American Idol, season 8. There were highs, there were lows. There were moments of laughter, there were moments of tears. There were moments of triumph, there were moments of disaster. There were moments you wish would never end, there were moments that couldn't end soon enough. There were contestants that excelled, there were contestants that faltered. There were power notes, there were pitchy notes. There were times when there was a clear favorite, there were times when it was anyone's game. There were exciting performances.. There was disappointing performances.

... and then, there were two. Kris Allen of Conway, Arkansas... Adam Lambert of San Diego. The acoustic rocker vs. the glam rocker. Two great artists... but only one title.

LOS ANGELES - Nokia Theatre LA Live

Welcome to the tripleheader for all the cheddar. Here's how it works. Adam and Kris will sing three songs: their favorite performance over the season, a song chosen by series creator Simon Fuller, and the coronation single co-written by judge Kara dioGuardi (yeah, you all saw that coming, right?).

Kris won the coin toss; he has chosen to go second. Good luck... May the best man win... (Greenie) LET'S DUEL! (/Greenie)

ROUND 1

Adam was apparently super noisy even as a child, talking, screaming, bouncing off walls. He's chosen for his first number "Mad World" (from Year of Your Birth Week) by Tears for Fears.

What they say: Randy loves that he's showing his sensitive side, giving him an A+. Kara's happy that he chose that performance, calling him an incredible artist who has changed the game up for folks to follow. Paula says that she's proud, calling that performance muted and theatrical. Simon thought it was his best when he originally did it, but thought that tonight was overtheatrical.

What we say: It's kind of a good thing for him to start a little subdued with a compelling number as this. Saving your big guns for last, as it were. That said, this is pure Adam. Over the top. Theatrical. It was not flawless by any stretch with some pitch issues and some pacing issues, but the song suits him at least. It doesn't finish as strong or as clean as I would've liked it, but it's a good start. Believe it or not...I think this was too much. The first time he did this, he was relying on his voice. This is too much about the glitz.

Going straight into Kris Allen, who didn't like singing in front of his family at first. He gave his mom music coupons as a kid, and tonight, he redeems all of them with his personal pick, Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine".

What they say: Randy hopes the Lakers win tonight. He can tell what kind of record he wants to make, saving his best for last. Kara agrees, saying that he creates a bond with the audience. Paula says that her spirit is awakened, a true mark of a great artist. Simon wasn't sure that America made the right choice... he IS sure they made the right choice tonight.

What we say: This version is better than the first time he did it. Also subdued, saving his best for last. Rocky start, but a nice and controlled middle and finish. Great use of the piano. Great use of the orchestra. Great arrangement. Just a great start for Kris. Absolutely in his butter zone.

Both singers were trying to express best who they are. So... Round 1... Judges give it to Kris. We agree.

ROUND 2

These are Simon Fuller's choices. First up for Adam... Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come".

What they say: Randy calls it unbelievable. Kara says that it was his best interpretation, using both sides of himself. Paula concurs. Simon says that he's back in the game.

What we say: He just knocked the door in Kris's R&B House and blew it down. Much better than round 1. This is what he needed to do. Killer stuff. What Adam lacks in soul for this song, he makes up for in power. But what happens when the song is all about soul? He could've made it his own without going too overboard. But in that same token, it's his stamp on the song. But for Adam now... GAME ON.

Next, Other Simon has chosen "What's Goin' On?" by Marvin Gaye for Kris.

What they say: Great song choice for Randy, but it's a little "light" for the big room that he's in. Kara says that he's been true to himself from day one, picking a socially conscious song and delivering it to the people. Paula says he made Marvin Gaye proud. Simon said it was like "three friends in a bedroom strumming along to Marvin Gaye", calling it too laid back for a night like this.

What we say: Kris just keeps going from strength to strength, doesn't he? Again, showing off what he's capable stripped down to bare minimums and letting the song be the star. That reminds us of the Kenny Loggins vibe... All of this would've worked two or three weeks ago when he had nothing to lose... Tonight, he has EVERYTHING to lose, and it all felt too weak, too wispy. This is in his wheelhouse...but it did NOTHING for me.

Adam wins Round 2 with both the judges and the compilers.

ROUND 3

As Ryan pals around with the finalists, we get Kara's single... a song called "No Boundaries." Adam's up first.

What they say: Randy says he can sing the phone book, but that was not one of his favorite performances. Kara says that she's moved and proud on behalf of her fellow writers. Paula says that adjectives cannot express what he's brought to the show. Simon says that Adam was one of the best, most original contestants throughout the season. He believes that he's found a worldwide star in Adam.

What we say: The chinks in the armor are beginning to show, as Adam overblows it WAY TOO MUCH. If the rivers and the mountains have to endure Adam's pitch continuously from the song, we'd have floods and avalanches. That was a mess. I blame Kara for having to endure that, and then endure it again once Kris Allen shows up with the same song. If Adam ends up losing, it will be because of this. Sure he has the power to deliver it, but with power comes responsibility... and that was pitchy, shouty, just plain reckless.

What Adam says: "I got to pick some really cool songs. I really embraced the chance to do the Sam Cooke song."

The competition is over for Adam, but what about Kris? Can he do the same song with his OWN flavor? Let's find out!

What they say: Randy says that the key killed him, but he is an amazing competitor. The song fits Kris better than it fits Adam. Kara calls him a compelling artist. Paula says to just take it all in. Simon thought that his highlight was round 1. Kris deserves to be on this stage.

What we say: Okay, I don't blame the singers. I blame the song. It was way too tough on both competitors, and if I were Kris, I would've requested it perhaps a half-step lower, so I could get it down in my registry.

What Kris says: "Me and Adam, we said we weren't competing. We just wanted to give a good show tonight."

A song like that... Gordon says it best. "Can we just call it a tie?"

So we're judging on the body of work. We have Adam, who started out on a high and as the season went on went steadily downward. On the other hand, we have Kris, who found his voice in the James Taylors, the Kenny Loggins, and the John Mayers of the world late in the competition .

Going around the network here... Who should and who will win?

Q: Should: KRIS ALLEN. Will: Don't know, but Kris is going to sell more albums and Adam's going to Broadway, where Idols go to die.
Jason: Should win and Will Win: ADAM LAMBERT. Kris did NOT DO enough to blow out Adam.
Gordon: Should and will: KRIS ALLEN. Not because Kris won it as much as Adam didn't do enough to get Danny's vote.
Grandma Pepper: Should: ADAM LAMBERT. He's the most talented singer this season. Will: KRIS ALLEN. He'll get the public vote.
Chico: Should win: KRIS ALLEN. He has the brighter prospect of the two and the greater appeal. Will win: Tough call. Kris didn't blow out Adam. Adam didn't blow out Kris. The X-factor: Danny's votes and the body of work of both contestants... So that said... KRIS ALLEN.

We close the show and the competition with Carrie Underwood singing the season's funeral dirge, "Home Sweet Home". Next time we meet, a star-studded gala event. A few celebs will be performing, a few surprises will be had, the top 13 will be reunited on stage...

Oh yeah, and someone wins this thing.