On lamberting Adam Lambast

This season on American Idol, early on in the competition, I latched onto a quiet, unassuming young man named Kris Allen. There was something about the way he delivered a lyric, the rawness with which he sang a melody, and the gentle twists he gave a song, that resonated with me.

With his victory the other day, Kris becomes the first-ever American Idol contestant that I’ve ever supported from start to finish. As you can see, I’m a happy camper.

Yet I can’t also help but feel badly for runner-up Adam Lambert, whose undeniable talent and polished sense of personal style won the American public over, but not enough to clinch the victory over the scrappy underdog Allen. Lambert was all but expected to run away with the title of American Idol, and I’m sure his loss was quite a blow, despite the brave face he put up.

I can understand the bitterness of Lambert supporters; I’ve been there. I know what it’s like when a singer who I deem superior loses to one who I deem inferior. Taylor Hicks over Mandisa or Elliott Yamin? Fantasia Barrino over Jennifer Hudson? Jordin Sparks over Melinda Doolittle? To a certain extent, Ricky Braddy could’ve been this year’s American Idol if only on the basis of sheer vocal prowess. Let’s not forget that while American Idol is a singing competition, it is a popularity-based singing competition. As we’ve learned in the past, however, victory in this competition is no indicator of immediate – or long-lasting – success. Ruben Studdard dropped an album, Love Is, a few weeks ago, and the Velvet Teddy Bear’s sales aren’t looking very impressive. Elliott Yamin’s Fight for Love debuted at #26 last week, a far cry from the #3 entry of his self-titled debut. Even Mandisa’s Freedom performed a little less than True Beauty. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. We all hope our favorite singers in these competitions do well enough to have solid careers after the show, but we know the industry – and the fans – are fickle and rarely forgiving.

If someone I supported was robbed, it’s only human nature for me to say he was robbed. Adam’s fans are merely voicing out their frustration. Me, I just say, congratulations, Kris, because you have the title, and good luck, too, because you have to deal with that sappy saccharine single. (There are No Boundaries to which Idol producers will sink to milk an inspirational coronation song dry.) Congratulations, Adam, because you don’t necessarily have to deal with that single, but more importantly, many doors have been opened up to you as a result of your exposure on American Idol.

The competition is over. Let’s support our favorite singers and help build them long-lasting careers. That’s what matters now.

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5 Responses to “On lamberting Adam Lambast”

1. Jomi says:

   May 22, 2009 at 3:16 pm

   Well said :D

   Thank you, Jomi. :)
2. tristan says:

   May 22, 2009 at 4:42 pm

   During the auditions, I like Adam Lambert. But since the Hollywood week, ayawa ko na sa kanya.

   My favorites:
   Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre, among the boys.

   So far, Megan Joy, among the girls.

   And also, I’m so happy, when Ryan Seacrest announced Kris’s name as the winner.

   Hi Tristan! Thanks for passing by GannsDeen.com.

   I liked Kris, obviously, and Ricky Braddy, who didn’t even make the Top 13. Adam had several flashes of brilliance, and his toned down performances were breathtaking. His upper register – the tone and voice that some people described as “screaming” – lost me, though.

   Have a pleasant weekend!
3. Danny says:

   May 22, 2009 at 9:03 pm

   It’s sad to see the voting tainted by suspicions of homophobic bigotry by Evangelicals. No matter how talented Adam was, lingering doubts on his gender lost him votes to a less talented (but Christian) singer.

   Hi, Danny! Thanks for passing by, and welcome to GannsDeen.com. I’ve decided to discuss this issue in further detail in a separate blog entry. I hope you can swing by and we have a healthy discussion on that entry. Have a pleasant weekend.
4. Mikes says:

   May 22, 2009 at 9:51 pm

   Heheh. Same here. I have supported Kris Allen from the start. yes even from audition. honestly, I am so glad that he won. Some say because really AI is all about making “underdogs” win and i think he’s underdog (as far as talent is concern). I agree that after all it’s a popularity contest. Hey I have on trivia about him: He’s a Christian and a Worship Leader at that. Can you believe that? I wrote something about him here: http://your-dailyword.blogspot.com/2009/05/kris-allen-will-be-next-american-idol.html
   God Bless!

   You should listen to his YouTube video performance of God of This City.
5. Marix says:

   July 21, 2009 at 4:45 pm

   Hi Ganns!

   Haha! I was browsing through your blog when I saw this post. Like you, I have been supporting Kris Allen from beginning to end even if people commented before that he’s lucky enough to reach Top 8. Feeling is ecstatic especially that he’s the only bet I had who actually won! Wahahahaha!

   No doubt, Adam is great as well, it’s just that Kris won. :) I believe (and hope) fans moved on. :)

   Hi Marix! Thanks for passing by.

   I’m glad Kris won! I think Adam fans already have moved on, so let’s just pray for their mutual success!