Sure, Simon Cowell may have already predicted a winner in this season’s “American Idol” title bout (Adam Lambert), but what does Simon know how to pick besides a lousy haircut? This ship has yet to dock: There are 10 good reasons why either of tonight’s headliners could come away with the Season 8 crown:
“American Idol”
» 8 to 9 p.m. today, Fox
The final two contestants compete in Season 8’s penultimate episode. Presented from NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE.
» 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Fox
The winning singer is revealed in the season finale, which features a reunion of the Top 13 finalists and other special guests.
Past finales
Season 1:
Kelly Clarkson* vs. Justin Guarini
Season 2:
Ruben Studdard* vs. Clay Aiken
Season 3:
Fantasia Barrino* vs. Diana DeGarmo
Season 4:
Carrie Underwood* vs. Bo Bice
Season 5:
Taylor Hicks* vs. Katharine McPhee
Season 6:
Jordin Sparks* vs. Blake Lewis
Season 7:
David Cook* vs. David Archuleta
* winner
Adam Lambert, 26
(Los Angeles)
1. TALENT: He’s got it in spades and Kris has it in crumbs. This is a vital notch in his belt.
2. EXPERIENCE: Adam has been performing professionally on stage for years. As a result, he’s as polished as chrome and has ice in his never-nervous veins.
3. CONFIDENCE: Adam is gracious as it’s called for, but he knows he’s the top dog. Swagger spells success.
4. SHOWMANSHIP: From outrageous outfits to inventive song arrangements, Adam has mastered the craft of raising the curtain and lighting the lights. The spectacle may have yet to truly begin.
5. STYLE: Spiky black hair? Dark eye shadow? Painted nails? America’s No. 1 family show has taken an unexpected but delightful turn in elevating this heir apparent.
6. SEXUALITY: America may have not been ready for Clay Aiken, but times are a-changin’. We have a black president now. Surely we can also crown a gay “Idol” champion.
7. PERSONALITY: Adam has edge, spunk and vigor. His opponent is a lifeless wet noodle.
8. UNIQUENESS: We have seen a large and magnificent cast of characters on “American Idol,” but Adam is without equal. As for that distinctive shriek — well, maybe Steven Tyler and Robert Plant are his only peers who can argue about trademark rights.
9. TONGUE TOUGHNESS: Not since Michael Jordan (or Gene Simmons of Kiss) have we seen a competitor make such unabashed use of his limber licker. And it worked for His Airness, didn’t it?
10. ROCK STAR STATUS: The number of true rock stars on “American Idol” can be counted on one hand. Make that one finger actually: Chris Daughtry. Adam is ready for bigger and better things, and this is his coronation. May you one day be egomaniacal, eccentric and impossible, ye future rock god!
Kris Allen, 23
(Conway, Ark.)
1. LIKABILITY: By all accounts, Kris is a super nice guy. Everyone roots for the good guy to win.
2. CUTENESS: Don’t count out a sea of swooning teeny boppers. Boyish good looks, a shy smile and an aw-shucks attitude are a highly combustible mix — popularity gold.
3. GEOGRAPHY: Past “Idol” champs have a very strong southern pedigree. See: Kelly Clarkson (Ft. Worth, Texas), Ruben Studdard (Birmingham, Ala.), Taylor Hicks (Birmingham, Ala.), Carrie Underwood (Checotah, Okla.), Fantasia Barrino (High Point, N.C.) and David Cook (Blue Springs, Mo.).
4. MUSICIANSHIP: Kris is a whiz on the guitar, and the piano, too. This is just plain cool. Kris might as well wear the guitar on his head so voters don’t forget his aptitude.
5. MARRIAGE: Yes, Kris has a wife. She has been strangely distant. I think it’s time to bring this wild card into play: never-ending shots of his wife weeping, shrieking, clapping, beaming, more crying. The boy will become a man. Watch his ratings rise.
6. EXPECTATIONS: (Or lack thereof.) The bar couldn’t be any lower for this upstart. A strong showing tonight and people will believe Kris performed better than he actually did.
7. PITY: Kris is outgunned tonight. Period. Feel bad for him.
8. UNDERDOG STATUS: Who doesn’t love pulling for the darkhorse? A 50-1 long shot won the Kentucky Derby for gosh sakes. Screw the system! Cast a vote for the common man! (Maybe this falls into a different category, but I like that logic, too.)
9. ACCESSIBILITY: Kris is relatable in a way that the more carefully practiced Adam isn’t. Kris’ ability to emotionally connect with the audience has an important tangential outcome: The Magic Moment. It’s crucial. You’ll know it if you see it.
10. LUCK: That’s right. Pure dumb luck. Call it what you will, but sometimes anything can and does happen — and not just on this show. If Kris has this mighty power on his side, Adam won’t stand a chance. (Then again, Kris is going to need it.)
