Before the results were given, Adam and Kris highlighted their polar opposite styling in perfect fashion. Kris paired up with Keith Urban and gave us a radio-worthy version of “Kiss A Girl.” I think this performance is exactly why he is the American Idol. Even with Keith Urban on the stage with him, the song sounded like it should be on his album.
Adam gave us a bigger-than-life collaboration with Kiss, platform boots, space-shoulder pads and all. It was everything you want from Adam.

As one last gift to the Idol fans, both guys joined together for what we have been waiting for all season: Adam singing Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” And surprisingly, Kris holding his own!

As always, the three minutes it took to give us the results were crammed at the end of a two-hour celebrity binge of self-promotion, an opportunity I wouldn’t pass up but found admittedly annoying. Highlights included Kara DioGuardi showing up Bikini Girl in a vocal duel and then adding salt to the wounds by stripping down to a bikini as an inside joke/charity bet among the judges and Ryan. The Top 13 had lots of face time with each Idol getting at least one feature spot – something my season did not get, oh well.

Tomorrow the real work begins for Kris and the rest of the crew. They are joining the real world of the music industry and will start doing everything they can to parlay this amazing experience of American Idol into a huge lifelong career. But I hope each of them savor tonight as a very special moment in their lives. I want to give my congratulations to Kris and all his fans. He is a worthy Idol and I am truly excited for his CD. Adam and his fans should also be very proud. He is a superstar in his own right, and we will be seeing lots from him.

Thanks for sharing Idol with me this season and until next year, please keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter and www.philstacey.com – I should be coming around Ta-town soon! And don’t forget to check out my new album, “Into the Light” on Aug. 25. Peace out and be blessed!

Round One was the contestant’s choice. Adam gave us an encore version “Mad World.” I still find myself randomly singing it. Kris shared “Ain’t No Sunshine” once more reminding us when he started to pull away from the pack. And to a shocking start, Simon gives this round to Kris!

Simon Fuller (creator of Idol) dictated Round Two. Adam belted “A Change Is Gonna Come” with his high power notes, as usual. The judges declared it his best performance of the season. Kris strummed “What is Going On,” channeling Kenny Loggins’ laid-back style. The judges thought he was too laid-back and it wasn’t big enough for the finale. Chalk this round up to Adam.

Round Three was the coronation song audition. Adam gave the best raw vocal interpretation of “No Boundaries,” but it was kind of weird hearing such a sappy song out of Adam. I just don’t think the song did Adam justice. I think this song is just a little too big for Kris, although with a key change it could fit his voice nicely for radio. Honestly, this song just didn’t do it for me and be something the winner will just have to suffer through before the real first single will come out. All the judges made it very clear that Adam won that round hands down.

Honestly, we all know that making it to the finale on American Idol pretty much guarantees one an industry “in.” 19 Records will snatch up both Adam and Kris, giving each a legitimate chance of superstardom in the music world, just as they have every other winner and runner-up for the past several seasons now.

Contestants often say it doesn’t matter if they win and nonchalantly fall back on the “sometimes it is better not to win – Chris Daughtry obviously did well” catch phrase (I’m guilty). At this stage of the game this is most likely true. It is going to be up to Adam and Kris to make their careers happen, but it really is getting harder for Idols out in the “real” world. It will be interesting to see who will join Kris and Adam with a deal.

And for the record, my money is on Adam to take it all. He is the better singer, but Kris is the better artist. You may disagree – which is your prerogative – but that is my opinion.

I thought both of them performed at finale caliber tonight. And I think Adam will win. But I will personally buy Kris’ album the day it is released.

My last post for this season will be tomorrow night. I have deeply enjoyed our time together, and the e-mails you have sent. I have a record coming out Aug. 25 and if you would like to hear an album full of songs that go deeper than anything I could have done on my own … check the record out. It’s called “Into the Light.” Thanks and be blessed.

Ryan announced at the beginning of the show that 88 million votes were cast and only 1 million separated Adam and Kris! I still believe that Adam is the favorite to win but this could be a bit polarizing. Those he hasn’t won over will probably support Kris. If Kris comes out and gives amazing performances next week he just might be able to pull off an upset.

Danny gave a good fight and in his own words his Idol experience has been “tragedy to triumph.” Ten months ago, Danny had just lost his wife and today he is the Top 3 Idol this season. I’ve been a fan of Danny since the beginning, and I am looking forward to what I’ll see from him in the future.

My Idol, Jordin Sparks, introduced her new single, “Battlefield,” from her newest album. Since we are now Sony labelmates, I thought this was a perfect place for a shameless promo plug – be on the watch out for my new single, “You’re Not Shaken,” on Christian radio within the next couple of weeks. It’s from my new record, “Into the Light,” due out Aug. 25.

Were you all surprised that Kris made it in? Will Kris find a kink in Adam’s armor or will Adam prevail?

Danny started the night off with Paula’s choice of Terence Trent D’Arby’s “Dance Little Sister.” This had Danny written all over it: high-energy, vocal improvisation during a sax solo sprinkled throughout with corny dancing! I thought it was great but did seem a bit predictable. Simon criticized the song choice – funny since Danny didn’t have a say. With that being said – I’m sure Danny would have liked to have a different song to work with also since he admitted to not knowing it.

However predictable Round 1 was for Danny, Round 2 blew off the roof. He gave us Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.” I thought this was an amazing arrangement for a song that fit his voice perfectly. From one church boy to another – Hallelujah! Simon called it a “vocal master class” … not a bad Simon comment.

Kris Allen was at the mercy of Randy and Kara and they gave him “Apologize” by OneRepublic. Sitting at the piano, Kris was fighting hard with a mix of a nice falsetto and strong chest voice, but the judges say he played it safe. I agree. I was waiting and rooting for him to really blow us out of the water and keep us guessing about who will go home. This round did not do that for him, not true about Round 2.

When Kris said he was going to attempt “Heartless” by Kanye West, my initial thought was “Heartless”? Wasn’t he there when Kanye performed it on that same stage? But Kris gave a fresh laid-back version, showing his true artistry. It was very brave to go just guitar and vocals with three strikes and two outs left with bases loaded. He put himself back in the game! Tomorrow we will see if he hit a home run.

Adam (with Simon’s help arranging!?) gave us a dramatic interpretation of “One” by U2. Simon loved gloating that Bono personally called him in order to clear the song. Who am I joking, I would be gloating also. No surprise, this was a great fit for Adam and he delivered a powerful performance for his legion of fans.
Again in Round 2 Adam gave a killer show. He SANG “Crying” by Aerosmith. Simon is worried that America will forget to vote for Adam so he campaigned for him. I don’t foresee Adam’s fans forgetting to vote. We will see him next week in the finals.

I think we can all agree that Adam will be in the finals so who gets the second slot? Originally I thought that Danny’s “You Are So Beautiful” took away any chance of Kris taking it to the end. Until Kris sang “Heartless.” I think many people are rooting for Kris so he is picking up new fans each week but my personal favorite of the night was Danny’s “You Are So Beautiful.” Tomorrow’s results show really could go either way. What do you all think?

Tonight’s elimination episode featured a performance by Chris Daughtry who was actually eliminated on Top 4 week of Season 5. He stands as a testament that any of these incredibly talented performers can go on to achieve incredible things in the music industry if they are given the opportunity.

No Doubt also made an appearance, as well as judge Paula Abdul – her first ever performance on the American Idol stage.

When all the votes were counted – 64 million to be exact – the top 3 were announced. And when the dust had cleared, it was Allison Iraheta left standing center stage – At 17 years old, Allison was eliminated from Season 8. Allison, the young singer from Los Angeles is best known for her powerful rocker voice that has been compared by many to Kelly Clarkson.

And for the first time ever in American Idol history – the top 3 are all male singers.

Tune in next week to see the Top 3 battle it out for a spot in the finals.

Idols rocked the house! For the first time ever, the four remaining contestants paired up and sang duets. We also got to see the judges’ first reaction to the Idol performances. Many viewers don’t know that the judges are able to watch the dress rehearsal while getting ready in their dressing rooms but due to a mishap before the show … no dress rehearsal.

Adam started the show off and no one caught up the rest of the night. I think the fact that Allison now uses Adam’s hair lady and that Danny is screaming at the end of his song shows the contestants aren’t even denying Adam’s winning it all.

Adam’s voice fit perfect with Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lot of Love.” I’ve always thought Adam could be this millennium’s Freddie Mercury. Glam rock has been waiting for the right artist to make a comeback, and Adam is the guy.

Allison Iraheta sang Janis Joplin’s “Cry Baby.” She did a great job, but I get the feeling that the judges have picked her as the next to go and she knows it. This is really a hard place to be in as a contestant because everything done is from a defense mode, with every move overthought. Overthinking on Idol is never a good thing.

Kris and Danny’s “Renegade.” I wasn’t crazy about these vocals. I thought it was interesting that the two non-rockers were put together. I would have liked to see them do a “rock” song performed with a twist, maybe acoustically with real tight harmonies. I got the impression that they were quite annoyed with the whole process …

The Beatles’ “Come Together” was a perfect song choice for Kris Allen but the delivery was a bit dull. It really fit his laid-back feel-good vibe and added a rock edge. But for some reason, I just felt it was lacking. I think that he can make it through to next week but it will be a close call.

Danny Gokey sang the first half of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” in a great gravelly voice. I wasn’t a fan of the scream at the end. It actually felt like someone trying to imitate Adam. Not every Idol fits every genre. I still am a huge Danny fan and am not worried about him making it through tomorrow night.

Adam and Allison rocked out to “Slow Ride” … spandex, leather and fingerless gloves! I’ve missed you ’80s glam rock!

So who is getting the boot tomorrow? I think it is between Allison and Kris. Do you agree with Simon and think Adam and Allison’s duet will save her? Do you love glam rock as much as I do? I love reading your comments (as does my mom). Have a great week and Happy Mom’s Day.

In Idol news …

The pressure was on for the five remaining American Idol finalists last night as they performed standards, vying it out for that coveted Top 4 position. As Simon stated at the beginning of the results show tonight, they were all REALLY good. No doubt, this is the strongest group of talent in the history of American Idol.

At this point in the competition, the audience is no longer voting for a performance. They are now voting for their favorites, regardless of who did the best job. And that is the way it should be. However, if one of the contestants comes out with an unquestionable show-stopper (aka Fantasia’s “Summertime” or Katherine McPhee’s “Summertime”), they could easily jump out in front of the rest of the group.

The big story of the night was this season’s clear judge favorite, Adam Lambert, being in the bottom 2 vote-getters. Ryan had divided the other four into two groups and asked Adam which group he felt he belonged in. Adam chose to join Danny and Allison in the group that was the obvious favorite before being stooped by Ryan. Everyone seemed surprised to see him in the bottom 2. Including Adam.

Tonight’s telecast featured performances by Jamie Foxx and Natalie Cole. After 47 million votes were cast, it was Matt Giraud who was sent home. Matt is a gifted vocalist and exceptional pianist. He will be featured on the American Idols Live Tour this summer. Check out www.americanidol.com for details.

Kris Allen sang “The Way You Look Tonight” with Jamie Foxx declaring he would do a record with him right now! Randy stamped it as Kris’ best performance to date. I thought he did a perfect rendition of this song.

Allison Iraheta celebrated her birthday this week … happy 1-7! She belted out “Someone to Watch Over Me.” What an amazing performance. All the judges loved it, but Simon is worried for her because of her supposed lack of confidence. Maybe this “lack of confidence” has something to do with the fact that Idols know they can give an amazing performance but a certain judge still gives a negative review.

Matt Giraud crooned “My Funny Valentine,” a jazz standard he has been waiting to sing. I thought he did a nice job, but I think this is his week to go home. I, along with Randy and Kara, don’t think he did enough to
overcome any of the other Idols. In a twist, Simon agreed with Paula and gave him a “brilliant” with a wink. This could really hurt Allison.

Danny Gokey is still the one I’m rooting for and he did not disappoint with “Come Rain Come Shine.” He has an amazing talent and voice. Wow! If he has been off at all in the past weeks, he is back.

Adam Lambert sang “Feeling Good.” As always he was technically amazing but I honestly didn’t feel the performance as much as I felt the others. Just like Randy, I felt it was a bit over the top, but as Simon pointed out, that is his thing and why most in America love him.

I think that Matt Giraud should and will go home but Simon’s comments to Allison might be enough to sway America against her. What do you all think? Who are you rooting for to make it into the finale?

Adam Lambert shined as usual with an extraordinary performance of “If I Can’t Have You,” along with fellow contestants, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen.

At the end of the day, it was Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai that received the lowest amount of votes. Lil has been on the brink of elimination for several weeks now, and Simon predicted last evening this would be her last week in the competition. Anoop has been a regular member of the bottom three.

Lil Rounds is the 23-year-old mother from Memphis, Tenn. Anoop is a 21-year-old R&B crooner from Chapel Hill, N.C.

Tonight’s episode featured performances by disco legends Freda Payne, Thelma Houston, KC from KC and the Sunshine Band, and still another performance from season 7 runner-up David Archuleta, as well as a contestant group number choreographed by Paula Abdul.

Tune in next week as the competition continues for the five remaining finalists. Who will you choose as your next American Idol?

LiL Rounds started off with a performance of Chaka Kahn’s “I’m Every Woman” that the judges did not like. I think they are finished with her and nothing she does will make them like her again. I personally thought they were pretty hard on her but after 7½ seasons, I’m not surprised she has been dubbed the whipping girl.

Each week Kris Allen impresses me more and more and this week is no exception. His version of “She Works Hard for the Money” was great. He is quickly gaining momentum and is definitely the dark horse of this season.

Danny Gokey did an amazing rendition of “September.” He brought back the Michael McDonald quality that I love about his voice. His energy and vocals were amazing. I hate to say it, but I agree with Simon to a point – Danny started on top so he is going to have to do something to keep himself exciting enough to root for. I loved it and have never been shy about my support of Danny.

Allison strutted her “Hot Stuff” tonight and gave another solid showing. Because of Lil’s fall from grace, as the only female left in the competition she will definitely be in the Top 3 … and she deserves to be there.

Adam Lambert crooned “If I Can’t Have You” from the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Again, it was great, and the judges couldn’t find enough synonyms for the word great. Guess I couldn’t either.

Matt Giraud uses his second chance to sing “Staying Alive” for America. He is working hard to earn votes and it was a fun high energetic arrangement, just not one I could hear on the radio. Only time will tell if it was enough to outlast tomorrow’s double kill.

Anoop Desai’s “Dim All the Nights” is missing the smoothness he usually gives us when singing ballads. Simon said it was one of his worst performances, taking away all the praise the other three judges gave him. I think he will be in the bottom three once again, but he wasn’t nearly as bad as Simon led on.

Results night should be a repeat of last week with Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud and Anoop in the bottom. It is tough to make it through a double elimination … Chris Richardson and I are the ones to ask!