star factory "largely because the talents it produces — Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood — respect the conventions of its genres. They are nice singers who sing nice songs nicely."

In other words, they played the game.

But then along came Lambert, an in-your-face, button-pushing game-changer. With his Goth looks, his painted nails, eyeliner and black leather, his relentless flirtation with the high notes (some call it "screeching") and his shameless theatricality, he tossed a firecracker into the cozy "Idol" clubhouse. Adding some extra sizzle has been the whole "Is he gay?" issue.

On stage, Lambert has been the ultimate shape-shifter. One week, he’ll wring every ounce of emotion from Smokey Robinson’s woeful ballad "Tracks Of My Tears." Another week, he’ll rock the house with a turbocharged take on Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love."

In vivid contrast, low-key Allen sneaked up on everybody while leaning on mostly stripped-down arrangements and acoustical stylings. Understated, but rarely underwhelming, Allen was regarded in the early going as little more than a sparring partner for his flashier rivals. From the start, it appeared that Danny Gokey — not the shy kid from Arkansas — would be duking it out with Lambert in the finale.

Like Lambert, Allen gained a reputation for reinventing songs. His recent rendition of Kanye West’s megahit "Heartless" was a risky venture that paid off, convincing judges it was better than the original.

But can he win? Don’t put it past him. There’s a theory that Gokey supporters will embrace Allen, the singer closest to their guy in style and presentation. And during last week’s elimination episode, host Ryan Seacrest emphasized that only 1 million votes separated the leaders, out of 88 million cast. (Who topped the balloting was not revealed).

It’s also certainly apparent that Lambert — a lightning rod if ever one was — is not appreciated by everyone in the "Idol" universe. Some fans have delivered venom-laced Internet posts that deride the singer’s assumed sexual orientation and his offbeat fashion choices. They say he screams more than he sings and that he’s a "horrible role model."

And then there’s the possibility of a Lambert backlash. Here’s a guy who landed on the cover of Entertainment Weekly all by his lonesome when two other "Idol" singers remained in contention. A guy who has been compared to Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury before ever putting out his first album. A guy praised by Rolling Stone as the performer who "single-handedly saved the ’Idol’ franchise."

The hype has been so slobbery that it gets to be embarrassing.

Toss in the fact that Simon and company all but handed the crown and scepter and the Adamaniacs might have reason for concern. If "Idol" fans (and voters) resent anything, it’s having an preordained contestant shoved down their throats.

But does it really make a difference who gets showered in confetti Wednesday? Lambert has already seized the season and made it his own. He has already gained legions of devotees. Most impressive, he breathed new life into an iconic, but wheezy show.
And on our score cards, he has already won by a knockout.

___
THE OTHER GUY

Kris Allen might get lost at times in all the hoopla surrounding Adam Lambert, but the 23-year-old native of Conway, Ark. does have a legitimate shot at winning the "American Idol" title. Here’s why:
— Fans of recently eliminated Danny Gokey seem more likely to gravitate toward low-key Allen than theatrical Lambert.
— He’s from the South, which traditionally represents one of the largest "Idol" voting blocs.
— He’s cute and oh-so-adorable, traits that captivate the tween girls.
— And let’s not forget: He’s talented.

BTW, Canadian Idol competitor Theo Tams did a version of Heartless (he also plays piano) and it's an interesting comparison to what Kris did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huecVWc3uFs

 

[Tatania]

The finalists both sound like great guys. They aren't playing along with the "devil/angel" angle and are figuratively extending their middle fingers to the press.

`Idol' finalists: Focus on the singing
By DERRIK J. LANG, AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang, Ap Entertainment

"American Idol" finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert don't want to get personal. The singers told a throng of media gathered Monday outside the Nokia Theatre, where the duo will face off during the show's two-night finale on Tuesday and Wednesday, that they hope viewers will base their votes for the next "Idol" on performance alone.

"For me, I hope that having the Christian vote doesn't help with anything," said Allen, a 23-year-old college student who has worked as a worship leader at the New Life Church in his hometown of Conway, Arkansas. "I hope it has to do with your talent and the performance that you give and the package that you have. It's not about religion and all that kind of stuff."

Lambert, a 27-year-old theater actor from San Diego who once worked in the Los Angeles cast of "Wicked," heartily agreed. He said he does not think the contest "has anything to do with your religious background, what color you are, your gender. It doesn't have anything to do with that. It's about music. That's really important to keep in mind."

The pair are scheduled to be joined on Wednesday's finale by Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz and previous "Idol" winner David Cook. Allen teased that they may duet with some of those artists on Wednesday - but neither finalist would reveal any details about their finale performances.

"They're good songs," said Lambert. "I think everyone will like them."
To prepare for the two-night finale, Allen said he's been saving his voice by texting instead of talking while Lambert plans to order a "really big room service breakfast" on Tuesday morning. Both singers said they have become friends and felt like they have already won the popular Fox singing competition, pledging to support each other's music in the future.

"I know I'm going to be first in line to buy his album," gushed Lambert.
"Same here," added Allen. "Maybe you'll give it to me."
"You don't have to buy it," teased Lambert. "I'll send you a copy."

 

[wdwgirl03]

Found this interesting sticky on the idol boards:



But it does appear that they are posting on myspace pages, so not sure if it is really true or not.

It seems like they have facebook pages too, I am a fan of Anoop on there and the other day he had a video blog.

 

[Jennasis]

Note: I swear to God, if I hear/read the word "screech" one more time, I swear I am going to lose my dang mind....unless of course we are talking about "Saved By The Bell"

 

[Nancy]

Or......It could actually be because some people just don't like Adam's style of singing. Posters have said again and again that they find the screeching unpleasant or that he lacks spontaneity and is tooooooo affected or that they find his tone unappealing. (Note: I did not say he was ugly or that I hated him.) In other words, some people truly do not care for his performances, except on rare occasions when he dials it WAY back, such as with "Tracks of My Tears." I know many people are avid fans, but many others are equally as turned off by his performances.

If they do not vote for Adam, it may have precious little to do with voting for the underdog. It may be because they do not think Adam's performances have been brilliant OR perhaps it's because they don't agree that he has incredible vocal skills. I think he has talent, but what he has chosen to use as his strong suit has been a turnoff for me. (screechy) He has chosen to show us only a glimpse of the more reined in side of himself, as in TOMT. That was when I was most impressed with him, but he's barely shown that aspect all season.

It's not that people "don't understand how good he is." They're just not fans of his singing. Some people like steak and some like seafood.

Then again, plenty of people will vote for Kris for reasons that have absolutely NOTHING to do with Adam. Maybe they've been Kris fans all along or maybe they came to like him as the season progressed. But for whatever reason, they enjoy his performances MORE than they enjoy Adam's. So they will vote for Kris and it will have nothing to do with Adam.

Clearly, some posters could watch Adam all night, while some of us think a teeny amount of him goes a lot way and lunge for the MUTE button. There is not a right or wrong opinion here, because they're just OPINIONS. When I hear screech, others hear bliss. Same sound, different ears.

Yeah what she said.

Just when I thought this thread was getting back to its old self. EMom, please take this as constructive criticism, but your post would be much more effective if you told us what you like about Kris without putting Adam down. Everyone gets that you don't like the way Adam sings. Instead of focusing on the negative, tell us how Kris inspires you, what vocal techniques he uses that sound good to your ears or how you admire his ability to play the guitar. It would even be OK to say once that you think Adam's high notes sound like a screech to you but going on about the negative just makes other posters defensive.

The AI finale has two good performers. I would much rather you tell me why you are a fan of Kris. Convince me to pull up a youtube of Kris that will help me enjoy him more. That would be so much more effective.

What do I like about Kris....everything. I like that he came from nowhere and slowly but steadily has won me over with his easy going mannerisms. I love his voice..it is easy to listen to. I like the songs he has chosen to sing, it is the type of music that I listen on a daily basis. I like that he doesn't pull out all kinds of bells and whistles but just sings so I can actually enjoy the performance. ......is that enough? No? I like that he is out there and looks like he is totally enjoying himself and having fun, that as much as he wants to win he doesn't look like he has studied his moves,mannerisms and or reactions so that everything is perfection...he just looks like a kid that is having the "time of his life", much like DC last year...you just knew that he was having a blast through the whole thing. What others find as "boring" I find as pleasant...I do not like overblown theatrics on stage....just give me someone who can hold my attention by standing there and singing. And with that I need to head off to work.

 

[TruBlu]

Both singers said they have become friends and felt like they have already won the popular Fox singing competition, pledging to support each other's music in the future.

"I know I'm going to be first in line to buy his album," gushed Lambert.
"Same here," added Allen. "Maybe you'll give it to me."
"You don't have to buy it," teased Lambert. "I'll send you a copy."

Isn't if funny that the ones actually competing with each other are friends, but their fans can't seem to get along??? It was the same way last year. It seems like people feel the need to love one and hate all the others.

 

[Nancy]

I've been waiting for this myself.

Last year there were so many LOVE posts about David Cook, a few against David A but nothing compared to the LOVEFEST going on for Cook. This year where is the lovefest for Kris? I don't feel any passion except against his opponent.

Like in any voting contest, you cannot vote against a person. You only vote for the person you really want to win. This is not Survivor. I'd love to hear the passion FOR a contestant rather than against. That has surprisingly been missing.


Let's hear it for your guy!!

Can't really get in a love fest for Kris, because most here are doing the lovefest for Adam...those of us that like Kris are kinda outvoted y the Adam lovers. Obviously Kris has fans they just don't post here.



GO KRIS!!!!!!!

 

[Nancy]

Isn't if funny that the ones actually competing with each other are friends, but their fans can't seem to get along??? It was the same way last year. It seems like people feel the need to love one and hate all the others.

I think most of us are getting along. We know we have different tastes and are for he most part respectful of that.

Sure there will be little burps along the way, but in the end the end I think we all are doing OK here.

 

[TwinsinCA]

It would even be OK to say once that you think Adam's high notes sound like a screech to you but going on about the negative just makes other posters defensive.

I think you have it backwards. Emom's well written post was in response to a poster *yet again* saying that if you don't like Adam you just must not "understand" how good he is. If THOSE posts stopped, then so would the "negative" posts.

How about just saying how great you think Adam is without not-so-subtly taking a dig at those who don't?

Something to think about.....



Kris has been once of my favorites ever since Alex got the boot. Kris, Scott and Matt were the three I have been pulling for since the top 13. I am glad one of them is still around so I have someone to vote for tonight.

I will be voting for Kris tonight because he is a *musician*. My three favorites this season and last ALL played instruments. That is huge with me. Kris sang two songs I had never heard before and made me a fan of both. One of those songs was written by someone I can't stand (Garth Brooks), yet with Kris singing it, it was beautiful. He made me LIKE a Garth Brooks song. I didn't think that was possible! I also appreciated hearing something new. That is so rare on AI. And the songs he DID pick that I knew - I liked. I also love the SOUND of his voice. There is a quality that goes beyond the ability to stay in tune. He has it.

 

[kimmar067]

Note: I swear to God, if I hear/read the word "screech" one more time, I swear I am going to lose my dang mind....unless of course we are talking about "Saved By The Bell"

..."screech", "screech", "screech", "screech", "screech",.....

 

[damo]

Isn't if funny that the ones actually competing with each other are friends, but their fans can't seem to get along??? It was the same way last year. It seems like people feel the need to love one and hate all the others.

I love both the top two and I loved Allison. There were only a couple contestants I really didn't like and both of them were well loved my many others.

I'll be happy with either winning. I would prefer it for Adam but I'll be happy for Kris if he wins.

Idol always brings out this passion in people. That is why the show is so popular.

 

[kimmar067]

I love both the top two and I loved Allison. There were only a couple contestants I really didn't like and both of them were well loved my many others.

I'll be happy with either winning. I would prefer it for Adam but I'll be happy for Kris if he wins.

Idol always brings out this passion in people. That is why the show is so popular.

...my DS is still miffed that Scott isn't in the 'Final Two'...

 

[damo]

It seems like they have facebook pages too, I am a fan of Anoop on there and the other day he had a video blog.

Once they are booted off they can post.



What is going on with Bill O'Reilly? I guess it is just one more fact that shows that Fox is loving and fueling this contraversy of Adam vs. the good boy. Fans, even on this thread, are doing exactly what they want.

 

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I think you have it backwards. Emom's well written post was in response to a poster *yet again* saying that if you don't like Adam you just must not "understand" how good he is. If THOSE posts stopped, then so would the "negative" posts.

I completely agree! We ALL just need to focus on why we like people, and not worry why other people don't like other contestants. That said, I hope both guys do well tonight. I'll be voting for Kris, b/c I've really become a fan throughout the season. I love his voice (speaking and singing). His style of music is appealing to me -- really love the acoustic stuff. He's made songs that I typically don't care for into songs I like (i.e. "To Make You Love Me", "She Works Hard for the Money", etc...). Overall, I just really like him as a performer.

I do think Adam is going to win, though. I just think his fan base seems a little too big for Kris to pull off an upset. But, who knows? If Taylor Hicks can win, anyone can!

 

[asta]

I think you have it backwards. Emom's well written post was in response to a poster *yet again* saying that if you don't like Adam you just must not "understand" how good he is. If THOSE posts stopped, then so would the "negative" posts.

How about just saying how great you think Adam is without not-so-subtly taking a dig at those who don't?

I'm sorry that you saw my post at taking a dig at Kris supporters. That was not my intent. I support both Adam and Kris. I really did not want this thread to go back to people posting over and over with how badly they think someone performs. I even said that I think that it is OK to state that but it is counterproductive to repeat it several times in every post. I was addressing how ineffective it is to just focus on the negative and to stay there. If it bothers you to see someone posting about how much they like Adam and why they are voting for him, the right counter is to tell us instead how much you like Kris and why you are voting for him.

My mama always told me that "if you can't say anything nice about someone, it is best to say nothing at all". It is hard to do that and many times I fail, but it is still good advice. From my previous posts, it is obvious who I supported last year but I tried to never come here and (gasp) say anything bad about DC or DA. I knew they both had fans here and it would just have been rude to do that over and over.

This post has been long enough. I could and probably will have thoughts about tonights performances. I anticipate that I will have good things to say about both Adam and Kris. I will wait to after hearing them to post that.

 

[Camicar]

That press conference with Adam and Kris was so full of mutual respect and a truly pure kind of love for each other (of the kind that I would call godly), that it made my heart smile.

I know Simon likes contention and cannot believe competitors can get along, so their friendship must be killing him. It is good for him to see that there are other ways of being in the world than his own viewpoint.

Personally, I'm not surprised that Adam and Kris get along --they're both nice guys from good families with, at heart, similar values and similar goals. But it's been fascinating to me to read the commentary about how shocked some folks are that Kris would 'dare' to be friends with Adam and even more shocking, that he roomed with Adam and 'allows' Adam to hug him in a full-body hug. I guess I need reminding from time to time about the prevalence of homophobia which leads us to reducing humans solely to their sexuality. So it was interesting to me to find this thought-piece on the meaning of this relationship from the LA Times:

May 18, 2009
'American Idol's' bigger message
11:53 PM PT, May 18 2009
Finalists Adam Lambert and Kris Allen help illustrate how people with cultural differences can make beautiful music together.

The two-part finale of hit series "American Idol," which begins tonight, is the most talked-about thing in television right now, partly because this season's contenders, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, are exciting performers. But it's also because they have done something unexpected: Their unlikely friendship has presented America with a new vision of itself, beyond the deepest divisions of the culture wars.

Lambert is a rocker from the liberal urban Southland with roots in musical theater and the Hollywood club scene. Allen is a collegiate evangelical Christian from Arkansas. Lambert has been compared to Queen's Freddie Mercury and Elvis Presley; Allen recalls John Mayer and the Jonas Brothers.

At a time when change is in the air but the old conflicts over religion, lifestyle and sexuality aren't going away, this eighth season of "American Idol" is vividly illustrating how people with cultural differences can make beautiful music together.

Lambert was this season's first major sensation, and remains its biggest star. "I've been an 'Idol' fan since Season 5, and as far as I can tell he's the strongest musical talent who's ever been in the competition," said Alex Ross, music critic for the New Yorker. "Beyond the flair and style he's a very technically secure, accurate singer who is especially good at getting the words across -- diction and such -- and finding different colors for different songs.

Lambert's dazzling tenor and propensity for high notes have made for many memorable "Idol" moments. But in this era of Internet leaks, what's become known about his life beyond the show has made an equally important impression.

When photographs of Lambert, 27, kissing a man overran the Internet in March, Lambert brushed off the incident with a smile and a new motto: "I know who I am." Several gay contestants have been on the program, but none has made it so far while being this nonchalant about his sexuality.

"In terms of the sexuality question, that's up to him to say, but he's obviously not conventionally masculine in how he dresses and how he talks, and there's no sense that he's ever tried to hide it," said Ross. "He's totally matter of fact -- and that is really startling to see on mainstream TV. It seems almost heroic to me."

Lambert's competition is Allen, a 23-year-old worship leader at New Life Church in Conway, Ark., who was doing missionary work in Asia and Africa during the years Lambert was building his pop resume. Allen was one of several actively Christian musicians to make this year's Top 10, who will tour as a group this summer.

Lambert and Allen have a musical connection: Both specialize in variations of the form of alternative rock known as emo, an emotionally forthright, catchy variation on American punk music. While Lambert's dyed-black hair and eyeliner recall bands like My Chemical Romance, Allen's warble and his love of acoustic guitar link him to artists like Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba, who himself is open about his Christian faith.

<snip>

That the "Idol" finale has come down to these seeming polar opposites who share so much is particularly notable, given the seemingly constant presence of sexual politics in the news. The California Supreme Court might soon confirm or overturn the state's voter-mandated ban on gay marriage. Miss California USA Carrie Prejean made waves by stating her personal opposition to same-sex unions when she was questioned at a pageant.

In this complicated climate, one painted thumbnail means a lot. Allen began decorating one of his black -- one of Lambert's favorite colors -- late in the season, apparently to dispel rumors that the pair, who were roommates in the show-sponsored mansion where the finalists reside, were feuding. Lambert reportedly later removed the paint from one of his thumbs in his own gesture of support.

The friendship between the two finalists suggests that tolerance can trump ideology, a powerful sentiment that echoes President Obama's suggestion that bridging differences could be more effective than trying to eradicate them.

<snip>

Each singer has fans who should be rooting for the other one, according to the usual patterns linked to the culture wars

<snip>

Lambert and Allen might be the most unlikely pair on television this year, but their bond has helped make this singing competition more than just entertainment, no matter which man wins.

"It is fantasy," said Ross. "Out there in the real world people aren't getting along so comfortably. The guy who sings musical theater and dresses flamboyantly isn't necessarily going to be bonding with the jock types in high school.

But sometimes a mirror image has the power of pointing toward a future reality. It's not sufficient in itself but it adjoins to another bunch of things that seem to be happening in our society, old prejudices falling away."
-- Ann Powers

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/05/american-idols-bigger-message.html


I'll be voting for Adam tonight and I want him to win, but watching the two men, I get the feeling that we have all won something bigger than a singing competition.

 

[Jennasis]

Isn't if funny that the ones actually competing with each other are friends, but their fans can't seem to get along??? It was the same way last year. It seems like people feel the need to love one and hate all the others.

I love them both! I'm just voting for Adam though.

 

[Jennasis]

..."screech", "screech", "screech", "screech", "screech",.....

Why I oughta.....

 

[FINFAN]

bring on the FINALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TwinsinCA]

I'm sorry that you saw my post at taking a dig at Kris supporters. That was not my intent.

I know. I didn't think you were making a general dig at those that don't like Adam. It was another poster I was talking about.

And FTR it does not bother me that people talk about how much they love Adam. Not at all. What DOES bother me is posts that dig that those that **don't**. (comments like we just don't "understand"). Those are the posts that deserve a response - which Emom did perfectly. Yet SHE gets grief from you and others for being 'negative'. And I just don't think that is fair.