The finale is razor-close. Dial Idol currently shows Adam Lambert and Kris Allen in a virtual tie. Both artists delivered top-tier performances tonight, despite being saddled with this season’s winner’s song, “No Boundaries,” which many felt didn’t showcase either singer well. It was a strong night of singing, and credit goes to the producers and Simon Fuller for selecting several solid song choices for the finalists.
- Adam Lambert – “Mad World” by Tears for Fears – VIDEO
- Kris Allen – “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers – VIDEO
- Adam Lambert – “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke – VIDEO
- Kris Allen – “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye – VIDEO
- Adam Lambert – “No Boundaries” – VIDEO
- Kris Allen – “No Boundaries” – VIDEO
- Carrie Underwood – “Home Sweet Home” – VIDEO
The show opened with video clips chronicling Adam and Kris’s journeys throughout the season, and the Nokia Theatre was packed for the big night. Host Ryan Seacrest set the stage with the classic contrast: the acoustic rocker versus the glam rocker, hometown boy versus showman, the relatable neighbor versus the theatrical star. He reminded viewers to set their DVRs for the finale countdown.
A montage followed, including interviews with the contestants’ parents and behind-the-scenes moments that underscored how much this competition has meant to both finalists and their families.
Adam Lambert – Personal Choice – “Mad World” by Tears for Fears – Adam made a dramatic entrance, descending from the top of the stairs in a long black coat with a silvery shirt beneath. The performance recaptured the haunting quality he brought to the song earlier in the season, though it wasn’t quite the same surprise moment. Randy praised his sensitive side and gave an enthusiastic A-plus comment. Kara applauded his artistry and said she was proud. Simon noted the slightly over-the-top theatricality—comparing the look to Phantom of the Opera—but acknowledged the power of the performance. Voting lines mentioned on screen were 1-866-436-5701, 1-866-436-5703, and 1-866-436-5705.
Kris Allen – Personal Choice – “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers – Kris appeared at the piano and delivered a deeply felt performance. He was clearly in the zone: connected to the lyrics, the arrangement, and the audience. Randy applauded his artistry and emotional restraint. Kara said Kris creates an intimate bond with the crowd, and Paula praised the way his singing awakens the spirit. Simon admitted he had second thoughts about last week’s voting after hearing this rendition. Voting numbers shown were 1-866-436-5702, 1-866-436-5704, and 1-866-436-5706.
For the producers’ picks, Simon called that round for Kris, a judgment some viewers agreed with based on connection and interpretation.
Adam Lambert – Simon Fuller’s Choice – “A Change Is Gonna Come” (Sam Cooke) – Dressed in a tailored gray suit, Adam delivered a soulful, blues-tinged take that avoided the excesses sometimes found online. His performance was both restrained and powerful, with strong control and emotional depth. The judges praised him: Randy called it unbelievable, Kara suggested it might be his best interpretation on the show, and Paula said she had never heard him sing better. Simon declared Adam back in the game.
Kris Allen – Simon Fuller’s Choice – “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye – Kris accompanied himself on guitar with light percussion backing. The arrangement allowed his phrasing to shine, creating an intimate and soulful moment. Randy felt the performance was a bit too light for such a large venue, while Kara and Paula praised his honesty and connection. Simon liked the song choice but felt the delivery was too laid-back for the competition’s scale.
Simon gave the slight edge to Adam in that round, though he emphasized it was a close contest.
After a commercial break, the Top 13 contestants gathered around Ryan on stage before the final performances resumed.
Adam Lambert – Winner’s Song – “No Boundaries” – The winner’s song aims for inspirational, but the lyrics and structure felt generic and offered little to showcase either artist’s unique strengths. Adam navigated the tune solidly, though a few pitchy spots appeared. The judges praised his season-long originality and stage presence. Randy noted some vocal inconsistencies; Kara expressed pride; Paula called him iconic; Simon complimented his originality across the season while poking gentle fun at the lyrics.
Kris Allen – Winner’s Song – “No Boundaries” – The song proved awkward for Kris’s vocal range and style. His strength—emotional connection—was hampered by the tune’s high key and generic phrasing, and he struggled on several highs. The judges offered supportive remarks: Randy acknowledged the key challenge, Kara urged viewers to consider his body of work rather than this one song, Paula wished him luck, and Simon reminded the audience of Kris’s growth throughout the competition.
Overall, Adam won the final song round on vocal audacity and nuance, but neither contestant was particularly well-served by the winner’s song itself. The judges’ final comments felt to some like a gentle coronation for Adam and a gracious send-off for Kris, reflecting the difficulty of judging two very different talents.
Carrie Underwood closed the broadcast with a performance of “Home Sweet Home,” rounding out the evening with a hometown-flavored finale.