Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Battle It Out On 'American Idol'

Access Hollywood - May 19, 2009 9:01 PM PDT
Story photo: Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Battle It Out On 'American Idol'Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on 'American Idol,' May 19, 2009<br />Getty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kris Allen and Adam Lambert battled it out for the title of "American Idol" on Monday evening, but the third round of competition took a twist when Kara DioGuardi asked the public not to judge the younger singer on his version of a song she co-wrote.

Both Kris and Adam sang "No Boundaries," a heavy-hitting ballad-esque song Kara co-wrote with Kathy Dennis and Mitch Allan, but both Randy Jackson and the newest judge decided the octave range for the cut was too high for the vocal range of the 23-year-old from Conway, Ark.

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"Kris, I don't want you to be judged on that song, I do think it was too high," Kara said. "I want you to be judged on the fact that you are a compelling artist, and you have been an incredible person to watch. Week to week, you've come into your own... I hope people vote on the season."

But while he also noted that the song was too high, Randy praised the spiky-haired singer's version of the tune.

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"I actually thing that song kind of fit your voice even better for me than even Adam's," Randy said. "Good luck, baby."

When Adam performed the song earlier in the evening, Randy called "a little pitchy in spots." However, it left Kara beaming with pride.

"Adam, I think I speak on behalf of my co-writers Kathy Dennis and Mitch Allan -- this is amazing when someone with your level of talent, sings a song that you've written," she said. "I'm moved and I'm proud and I thank you for giving me that moment here at the end."

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Simon too, was pleased with Adam's take, but he hinted he wasn't a fan of Kara's work on the cut.

"Look, it's the mountains and the hurricanes," he laughed referring to the song's lyrics. "I'm not gonna judge that song, I'm gonna judge you... Doing a show like this, you hope that you can find a worldwide star. I genuinely believe with all my heart that we have found that. Congratulations."

Before the final round, the men were neck and neck, with Kris scoring points in round one for his version of "Ain't No Sunshine" not long after the show opened.

"That was one of your best performances ever on the stage," Randy said.

And Adam claimed round two, singing "Change Is Gonna Come," a pick chosen by "American Idol" producer and creator, Simon Fuller (he picked "What's Going On" for Kris).

"Adam, that was the best I've heard you sing, ever, ever, ever, ever," Paula Abdul said. "Not only that, you look like a superstar up there. Whatever happens with this 'Idol' journey, I know with every fiber of my being, you are going to be iconic."

On Wednesday, the winner of "American Idol" Season 8 will be revealed live on FOX.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Access' 'American Idol' Experts Debate The Finale (May 19, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: Jamie Foxx's 'American Idol' Prediction & Advice To The Finalists

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: American Idol - Adam Lambert - Kris Allen - Randy Jackson - Paula Abdul

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comments 1-10 of 26  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • M.A.C
    I DON'T LIKE TO WATCH AMERICAN IDOL ,,BECAUSE IS A WASTE OF TIME & MONEY ....MANY OF THOSE WHO WIN THEY DO NOT MAKE THE ALBUMS ,THEY DISSAPPEAR & THAT'S IT ,,SO AMERICAN IDOL SUCKS!!!!DON'T MATTER WHO WINS
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 1:22 PM PDT
  • Molly W
    adam all day i love him my friends voted 4 him
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 10:55 AM PDT
  • dollorbil
    Kris will win. The reason why is people got turned to the screaming that Adam kept displaying. It is novel to hear it occasionally but when every other utterance out of his mouth was a spine numbing shrill it got old. All of my 200 votes went to Kris
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 5:25 AM PDT
  • FL Angel 26
    Both should refuse taking the AI title until that HORRIBLE song is changed. It will really stink for either Kris or Adam to have to sing that song on a record! It was way too corny!
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 5:17 AM PDT
  • susanL
    I was sooo dissapointed with the show last night. Remember when Ruben and Clay had their last show? It was stunning the both wore white and had a choir sing along. Now THAT was a show. Last night I didn't even get a really good Adam fix. By the way I DID NOT like Kara's song! But Kris did sing it better.
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 3:43 AM PDT
  • susanL
    I was sooo dissapointed with the show last night. Remember when Ruben and Clay had their last show? It was stunning the both wore white and had a choir sing along. Now THAT was a show. Last night I didn't even get a really good Adam fix. By the way I DID NOT like Kara's song! But Kris did sing it better.
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 3:43 AM PDT
  • susanL
    I was sooo dissapointed with the show last night. Remember when Ruben and Clay had their last show? It was stunning the both wore white and had a choir sing along. Now THAT was a show. Last night I didn't even get a really good Adam fix. By the way I DID NOT like Kara's song! But Kris did sing it better.
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 3:43 AM PDT
  • susanL
    I was sooo dissapointed with the show last night. Remember when Ruben and Clay had their last show? It was stunning the both wore white and had a choir sing along. Now THAT was a show. Last night I didn't even get a really good Adam fix. By the way I DID NOT like Kara's song! But Kris did sing it better.
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 3:43 AM PDT
  • Inferno
    DANNY %@!*#EY?!?! Forget about him....
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 3:32 AM PDT
  • Inferno
    DANNY %@!*#EY?!?! Forget about him....
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 3:32 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 26  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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