'Idol' Countdown: Two Finalists Focus On The Singing

LOS ANGELES — "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."

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On the Net:

http://www.americanidol.com/

Comments

[bambilashes]

i just finnisehed watch Adam crush Chriss allen, Chriss is good, but he doesnt stand a chance against Adams big voice he was screaming like a maniac but his range is off the charts if you missed it and want to watch the Idol Finale again heres the videos of the show http://movies09.com/watch-american-idol-season-finale-live-online.php

[Bovary7]

Now I voting to stop the bigots


HUH???? What's this about, Ignoramus?

[woodcut]

"For me...." said Allen, "it has to do with...the package that you have."
===
Hey, don't blame me ---I'm just copying what Kris said!

[hamptonsdude]

Kris musical style is too common, I've seen guys do the guitar/folk thing in San Francisco's pier and NYC subways.

Adam is defiintely more talented and marketable.

[fame]

Vote for Kris Allen! Underdog, real musician, and all-around nice guy.

[Marilynleigh34]

I will be voting for Kris Allen. I simply like his style of singing better than Adams. Win or not, they will both do well.

[StephenDedalus82]

No disrespect at all for Kris; he's talented and seems to be a very kind person. But we all know who deserves the title based on talent. It's no fault of Kris's that the FOX followers are on a crusade. I for one hope enough rational people come through and show the christian bigots how little influence they have these days.

[gaja]

Bigotry of all shapes and forms is ugly - whether it's from right wingers (not all Christians are bigots btw) or from people who are homophobic. I think Kris and Adam both want people to focus on their singing and actual performances and not on any "back story" or lifestyle concerns. I think it's sad that the media INSISTS on focusing on that. I'm just glad that the singers, themselves, have tried not to allow themselves to be manipulated by that.

[Steamboater]

Whoaaa! I'm more than surprised that Kris would go for the god card, but it's the end of the competition so anything goes huh? I've lost all respect for him. Vocals aside, Adam has always been respectful of the other singers. For Kris to even mention "the Christian" vote is really low-rent. Thekid it seems has more ambition than everyone thought.

[gaja]

You totally missed Kris' whole point. He said he does NOT want people to vote for him based on religion --just his singing. There has been very little mention of his background in that respect. Idol and it's "affiliates" always try to make a point of that, and tried to set up Danny as Adam's "nemesis" in that regard. You don't have to like Kris - but noone can accuse him of being anything but humble. He's been one of the most humble in Idol history. Both finalists this year seem to be well-grounded and genuine. It's their "fans" or the "media" that are really focused on entirely the WRONG things...

[Steamboater]

It's more complicated than that. Just bringing up anything in regard to religion can easily appear as a code word. He knows what he's doing. He may not thought of this himself but whoever is advising him does.Kris should never have brought the subject up.

[JakeMontero]

I think Adam will win but it wil be very close. most people dont care if he is g@y or not.

[creekside1109]

I'm just so happy that Gokey didn't make it. But he'll be ok - with his begging for an eyewear deal (he wants his own line, "maybe a Danny line or Gokey line" and "would LOVE to model them" with SOME of the money going to his wife's charity) or calling up and 'introducing' himself to a christian singer (contacts baby!) . . WOW! He IS talented - as an opportunist. As a singer? Not so much . . . .

[RODERICK098]

Originally I was voting for Adam because he was the best . Now I voting to stop the bigots.

[TishiJo]

I would buy Kris Allen's music and already have everything he's done so far on Idol and listen to it regularly. If he was gay, I would still buy his music. I believe Adam has a resemblance to Elvis, and is very handsome, and wears ornate costumes ala Elvis, but otherwise does not compare to Elvis at all. Its a different animal. At this stage he is a screamer and a show dog. The talent is there in his range, and if he reigns it in some, and lets us hear his natural voice without pushing the phony exagerations, then I will want to buy his music. I love rock.. Also, he isnt just gay, gay is ok, but he pushes it with dyed hair and eye makeup, etc. and his tongue is always out there. Eeeewwwww.

[Steamboater]

I'd buy Kris' music too but Adam (and he doesn't have to be Elvis because he's not) is the true all-around perfomer with the best vocals. Elvis could never sing like Adam and Elvis was more show than as vocally adept as Adam is. Elvis lost it all when he went into the army and then came back did all those lousy songs too.

Why should Adam be a "show dog" too? All peformers to some degree are "show dogs", unless you're just taking a shot at his theater background and that's not warranted. If you hadn't known about it, the term wouldn't even come up.

[gaja]

Oh so you're true motives come out - you're an Adam fan... I'd disagree - Kris is also a true all-around performer, of the singer-songwriter variety. He plays instruments, re-arranges and composes music beautifully, and has been adept in adapting his personal sound and style to every genre. (even rock - despite Kara's mouth flapping) He was hugely disadvantaged in limiting the Rock to the harder variety and not allowing softer classic rock to be showcased as well.

Don't get me wrong, I like Adam tremendously and admire his showmanship - but the Idol machine has always favored the BELTERS over the more sensitive vulnerable singers and the reality is - there is a huge market out there for both... People love singers like Bob Dylan, Jason Mraz, Chris Isaak --just as much as they love the Mariah's of the world --so don't discount 'em just because Simon does... I would bet both will be very popular in concert...

[StephenDedalus82]

How about we gays will wear whatever the hell we want to wear and you can just learn to deal with it?

[Steamboater]

Good idea. Think I'll get my leathers on for tonight's show. :)

[Dantana]

Interesting it was the christian and not the gay that said it depended on what kind of package you have.

[Steamboater]

LOL

[gaja]

"the gay" is not a noun

[mybostonjack]

This lame show jumped the shark after Kelly Clarkson.

[1sparrow]

because kris is not magnifying god with his joyful noise-- he's just elmer (james taylor) gantry. the only thing i want from this show-- the only thing that would really entertain me. is a reprise of adam/allison in a duet. BUT Nnoooooooo­oooooooooo­ooo-

[thelipstickfemme]

Crazy reasons not to vote.

It is about their voices.