American Idol War: Adam Lambert vs. Kris Allen

Welcome to Idol War 2Snaps' gayer version of fantasy football, where three coaches compete in an American Idol competition by betting points on the contestants while evaluating their performances and offering advice.

Last week 'coach' The Colonel Gary G. was eliminated when his final team member Danny Gokey was voted off. Making Andrew "Mickey" Walsh the 2009 Idol War champ!

For complete rules click here.

Idol War Standings:
Andrew “Mickey” Walsh - 780
The Colonel Gary G - 760
Tha Coach WIL Double - 440

Wil was eliminated from the Idol War competition with the loss of Allison Iraheta.

Andrew “Mickey” Walsh:

Adam, Kris, ten weeks ago we embarked on a journey together. Our crew had one goal, and one goal only: claim the title of Idol War Champion, and I am proud to say, WE SUCCEEDED! Not only did we win, but we did it with half our team intact! Mickey’s heart is bursting with pride! My fellow coaches were tough competitors, but unfortunately for them this season came down to talent over sentiment.

Now that I’ve grabbed the brass ring I have a new dilemma: who am I rooting for? This shit’s like “Sophie’s Choice”!

The honest answer is I have no idea. The second the final performance show started I realized I was a blank slate. All the weeks of singing that came before went out the window. I decided to approach you both with fresh ears and eyes and make my decision based on what you did your last night on that stage. It turned out to be one of the best finales the show has ever had. You both came out guns blazing, aiming for the title. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: that is exactly what the show needs. I want you to want to win. I don’t want to hear any b.s. about how you’re all winners. The fact is you aren’t. At least half the top 13 will get nowhere near a record contract when this show is over. And for the record, just making top 2 doesn’t guarantee you success either. Just ask Justin Guarini. Or, better yet, take a look at the debacle 19 management made out of Blake Lewis’ major label debut. They didn’t even bother to promote it!

Adam Lambert, when first we met I admit I was not a fan. You were a little too much for me. In fact, I still cringe when I think of your performance of “Satisfaction.” It just wasn’t Mickey’s cup of tea. Not to mention the fact that, based on your Hollywood Week performance of Cher’s “Believe,” you were being lumped into the over-the-top-queen category with that Nate kid and Normand Gentle. But as the weeks progressed you slowly won me over. I started to get what it was that you were doing: putting on a damn show! American Idol has sorely lacked that element in years past. In fact, I don’t think there has ever been a contestant so committed to the performance element of the competition as you have been. I applaud you for that and truly believe you may have changed this competition forever. If you win, you are more than deserving.

Kris Allen, I took one look at you back in the Top 36 and just knew I wanted to look at you all the way to Top 2. But creepy advances aside, you proved to be more than just Season 8’s hot boy. You have been a pleasantly surprising pint sized gift almost each and every week. Kara called it tonight when she said you sing in a way that makes each member of the audience feel as though you are singing directly to them. That alone is a talent worthy of landing you in the finals. The thing I love most about your story is how you overcame all the producer manipulation that was aimed at first at Danny and Lil, and then later Adam, to become a real contender for the crown. Don’t forget this show was not invested in you one bit prior to your surprising inclusion in the Top 13. They gave you no screen time during the Audition/Hollywood Weeks, and then continually lumped you in the middle of the pack in the performance line-ups. If you win it will be a giant middle finger to the show and it’s obsession with maudlin back stories and over-the-top sentiment, and especially to their attempt to guide the outcome. There was no better feeling than seeing the judges’ faces last week when America gave Gokey the boot.
I have a lot to say about the judges and the show this year, but I’ll save that for part two when I congratulate the winner of American Idol 2009. For now, it’s time to talk about your performances.

The first round was the contestant’s favorite performance of the season. Adam you chose “Mad World,” which Mickey completely agrees with. You had a number of good nights, but this, by far was your best. I think my favorite part of this repeat performance was that you changed up the presentation with a dramatic entrance, long trench coat, and lots of fog. See, that’s what I’m talking about when I say you really know how to exploit that performing aspect of being a performer. You could’ve phoned it in and did the same job as last time, but instead you took it up another level. Great job.

Kris, I have to say I was a little skeptical when you said you were going to be doing “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” again. I was kind of hoping for “Heartless.” Man did you prove me wrong. You really delivered an amazing, emotionally connected vocal. In fact, I, like Simon, enjoyed it more than Adam’s performance.

The songs of Round Two were chosen by show creator Simon Fuller. Adam, you tore up “Change is Going to Come.” You didn’t get bogged down in theatrics, you just sang the shit out of it and that my friend is when I like you the best. You are an amazing singer, so just remember that sometimes you don’t need all the other stuff. Sometimes your vocals are all you need to entertain the audience. By the way Fuller, we’re all on to the meaning behind your very loaded song choice.
Kris this is where these mother you know whats tried to trip your little ass up. “What’s Going On” was such a weak song choice for your final attempt to win over the viewing public. Sabotage! They want you to look less dynamic compared to Lambert so they can ensure their pre-ordained Adam win. I felt you did a great job with it, but I can see Simon’s point that it sounded like a college dorm jam session.

Round Three was the inevitable sappy Idol Winner ballad single, co-written by Ms. Kara Dioguardi. “No Boundaries” wasn’t the worst single the show ever produced, that award goes to Taylor Hick’s “Do I Make You Proud,” but it wasn’t the best either. Actually, there really isn’t a best, so maybe it is after all. The bottom line is that the song was perfect, pitch wise, for Adam, and less perfect for Kris, but ultimately fits neither of you nor your image.

Adam you were, as Randy said, pitchy, and Kris, it was definitely out of your range.

With all that said, where do I stand? Who do I want to win? Who do I think WILL win?
I think it’s going to be very close. I’m a fan of both of you for varying reasons, but if I chose the contestant I enjoyed the most all season, that person would be…Kris. I liked him from the beginning and always enjoyed him.

But, I think Adam, ultimately will win, because he’s good TV. He’s watercooler conversation, and that’s really important on a show where you need to motivate people to vote for you.

Either way, I think we all win. It’s nice to watch the finale for once and know I’ll be happy either way. Mickey loves ya both, so he’s betting 50 points on both of ya! Good luck, and don’t forget no matter what we’re the 2009 IDOL WAR CHAMPS!!!!!