Tonight was a bit disappointing. For such amazing contestants, the songs were just OK. And the song that will be a single? Better than those written by new songwriters as in past Idol finales, but still lame. And it's ridiculous fit for Adam. I don't know why they didn't write two separate songs, more work I guess.  

On a separate note, the judges were looking snazzy for the finale. Simon even managed to don a shirt with buttons, not that he could manage to button them all. And Randy sported a purple checked shirt, gray jacket and purple, polka-dotted tie. Paula showed up with an orange tan and shiny green shirt. Kara was more understated with a simple black top or dress.

Adam Lambert

Adam chose "Mad World" for round one, where the contestants chose their best performance so far. It sounded great, but was a bit over the top and a tad creepy with Adam's shin-length black jacket.

On round 2, Simon Fuller, creator of "American Idol," chose "A Change Is Gonna Come." It was probably the most interesting performance of the night. It was a unique choice for the glam rocker, but really took advantage of his dramatic flair. He poured some feeling into that song. And he got out his characteristic scream. The slide up in pitch made it kind of great though, even for me who isn't a big fan of his raspy, high pitched notes.

The last performances of the night featured a song co-written by judge Kara DioGuardi. Problem is, they wrote just one song to fit both Adam and Kris. Stupid, stupid decision. Adam hit all the notes and did all that he could, really, but it just sounded plain silly. He's singing about climbing mountains and making it through hurricanes to make it to your dreams, and it's just so not Adam. I guess the writers felt they had to write the cliched "American Idol" finale song, but really, it just DID NOT fit Adam as an artist.

Kris Allen

Kris chose "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" for round one. He sounded great, just like last time. 

Simon Fuller chose "What's Goin' On" for Kris, making it obvious that the producers were going for a social change kind of message. Great songs and fitting for the time, just kind of annoyingly obvious. I thought the acoustic arrangement with bongos was great, very Kris, though Simon disagreed with the choice. The contestants should be trying for amazing performances, but I think Kris had to pull out one intimate, acoustic piece. It's who he is and will be as an artist. And hey, there were two other songs he put more upbeat energy into.

The finale song fit Kris much better. I wish the intro hadn't been iffy and they had dropped the key down a notch or two. That said, the song fit him so much better, I'm not sure it matters. It seemed so much more genuine because it fits who Kris is. He seemed into the song, and that matters a whole lot to me. I want to see an artist enjoying his art, and Kris clearly enjoyed performing that song. Of course it is not at all Adam's fault that the writers wrote a song that fit Kris and not him. I sure would rather hear Kris sing that on the radio than Adam though. It's just going to be a big joke if Adam has to record that.

My votes and predictions

I think the performances were fairly equal tonight, but Kris had a much more convincing performance of the finale song, which will be recorded and become the winners first single. So for that reason, and of course the reason that I love Kris' voice and style, my vote goes to Kris.

It's interesting to note the similarities between this year and last. David Cook the rocker versus wholesome David Archuleta. Now Adam the rocker versus wholesome Kris. Only this time the rocker is more out there. And the wholesome guy has this cool acoustic sound, and he's not quite so babyish.

Last year the rocker won. This year, I feel like Adam is too out there to win, but I've been saying that all season and here he is in the finale. He could win. But then we'll be forced to hear him sing about dreams and mountains and other such crap, and that really will be a shame. I hope for his sake that he loses and gets to do something else. In fact, I even think his fans may vote for Kris so that Adam won't be forced to sing that song. For that reason, I'm going to guess that Kris wins. What do you think? Comment to share your thoughts. 

And if you're interested, watch the recorded live chat from last night.