Los Angeles, CA - Tonight the final showdown for season 8 of American Idol has been set, the under cards have gone home,  and "the Real Deal" will battle "AI Koolaid" for the title of Idol.  This is a classic battle of the artist musician vs the produced marketed musician.  One masters his craft while the other is crafted by masters, while talent is the common denominator.

Their stature as they walked out on the stage during the introduction conjured up thoughts of David and Goliath, and we all know who won that contest.  Ok, enough Koolaid bashing and I will attempt to keep it objective and give props where they are due.

As Apollo Creed said, "who's gonna ring the bell? ok I will. Ding Ding."

Round 1: Adam Lambert comes out swinging and performs Tears for Fears "Mad World" in full trench coat with light and fog effects.  Randy gives him an A+, Kara "Happy he chose that song" and Paula is proud to be on the AI Koolaid, Simon gave the most realistic feedback "a bit over-theatrical".  My take, good performance but could have left the Matrix/Neo look and the fog in the dressing room.

Kris Allen, battles back with his performance of Al Green's "Ain't no sunshine" accompanying himself on the piano.  The artistic vest over t-shirt with jeans look adds to his likability.  Randy,"You have saved the best for last", Kara says "If you don't feel it there is something wrong with you. You Killed it", Paula, "You awaken our spirits" (not the spirits in your cup, Paula), Simon after expressing his uncertainty to follow up after last week, takes it back and gives the round to Kris. 

Simon's picks of songs.
Round 2:  Adam loses the Neo outfit for a suit and belts a blues yet screamy version of Sam Cooke's "Change is Gonna Come".  A good performance Randy, "unbelievable" Kara, "that was quite possibly the best you have done" Paula, "iconic" (drinks more Koolaid) Simon "back in the game".

Kris comes correct with “What’s Goin’ On” by Marvin Gaye, great arrangement showcasing again his talent on the acoustic guitar and even showing some John Mayer guitar faces. Randy, "a little light" Kara, "true to yourself" Paula, "you made Marvin proud", Simon gives the typical not impressed "3 friends in the bedroom strumming".  And this round goes to Adam a million percent according to Simon.

Round 3: Adam comes out singing "No Boundaries" co-wrote by Kathy Denison, Mitch Allen, & Kara DioGaurdi.  Randy said "I don't know, just aight and pitchy" Kara said "made the writers proud" Paula said "remarkable, I am in awe and will be a fan forever" (drinks more Koolaid) Simon "we hope to find a worldwide star and we found that with you" (Simon pours more Koolaid in America's cup).  There were some moments of greatness however I have to agree with Randy some pitchy parts and would not buy this song for .99 on itunes over a bean burrito at Taco Bell.

Kris: fights back with his version of the same song, Randy says "amazing, fit better than Adam's" Kara says "incredible season" Paula says "you deserve to be where you are" Simon says "first song was your best, you thoroughly deserve to be here".  The final question is would I buy this version over the burrito and the answer is yes, yes I would.  Now go vote.  I give this round to Kris.

Carrie Underwood closes out with a performance of "Home sweet home" by Motley Crue.