'American Idol's' bigger message

Finalists Adam Lambert and Kris Allen help illustrate how people with cultural differences can make beautiful music together.

The two-part finale of hit series "American Idol," which begins tonight, is the most talked-about thing in television right now, partly because this season's contenders, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, are exciting performers. But it's also because they have done something unexpected: Their unlikely friendship has presented America with a new vision of itself, beyond the deepest divisions of the culture wars.

Lambert is a rocker from the liberal urban Southland with roots in musical theater and the Hollywood club scene. Allen is a collegiate evangelical Christian from Arkansas. Lambert has been compared to Queen's Freddie Mercury and Elvis Presley; Allen recalls John Mayer and the Jonas Brothers.

At a time when change is in the air but the old conflicts over religion, lifestyle and sexuality aren't going away, this eighth season of "American Idol" is vividly illustrating how people with cultural differences can make beautiful music together.

Lambert was this season's first major sensation, and remains its biggest star. "I've been an 'Idol' fan since Season 5, and as far as I can tell he's the strongest musical talent who's ever been in the competition," said Alex Ross, music critic for the New Yorker. "Beyond the flair and style he's a very technically secure, accurate singer who is especially good at getting the words across -- diction and such -- and finding different colors for different songs."

Lambert's dazzling tenor and propensity for high notes have made for many memorable "Idol" moments. But in this era of Internet leaks, what's become known about his life beyond the show has made an equally important impression.

When photographs of Lambert, 27, kissing a man overran the Internet in March, Lambert brushed off the incident with a smile and a new motto: "I know who I am." Several gay contestants have been on the program, but none has made it so far while being this nonchalant about his sexuality.

"In terms of the sexuality question, that's up to him to say, but he's obviously not conventionally masculine in how he dresses and how he talks, and there's no sense that he's ever tried to hide it," said Ross. "He's totally matter of fact -- and that is really startling to see on mainstream TV. It seems almost heroic to me."

Lambert's competition is Allen, a 23-year-old worship leader at New Life Church in Conway, Ark., who was doing missionary work in Asia and Africa during the years Lambert was building his pop resume. Allen was one of several actively Christian musicians to make this year's Top 10, who will tour as a group this summer.

Lambert and Allen have a musical connection: Both specialize in variations of the form of alternative rock known as emo, an emotionally forthright, catchy variation on American punk music. While Lambert's dyed-black hair and eyeliner recall bands like My Chemical Romance, Allen's warble and his love of acoustic guitar link him to artists like Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba, who himself is open about his Christian faith.

"Adam Lambert belongs to the more theatrical strand, with the black nail polish and the black hair, the darker expression of emo," said Karen Tongson, an assistant professor of English and gender studies at USC. "Kris Allen comes from the folkier, more acoustic, clean-cut element of emo. The connection between Christian rock and emo has always been there in the folkier strains."

That the "Idol" finale has come down to these seeming polar opposites who share so much is particularly notable, given the seemingly constant presence of sexual politics in the news. The California Supreme Court might soon confirm or overturn the state's voter-mandated ban on gay marriage. Miss California USA Carrie Prejean made waves by stating her personal opposition to same-sex unions when she was questioned at a pageant.

In this complicated climate, one painted thumbnail means a lot. Allen began decorating one of his black -- one of Lambert's favorite colors -- late in the season, apparently to dispel rumors that the pair, who were roommates in the show-sponsored mansion where the finalists reside, were feuding. Lambert reportedly later removed the paint from one of his thumbs in his own gesture of support.

The friendship between the two finalists suggests that tolerance can trump ideology, a powerful sentiment that echoes President Obama's suggestion that bridging differences could be more effective than trying to eradicate them.

"This is part of the spirit and ethos of an America after Obama. His whole rhetoric fits into the desires of our political culture after such a divisive period. And that's also playing itself out on 'Idol,' " said Tongson.

Each singer has fans who should be rooting for the other one, according to the usual patterns linked to the culture wars. Some commentators have tried to make a stir over Lambert's sexuality -- Bill O'Reilly questioned Lambert's appropriateness as a singing role model on his Fox News program. But he seems to have many Christian admirers.

"My husband and I are Baby Boomer Christians and we LOVE Adam Lambert! After 8 seasons, we finally have the contestant who defines the title," wrote one reader in the comments section of Newsweek magazine's Pop Vox blog.

Allen has definitely benefited from the Christian vote, but he also has a sizable fan base among gay men. He's been featured on plenty of gay-oriented blogs, admired for his looks and low-key personality.

"It seems like he's a very giving, warm, vulnerable, good person, and he has musical intellect way beyond his age," said filmmaker and producer Marc Huestis, a prominent presence in San Francisco's gay community. "The problem with Adam is he's invulnerable. Kris is always working really hard. He feels like an artist to me."

Like many viewers, Huestis has put his support behind both Lambert and Allen, depending on the musical performances.

Lambert might dye his hair black and wear tight, shiny clothes, but he's been careful to "change up" his performances, alternating hard rock turns that feature his trademark high wail and restrained, subtle readings of ballads like "The Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson.

Considering that the current Top 40 is ruled by edgy figures like the self-styled disco dominatrix Lady GaGa and hip-hop "Martian" Lil Wayne, Lambert's style is almost traditional -- by leather-clad rocker standards.

Allen, who possesses a mellow tenor, seems at first like a much safer artist, but he's also developed a flair for taking chances. His song choices have been among the season's most surprising: He opted for a song written by Bob Dylan during country week, and the Oscar-winning but still relatively obscure "Falling Slowly," from the indie sleeper "Once," when asked to choose a song from a film.

His fairly highbrow taste relates to a strategy used by nondenominational churches like the one Allen attends in Arkansas: Draw in younger believers by offering really good music and a general aura of hipness. Allen, though devout, never comes off as pompous or overly proper.

Lambert and Allen might be the most unlikely pair on television this year, but their bond has helped make this singing competition more than just entertainment, no matter which man wins.

"It is fantasy," said Ross. "Out there in the real world people aren't getting along so comfortably. The guy who sings musical theater and dresses flamboyantly isn't necessarily going to be bonding with the jock types in high school.

But sometimes a mirror image has the power of pointing toward a future reality. It's not sufficient in itself but it adjoins to another bunch of things that seem to be happening in our society, old prejudices falling away."

-- Ann Powers

Photo: Associated Press

Comments

[lexi]

This is a beautiful article. I love how Kris and Adam are great friends and as you say "tolerance can trump ideology" I think there are many many people in this country who could learn a bit about acceptance from watching these two contestants. Truly the two best men have made it to the top. Love Kris and respect him loads, but I am an Adam fan and plan on voting my fingers off for him tomorrow night!

[TFLS]

In a word – yes…..and I think you will notice the same civility when it comes to fan bases. Both Adam and Kris supporters seem to have bridged that gap. We support our favorite - but respect the other. Gormless garbologists like O'Reilly are so far off the culture curve they've ceased to have meaning. If Adam wins tomorrow - his friend Kris will be glad - and vice-versa; though I must admit - an Adam win would be the sweeter for how much it will discombobulate O'Reilly and his coterie of buffoons (Newsweek? Really? How disappointing). And yes – I am an Adam Lambert fan.

[Joe Bob Briggs]

This article would have been much more powerful if the author had fully integrated Ms. Prejean as a juxtaposition - as against both of these AI contestants. These two contestants offer a much more vivid portrait of socio-political tolerance and understanding and faith than Ms. Prejean - who directly confronted the issue in her own contest - who is now thrusting herself into the spotlight on this very issue - offers far less to the dialogue then Adam and Kris - who don't even touch the matter.

[jeff]

nice article but the discussion of "emo" is painfully out of touch and a bit embarrassing to read. Neither of these gentlemen bear even a remote resemblence to "emo". A short-lived very narrow tag that has nothing to do with what either one of them is doing. Musically or vocally. Reads like grandparents trying to use slang.

[Joe]

I am a Gay person and I am voting for Kris Allen. The reason is I like Kris's smooth singing voice and music better. What I like about Kris is that he is a great person also. He is very laid back and easy going, which matches his music and singing. Many media outlets are pushing the Gay vs Christian, but what we really have is a difference in music styles and not a cultural battle. These two have shown that everyone can co-exist in this world and be friends. I am proud at how both of them have handled themselves.

[KJIH-TV]

American Idol and their cultural differences bring us together... blah, blah, blah. More carefully-crafted phoniess from Simon Cowell and this cloying article makes me want to bark at the dup to go sing "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing", since this show is shilled to you by Coke. Moving on now....

[lish]

nice article, not bias...one of those that u need not to argue with somebody...Kris and Adam have different personality but equally talented...but i still hope Kris will win, coz i like his kind of music...simple but soulful.

[Tom]

No, what American Idol is doing is prepping kids to enjoy soaps later. There's really no redeeming quality to this show, it's just trash TV.

[Space Otter King]

I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one who thought Adam Lambert was creepily like an American version of Freddie Mercury. xD

[Vanessa Green]

Suport the Dark Horse. Cause a shock. Fight the power. Beat the odds. Make history.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=57496536

[Sophie's Choice]

Cultural differences? Seriously? I love both Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, and while I am rooting for Adam to win, I'd be happy if Kris wins. But to dichotomize them for having extreme cultural differences is overly inflating the term. It's not like they are from Afghanistan and Tibet. When you have cultural differences so great you can't even talk about them, that's what I would call noteworthy. Kris and Adam are both musicians (an occupation full of gay people and full of religious people), they are both young, white, male, talented, American, and so on. Adam isn't the first gay person on AI and Kris isn't the first Christian on AI. They just aren't "too" gay or "too" Christian. I teach at a university where there are many cultures (as in - from different countries, you know, those war ridden countries of real destitution) coming together to learn, and just like the AI competition, they do so willingly and with an open mind. You aren't acknowledging the shared context here. It's a competition, and they both come from relatively privileged circumstances. Why would they not get along?

[Brent Childers]

Faith In America would like to thank Adam and Kris – and the show – for allowing Americans to see what our society looks like without religion-based bigotry and prejudice toward gay Americans.
Judging someone as inferior or unworthy because of their sexual orientation and justifying such condemnation with religious teaching is unfortunately still the business of the James Dobsoms, Carrie Prejeans and O'Reillys of the world,
But they no longer control the microphone. The voices of acceptance, compassion and respect have finally broken through.
That is the one voice we will hear when listening to both these singers perform.
It's a voice that for too long has been muzzled in America.
For sharing their talent and a beautiful message about humanity and dignity, they are both winners.

[PhDude]

Adam is AMAZING! He has been all season. He has entertained us each week and deserves to win the idol crown. If he does not win it will be based on the "hate vote". Vote Adam!

[eclipse coming]

Tonight 's wonderful contestants, Adam and Kris, represent the very best in humanity by their innate spirit communication of living their lives by love not hate. When so much of television creates and stirs up uncomfortable human emotions, these 2 are on a higher ground and will not be compromised. We will witness tonight, the very best in television.

[anon]

this is the stupidest thing i have ever read. right now that we have a black president we can "celebrate diversity" in two white men who are competing for a pop title now that all the women and people of color have been kicked off by american citizens. yes that truly is diversity in action.

you people are totally delusional- or worse have been waiting for this moment for your whole lives- where we can celebrate whiteness by evoking the name of a black president.

[kas]

Once again I am impressed by your insight that the other writers in the media seem to lack. I was wondering when someone would write an article about the boy's friendship. Just plain friendship. Last year the David's had a relationship but it was more big and little brother. This year its been evident that Adam's and Kris's has been growing if one was observent. There really seemed to be a very close bunch with a couple of exceptions ( whose names I won't mention). But Adam and Kris have continually shown a growing respect for each other. I am very glad to see someone in the media see this as I do think so many are trying to make it a good vs evil thing. I am so hoping that America has come so much farther than some who in the media would have us to believe. I am a 59 year old Grandmother of 6 who lives in Indiana, and while I will vote many times for Adam, can live with a Kris win, because Kris is showing me that he doesn't swallow that because you are different that me makes you wrong attitude. Ok I will get off my soap box now at just say thank you once again for your wonderful writing Ann Powers.

[Parody & Son]

ARE SIMON AND PAULA “BREAKING UP”?
Will tonight be one of the last times we see them together?
Let’s hope not. ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o

[Best article I have read]

Wonderful article that gets to the heart of this experience for all of us who have watched these two special guys demonstrate their artistry, creativity, and positive human spirit. I think when we all look back on this time, there will be many lessons that we can benefit from if we remain open.

[Luna]

Sophie's Choice-

One of the best comments I've ever read on an article! Three snaps!

[Annie]

All of you hyprocrites out there talking smack against Adam! You "good ol boys from Arkansas" - there are alot of people out there calling you redneck bigots so does this mean people shouldn't vote for Kris because he is a redneck bigot. Come on people, get back to what American Idol is about - A SINGING COMPETITION - and Adam is the best singer to ever have graced the AI stage. Stop the BS - stop the hyprocrisy - stop the bigotry! You have ruined this show for so many young people who need a good escape from the bad things of this world and all you have done is created more hate! Stop it now before our kids turn into mean hateful people like the bigoted people speaking against Adam!

[Diane]

No one seems to get that you can have your world view and your opinions (I will BET you that Kris Allen feels just like Prejean about gay marriage) and still LOVE your gay friends. And you can be adamantly anti-Prop 8 and still care about your Christian friends. Personal friendships make us more civil in the big picture.

[SS]

Personally, I don't get the My Chemical Romance comparisons. Adam sounds nothing like that band! Anyway, I love Adam and he deserves to win tonight! He is a great role model. He is a beautiful example of believing in yourself and making your dreams come true while staying true to yourself. What more could a parent ask for as a model for the children? I really admire Adam and I hope he wins!

[Soda]

KRIS ALLEN FANS: AN ADAM LOSS IS A KRIS ALLEN LOSS. THE BEST THING FOR KRIS'S CARRER IS AN ADAM WIN.

[Yeah me]

I am extremely proud to admit that I have never watched American Idol. Not once, since it's inception, have I wasted a minute of my life on this kind of crap.

[Rebecca]

If there was ever a year 2 people deserved to be called the American Idol - this is it. The 2 of them together make much more of a statement than either one could alone. Adam and Kris together embody what this country is about.