A duel to remember

I watched the whole show and then went back to write so I could absorb. And I have to tell you, for a season that did not knock me off my seat, it was a finale of great standards. Maybe because I wasn't so stuck one way or another? (Okay, I was stuck on one side agianst Adam)Because I was ready to blown away? Because it was an open stage? Because the judges finally did not call out Adam as the second coming? Here are my thoughts -- and you know I have a lot of them.

I wonder if Kara is excited for her first finale? I love Simon dressed up - love him.

So Kris wins the coin toss and Adam goes first.

First song is contestant's choice. Back story video shows that Adam made a lot of noise as a baby - big surprise. Adam picks "Mad World." I'm glad he picked that because it was one of the few performances of his I really enjoyed. But then he has to go wear a long duster coat with gloves and sing on a smoke filled stage -- once again the drama overpowers the song and the voice. He has such talent, but the drama is too much. Give this guy a musical on Broadway. Hey if Constantine can get nominated for a Tony, who knows what wonders await Adam? The judges all give him props for having a great voice and just so you know, Randy gave him an A for Adam - duh! Love that Simon finally called out the dramatics.

Anthony Hopkins is in the audience! They show the top 13 and it is amazing how despite everything, I do feel the two who should have made it to the end did. Adam was the front runner throughout - the judges pimped him, the show pimped him, he pimped himself and Kris was the underdog who slowly made his mark, built his fan base, impressed the judges - great competition.

Kris sings "Ain't No Sunshine" (I called it!) This guy is so smooth. His voice is amazing. And he is super cute too. He just sat at the piano, but his voice gave all the drama needed. Download this one asap. Simon was clapping - that is rare. Randy in his suit called him out as having one of his best performances ever. Kara says Kris moves her and creates an intimate bond (everything she says sounds dirty). Paula's earpiece says he awakens the spirit (what?) Simon admits that when Kris's name was called last week, he didn't think America had made the right choice but that after this performance he takes it all back. I do give Simon credit for admitting when he is wrong.

First round to Kris.

Adam comes out in a suit to do "A Change is Gonna Come." Love that Simon Fuller picked the songs -- the man created the show and has always given others the chance to pick songs and wield power - he knows what he is doing and these two choices were two of the best producer's choices ever. I actually liked how Adam opened and went through the verse. And then once again, the screaming phantom appeared. The sneer came out, the wide open mouth took over and it was all one long note of screaming. It didn't last for long, but when he goes there, I tune out. I just tune out. Randy said he can sing his face off ( I wish that would actually happen), Kara said it was one of his best performances / interpretations of the competition (I think she was trying to say that it is better when he doesn't scream the whole time), Paula went crazy and started yelling about the fibers of her being and Simon said he was back in the game.

Kris sings "What's Going On" Loose on the guitar in a long sleeve tee. Wouldn't it be great to hear him jam in an outdoor concert? He is a musician. It was original and cool. This guy is awesome and he didn't have to scream - he actually isn't capable of screaming. I love him. Some of the judges (Randy and Simon) choose to bring him down which is retarded. Let me say that again RETARDED! Randy thinks it is light, Kara says he is true to himself (YES KARA! You finally delivered a strong opinion and I know that you love Kris the most). Paula blabbered about Marvin Gaye being proud and Simon thought it was too laid back. The guy is laid back - that is what makes him amazing. I hope Simon takes this back tomorrow.

Simon calls the second round to Adam, I disagree.

Last song was co-written by Kara DioGuardi and I am glad that they used a song by her. I don't think it was a great song for two guys, but it was better than the Blake / Jordin song. Adam sings it like a musical theater vampire rising from the dead number. It was too high for him to stay in the range. I couldn't understand the words at one point. When he sang "You could go higher, you could go deeper" I thought he was going to fly off into the audience with a harness on. Why does he look like he about to cry? Is that how he delivers emotion? I know I am going overboard with the Adam criticism, but it is so easy to do, he is such a typical performer. Randy says the most original thing I have ever heard him say - Adam can sing the phonebook, but is was just alright (Randy, dawg, I finally agree with you). Kara thinks the screaming from the audience is cool and she is proud of the song she has written but doesn't actually say he did it well. Paula is in awe and will be a fan forever (hopefully not like her stalker fan). Simon praises him for being one of the best and most original singers the show has ever had and that Adam can be an international star.

Kris comes out and from the first note I know this is going to be hard for him, but that I would so much rather hear him sing anything over Adam. His performance gave the song a melody and some depth. His voice was tired, but I know if he sings this again tomorrow when he wins, it will be amazing. It was too high for him. I thought the judges would crush him, but they didn't. Randy thought the song was better for him than Adam, Kara urges the voters to judge him on the fact that he is a compelling artist. Paula blah blah blah blah. Simon reminds the audience of his first amazing song and praises Kris for growing in this competition and says he thoroughly, thoroughly deserves to be standing on the stage tonight. My guess? Randy, Kara and Simon all want Kris and Paula wants Adam.

They don't call the last round to anyone -- I find it hard to call the last round too.

So glad the judges weren't too partial. I think Kris is going to win this thing -- especially because I plan to vote about 50 times right now. This was a really strong not clear cut and the favorite stayed strong while the underdog slowly rose up to take over. For me, it is Kris, just in case I wasn't clear.

Looking forward to tomorrow -- who will perform? Will I cry that I am not there? Thank god I am seeing David Cook in concert on Friday that way I will be okay no matter what.

More tomorrow friends...and lots of end of TV season comments to come this weekend.

Remember, no matter what people say, don't be ashamed of your obsessions...