by Kylene Hamulak

 

I'm a big fan of the choices in this American Idol finale. Obviously, this year was billed as the year a woman would (finally) take back the Idol crown, and Kree and Candice have been two of my favorites since the beginning. As the show opens with video of a 10-year-old Kree on Rosie O'Donnell and Candice's perky first audition, I wish there was a way they could both win. Alas, there can be only one - so let's see who can win the night!

 

Round One will be a choice from Simon Fuller, Round Two will debut each lady's debut single, and Round Three will allow Kree and Candice to choose their own favorite performances from the season. It's a lot of singing and not a lot of fluff, which means we won't even hear from the judges until the end of each round.

 

Round One: Simon Fuller, Creator of American Idol

 

Kree Harrison, "Angel" by Sarah McClachlan

After winning the coin toss last week, Kree has chosen to go first. Simon Fuller's pick for her isn't exactly a powerhouse, but Kree's vocal is beautiful and smooth on it. She sounds a little strained and it seems a little sleepy for the show open, but the "Kree-isms" she adds (a little twang, perhaps?) are perfect. Unfortunately, this song just reminds me of all those sad dog commercials, and I wonder how many people instinctively picked up the remote to change the channel to avoid the peer pressure to make a phone call. And then Ryan came out with Kree's numbers and the comparison was complete.

 

Candice Glover, "Chasing Pavements" by Adele

Ahhhh, Candice. She definitely brings a lot to the song, and it's got more show quality than Kree's first performance. Even so, the energy seems low to start the show - and that's what happens when everyone sings ballads all night. She hits terrific notes, and the crowd loves it.

 

What the Judges Say: Mariah just mumbles, as she has all season, about being proud of the talent of this season. She's proud of America for voting for these final two. Well, shucks, Mariah. You're welcome. Randy thinks the choices were both a little sleepy (see above - I totally called that), but he gives the edge to Candice for trying to make the song something different.

 

 

Round Two: The Singles

 

Kree, "All Cried Out"

Kree's single is as cheesy as you'd expect an Idol single to be, but...well, I kind of like it. It's perfect for her. It starts gentle before hitting the big notes in the chorus, talking finding strength to move beyond the tough times. If I had to guess? I think Kree's starting to get emotional now, and you can hear it in her voice. Not in a bad way, but in the same way you could hear it the night Kelly Clarkson became our first Idol.

 

Candice, "I Am Beautiful"

Much like Kree's song, Candice's single fits her perfectly. The notes are perfect, the music is perfect, but mostly? The lyrics are perfect. She doesn't care what that nay sayer think, because there are a lot of people who tell her she's worth it. She doesn't falter at all and delivers a pretty run of notes at the end.

 

What the Judges Say: Nicki loved Kree's composure and appreciated the feeling she sang with. Keith calls it "soul vs soul" and believes the songs were tailor made for both contestants. Nicki agrees, noting that she loved Candice's song and the way the lyrics fit her. "It fit her like a Glove-r," says Keith. Aw, Keith. I'm gonna miss your puns next year!

 

 

Round Three: Contestant's Choice

 

Kree, "Up To the Mountain" by Patti Griffin

Kree choses a song from her Vegas round, which just happens to be one of Kelly Clarkson's great Idol performances, too. She looks beautiful in her red gown, and as she FINALLY approaches the moment we've been waiting for all night, she sounds amazing with the choir. It doesn't quite become the showstopper we'll compare future Idols to, but the crowd loves it. Keith calls it beautiful, and Nicki loved her uplifting energy. Randy calls it her best performance of the night, and Mariah thinks she made smart choices.

 

Candice, "I Who Have Nothing" by Tom Jones

Beginning the song a capella, Candice KILLS this. She blew down the house the first time she performed it (Top 10 Week), but this one is even more fierce. Is that possible? She owns the stage and the performance, and in a season with so few real breakout performances, this has to be the best of the entire competition. Keith calls it crazy - "It's like a planet just exploding." Nicki takes notice of the fact that Candice is showing her legs for the first time on the show, then says the thing that comes to mind is, "superstar...owns the stage." Randy claims "THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT" and says "Baby, you got it ALL!" Mariah says her talent surpasses anything she could've expected to experience on Idol.

 

The Wrap Up:

 

Perfect Harmony: Carly Rae Jepsen debuts the Coca Cola Perfect Harmony performance of "Take A Picture," which was produced based on the votes of Idol fans. I didn't love the song, but I also fault it for being somewhat misplaced on a night that is supposed to be about Kree and Candice. Harmless, I guess, but I just wanted it to be over.

 

Show Review: Overall, I was pretty underwhelmed by the show. Like much of the season, the show was more about the big sweeping ballads than anything else, but I really only need one or two of them to get the point across. Both singles have potential in their respective markets, but I don't think the days of Idol taking over the singles charts the day after the finale will be revisited this year.

 

Final Thoughts: Candice's last performance sealed it - she definitely had the stronger night. Should she win? Based on the performances tonight, I'll say yes. I still love Kree and believe she'll find a great niche in the country market, but Candice's voice is on another level. Will she win? Tougher call. The judges claimed both girls did great and Randy tells Ryan "This is SO close right now."

 

My Prediction: Congratulations, Candice.

 

Which single did you prefer? Who do you think will be the next American Idol? Cast your votes in the comments below!

 

 

Catch the American Idol Finale Thursday at 8/7C on Fox!

 

(Images courtesy of Fox)

 

Follow Kylene on Twitter @keepingupwithky!