This may be the best Final 3 since Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and Kimberley Locke in Season 2. The winner this time depends on whether America has an appetite for pop, soul or rock. Here's the order of how the three finalists performed last night, with the odds of winning it all next week:
1. Adam Lambert
The front-runner all season long, and for good reason. It could be years before we see another singer like him. He's at his best when he tones it down, but that's not his style. Sings with a lot of emotion. "One" and "Cryin' " were superb, but the latter would have been better without the woman in the rafters singing with him.
Odds of winning: 2-1
2. Danny Gokey
Tough call, but "You Are So Beautiful" was perhaps his best effort to date and should earn him a trip to the finale. Nice to see Terence Trent D'Arby get some play ("Dance Little Sister"). Soulful singer who overcame some average weeks to stick around. Almost think he's going to lose his voice because he's so on the gravely edge.
Odds of winning: 20-1
3. Kris Allen (bye, bye)
Easily the most contemporary singer of the three, and his looks have taken him far. He's a bit boy-bandish, a bit country with a lot of Jason Mraz. Last night he added John Ondrasik to the comparisons. Nice work with "Apologize" and "Heartless," and it's the latter effort that makes this a difficult choice.
Odds of winning: 20-1
Adam should make it to the final but it depends on the vote. Sometimes the best singers aren't the winners. It might be better for Adam if he doesn't win, then he can do the record he wants.
Posted by: Kelly | May 13, 2009 at 05:27 AM
Kris should stay. I think Danny is done.
Posted by: Karen | May 13, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Getting rid of Danny means I am 1000% confident I know who will win the finale! :)
Posted by: Poppy | May 16, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Kelly - hopefully Adam's record will be good, regardless.
Karen - good call.
Poppy - I hope you're right, but a lot of tweens like Kris.
Posted by: Dan | May 16, 2009 at 04:44 PM