An Idol Tracker's journey ends

Forgive me for interrupting regularly scheduled Idol news with some personal business, but I have an announcement to make to Idol Tracker readers. Tuesday will be my last day with the L.A. Times and thus my stint as the L.A. Times' Idol Tracker comes to an end.

It has been an amazing three years covering the most important spectacle in the history of the world.  Three years ago, when we started the Show Tracker blog, I volunteered to write the occasional review of the occasional episode of "Idol," never imagining my life would disappear down the "Idol" rabbit hole.  But then I came face to face with the incredible stories of these young people, these warriors of song, who every year risked the worst fate any of us can imagine -- public humiliation before tens of millions -- all for a shot at their dreams.  I also got to meet the incredibly talented group of people who put the show together and on so many occasions was allowed to peek backstage at what goes into creating a goliath like "Idol."

So many memories from three years on the "Idol" beat.  Come with me now on a little stroll down Memory Boulevard, as we visit an Idol Tracker's greatest days, with a few of the pictures and videos I've snapped over the years.  Ah, yes, I remember it well ....

Phil Stacey blog: 2009's 'American Idol' winner is crowned

Kris Allen, the ultimate underdog, has made one of the biggest comebacks in television history!  After 620 million votes, 19 weeks, 100,000 auditions, an extra judge and a bikini girl, Kris Allen is your new American Idol.  The All-American, married boy next-door defeated the glammed-out, leather-clad rocker and is now the eighth champ in the "Idol" kingdom.  Although Adam was an early favorite with his huge vocals and in-your-face style and confidence, Kris Allen never gave up and came from obscurity in the early rounds to win it all.  I am shocked but think America made the right choice! 

Before the results were given, both Adam and Kris highlighted their polar-opposite stylings in perfect fashion.  Kris paired up with Keith Urban and gave us a radio-worthy version of "Kiss A Girl."   I think this performance is exactly why he is the American Idol.  Even with Keith Urban on the stage with him, the song sounded like it should be on his album. 

Adam gave us a bigger-than-life collaboration with Kiss, platform boots and space shoulder pads and all.  It was everything you want from Adam.

As one last gift to the "Idol" fans, both guys joined together for what we have been waiting for all season -- Adam singing with Queen, "We Are the Champions."  And surprisingly, Kris holding his own! 

As always, the three minutes it took to give us the results were crammed at the end of a two-hour celebrity binge of self-promotion, an opportunity I wouldn't pass up but is admittedly annoying.  Highlights included Kara DioGuardi showing up Bikini Girl in a vocal duel and then adding salt to the wounds by stripping down to a bikini as an inside joke/charity bet among the judges and Ryan.  The Top 13 had lots of face time with each Idol getting at least one feature spot -- something my season did not get.  Oh well.

Norman Gentle and Tatiana made encore appearances accepting their Golden Idols.  Weren't we to believe that they were supposedly legit contenders?  Well Norman Gentle's return did make me smile!

Tomorrow the real work begins for Kris and the rest of the crew.  They are joining the real world of the music industry and will start doing everything they can to parlay this amazing experience of "American Idol" into a huge life-long career.  But I hope each of them savors tonight as a very special moment in their lives.  I want to give my congratulations to Kris and all his fans.  He is a worthy Idol and I am truly excited for his CD.  Adam and his fans should also be very proud.  He is a superstar in his own right and we will be seeing lots from him. 

Thanks for sharing Idol with me this season and until next year, please keep in touch on Facebook, twitter and www.philstacey.com.  And don’t forget to check out my new album, "Into the Light" on Aug. 25.   Peace out and be blessed!

-- Phil Stacey

Phil Stacey blog: My pick is Kris Allen, but not to win

The gauntlet has been thrown down and tomorrow we will crown a new American idol.  Adam Lambert and Kris Allen both gave performances worthy of the title, but will America cast its votes with "guy next- door" Allen or "guy-liner" Lambert?  Who will get the fame, glory and the major-label record deal?

OK, enough joking around and drama manufacturing.  Honestly, both of these guys have had a great ride on "Idol," securing a spot in the music business.  It is now up to them what they do with it.

I know it is the unpopular opinion - and I will be SHOCKED if Adam doesn't win - but I pick Kris Allen as the better talent. Let me explain:

Every week, Adam comes out and does a fresh arrangement of a song, but it is an arrangement that has already been done. For example, his arrangement of "Ring of Fire" was taken from an artist named Dilana.

But every week, Kris brings a new arrangement that is all his to the table. He wrote it! And he comes out with a guitar, a piano or just by himself and nails it almost every time.

Adam may be the better singer, but Kris is the better artist. You may disagree - which is your prerogative - but that is my opinion.

I thought both of them performed at a finale caliber tonight. And I think Adam will win. But I will personally buy Kris' album the day it is released.

My last post for this season will be tomorrow night. I have deeply enjoyed our time together, and the e-mails you have sent.  I have a record coming out on Aug. 25 and if you would like to hear an album full of songs that go deeper than anything I could have done on my own... Check the record out. It's called "Into the Light."  Thanks and be blessed.

NOTE: Join us live today for our post-game chat at noon PT/3pm ET at latimes.com.  Then come back tonight and chat during the show with blogger Mark Lisanti at 8pm ET/5pm PT also at latimes.com/idoltracker.

-- Phil Stacey

Photo: Kris Allen. Credit: Fox

Phil Stacey blog: A shocking Top 2? Not really

Kris Allen has pulled off one of the biggest underdog triumphs in "American Idol" history by earning a spot in next week’s finale with Adam Lambert. It doesn't matter that Kris began this season in the background and without much fanfare; he built a huge fan base with his strong performances week after week, leading him straight to the finale.
 
Adam Lambert has been the favorite to take it all for sometime now. His unending range, originality and fearless execution has won him diehard support from all over America, with many believing he can’t be stopped.
 
But hold on. In a surprising announcement, Ryan Seacrest let us know that out of the 88 million votes cast Tuesday night, only 1 million votes separated Adam and Kris! I had started to believe that no one was going to touch Adam, but we may have a Cinderella story in the making. Adam is extremely popular, but he's also polarizing. Those who haven't jumped on the Adam bandwagon yet aren’t likely to get on it next week. Kris is the underdog that people want to see succeed, leading to newbie voters in the Allen camp. We may just have a remake of Season 2 -- Ruben vs. Clay -- on our hands. I think it may turn out to be a very close call with both men going on to very successful careers. 
 
I honestly wasn't surprised that Danny ran out of steam and didn’t make it into the finals. He had been a front-runner for so long but just couldn't overcome the vocal pounding that Adam gave week after week, not to mention the excitement of Kris the comeback kid. He should be very proud of his time on "American Idol." I have had people in the industry talk with me about wanting a chance to work with him. His future is bright.         
 
And in a completely off-topic shameless plug, be on the lookout for my new single, "You're Not Shaken," out to Christian radio later this month. It is from my new CD, "Into the Light," out Aug. 25.
 
So were you shocked that Kris made it into the finale? Do you think that next week will be close or does Adam have it locked up? No matter what happens, it should be exciting. Until next week -- be blessed!

NOTE: Join us Thursday for our post-elimination chat at a special time - 1pm PT/4pm ET at latimes.com/idoltracker

—Phil Stacey

Photo: Kris Allen performs.

Credit: Fox

Phil Stacey blog: The battle for the second finalist

Tonight, the guys fought it out for the final two spots in next week's finale. And they didn't hold anything back. We were shown three great artists giving amazing performances.

Adam Lambert was the strongest and most consistent man of the night. Unless Simon's fear is confirmed and America just happens to forget to vote (don't see that happening), Adam will be a finalist. For Round 1, Simon pulled some strings and Bono personally gave the OK for Adam to sing "One" by U2. Adam (with Simon's help!?!) rearranged the song and gave us an emotional rendition with killer vocals. Classic Adam. During Round 2, Adam flat out SANG — "Crying" by Aerosmith. Adam came into the competition understanding what it means to entertain, and he gave America what it wanted from him. I don't think anyone questions his rightful spot in the final.
 
Now on to the real competition — will Danny or will Kris survive tomorrow night? Both guys had decent first rounds, but each of their personal song choices could be included among the strongest performances of the season.
 
Danny was given Terence Trent D'Arby's "Dance Little Sister" by Paula, while Randy and Kara had high hopes for Kris and "Apologize" by OneRepublic. In retrospect, both Danny and Kris played it pretty safe during Round 1.  If I did have to give it to someone, it would have to go to Danny — the corny dancing tipped the scale.

Round 2 was the complete opposite. Danny gave us the perfect arrangement of the perfect song for his voice. Danny executed Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful" flawlessly. After he sang, I thought there was no way Kris could overcome his first round and Danny's amazing performance — but I was wrong. Kris, in true comeback fashion, surprised us by completely revamping Kanye West's "Heartless" into a laid-back, guitar-driven groove. He put all his chips in by standing center stage with only his guitar and voice, trying persuade America to vote on his behalf. It might have worked. 
 
Just like Ryan Seacrest, I have no idea how the results will turn out tomorrow. Danny has a strong following from the get-go and pulled out my personally favorite performance of the night with "You Are So Beautiful." Kris is the underdog and has been picking up new fans every week. He was creative and bold with an amazing arrangement of "Heartless." We shall find out tomorrow who is left standing!
 

On another note &mdasyh; happy 300th episode, "American Idol," and congratulations on the $140 million raised to date through "Idol Gives Back."  My proudest and most meaningful moment on "American Idol" was my role during the first "Idol Gives Back." Thanks to everyone who has given to these worthy causes.

NOTE: Please join us for our regular post-game chat Wednesday, noon PT/3pm ET.

RELATED:

Richard Rushfield: Last stand in the Idoldome

Ann Powers: The boys state their cases

Buzzmeter: Who will go home?

— Phil Stacey

Photo: Top - Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. Bottom: Carrie Underwood earlier this month visits orphanages and health centers near Luanda, Angola for "Idol Gives Back." Credit: Fox

Phil Stacey blog: Someone had to go

There are few people who are bigger fans than I am of Paula Abdul. She has such an amazing heart and I have always dug her tunes -- particularly "Rush Rush." And while everyone else spends the evening criticizing her lip-synching, I am going to congratulate her on the amazing energy she brought to the "Idol" stage. She can dance. No one can deny that.

I also enjoyed the Top 4's performance of "School's Out" featuring Slash on lead guitar. No Doubt also performed tonight and it reminded me of when Gwen Stefani mentored us on Season 6 of "Idol." She was a little strange tonight -- which is why we all love her so much. Meeting her in person, you just stand there in awe of her coolness. And it's nice to see her with the band again. 

But tonight was not about great performances. It was about elimination. My guess was that Allison had seen her final days on "American Idol" -- mainly because that's what Simon said and I always believe him. No one has a better understanding of America's pulse than Simon -- which is weird, since he's British.

After more than 64 million votes -- the most ever outside a finale -- the Top 3 were announced. Kris Allen? Safe. Adam Lambert? Safe.

Danny and Allison stood center stage. Everything was on the line. And finally the announcement was made. Danny? Safe.

Allison Iraheta was eliminated.  Allison, an unbelievable talent at 17 years old, was compared to singers like Janis Joplin and Kelly Clarkson all season. Much like Chris Daughtry when he was eliminated this same week of Season 5, she has a very bright future ahead of her.

RELATED:

ANN POWERS: What We Lost

RICHARD RUSHFIELD: Tween Girls J'accuse

NOTE: Please join us for our post-elimination chat where we will say goodbye to Allison, Thursday at noon PDT (3pm EDT) at latimes.com/idoltracker.

-- Phil Stacey

Top photo: Paula Abdul performs on "American Idol." Credit: Fox

Bottom photo: Allison Iraheta, eliminated tonight, was compared to Janis Joplin and Kelly Clarkson. Credit: Fox

Phil Stacey blog: Strong night of rock, but Adam rules

This week is the first time this season we will be surprised by an elimination.  I could easily see any of these four contestants in the finals. Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta are all incredibly talented singers and entertainers.  My guess is that Adam has this thing in the bag. But during Season 6, this was my first week as an eliminated contestant, and I thought Blake Lewis had the competition sealed. It seemed that way to all of us. But alas, the lovely and talented Jordin Sparks prevailed. And Danny, Kris and Allison are all capable of sweeping this thing away.

Tonight's mentor was Slash. Awesome. 

I'm not sure how much they paid Slash or if he just understood the power of 25 million people hearing about his new solo record. But it was weird seeing someone who represents the anti-establishment being so established.

Adam kicked the show off with Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Bar none, this was his absolute best performance of the season. This is the kind of record he should be making. He sounded like a rock star. Unbelievable. There was absolutely no way anyone was going to top that for the rest of the night. Or was there?

Allison rocked out Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby."  Kris grooved on the Beatles' "Come Together."  Danny stepped out on Aerosmith's "Dream On."  And, truth be told, Adam did put them all to shame. I'm assuming that if they were to have a praise-and-worship theme night, Kris and Danny would destroy the others. Haha. But on rock night, Adam reigned.

On to the duets. Kris and Danny sang "Renegade" by Styx. It was a little weird. Simon's critique was that Danny was better than Kris. Allison and Adam chose wisely with Foghat's "Slow Ride." The duets made it quite obvious who the rockers are in this competition. I appreciate that producer Ken Warwick is trying new things to spice up the whole "Idol" process. Compared with the fourth judge, the sing-off to get into the semi-finals, and having a Top 36 instead of a Top 24, I think the duet thing is my personal favorite change so far.  But I like that he's thinking outside of the box! It shows the fans that there is more in store for the future of "American Idol."

NOTE: Please join us Wednesday noon PT/3pm ET for our regular post-game chat at latimes.com/idoltracker

RELATED:

Richard Rushfield: Chaos in the Idoldome

Ann Powers: Rock Week Smiles on a Few

— Phil Stacey

Photo: Kris Allen and Danny Gokey perform a "weird" version of 'Renegade' by Styx.  Fox

Phil Stacey blog: Adam and the inevitable surprise

After a night packed full of exceptional performances, there was no question we would be in for a surprise. But the surprise came very early when Ryan divided four of the remaining five into two separate groups. He partnered Kris with Matt (which was obviously the bottom two since Matt has consistently been in the bottom group for several weeks now) and he partnered Danny with Allison. Then he asked Adam, who has been identified by many as the runaway front-runner, which group he thought he belonged in.

This is common practice. It happens every season, but usually during Top 7 week. Consistently, every contestant who has been asked to choose between the two groups is a front-runner. David Archuleta was asked last season and went on to be the runner-up. [Updated at 10:35 p.m.: An earlier version of this post said it had been David Cook asked to choose between the two groups.] Consistently, every contestant who is asked to choose refuses to do so and instead sits or stands between the two groups.

This trend was broken tonight when Adam looked at the two groups and said, "Based on last night's performances -- probably this one." And then he proceeded to join the obviously safe group of Allison and Danny. Hilariously, Ryan grabbed Adam's arm and refuted, "Actually, you belong over here," and put him in with Matt and Kris and announced this was in fact the bottom 3.  Adam was in the bottom three after confidently announcing himself as being in the top group.  Funny.

The episode tonight was highlighted by performances featuring Natalie Cole, Taylor Hicks and Jamie Foxx.  Somewhat anti-climatically, after more than 40 million votes were cast, Matt Giraud was the contestant sent packing.  Matt is a 23-year-old crooner from Kalamazoo, Mich.  His vocal styling has been compared to that of Justin Timberlake. He also is a gifted pianist.  Matt will be featured on a summer "American Idol" Live Tour. For details, visit www.americanidol.com.

Note: Please join us Thursday at noon PDT (or 3 p.m. EDT) for our post-elimination chat at latimes.com/idoltracker.

-- Phil Stacey

Photo: Tonight's ousted contestant Matt Giraud.

Credit: Fox

Phil Stacey blog: Double elimination is here

My guess is now that the judges' "save" has been used up, we are in for a surprise elimination tonight.  Seemingly, Matt, Lil and Anoop have all been on the brink of elimination for quite some time now, but it just feels like only one of them will go home tonight.
 
Many may remember I was eliminated on a double elimination much like tonight. The producers spared us all after the first "Idol Gives Back" episode. Had only one of us gone home, it is entirely possibly, if not unlikely, that Chris Richardson or myself could have stayed and made it into the Top 4 — or even further!  But the twist does make it interesting.
 
The group performance — while entertaining, was obviously lip-synched, which I am not sure was necessary.  I found it interesting that Adam was put in the middle of the group — but your eyes tend to follow the person on the stage with the most amount of energy — and that he does have.
 
Lil Rounds is the first elimination of the night. And, as I mentioned last night, she is now freed from the opinions of the three judges and she NAILED her performance of "I’m Every Woman." My advice to Lil is: Don't wait around for anything to come to you.  Be aggressive about your future.  No one out there cares about it as much as you do!  And you do have the goods.
 
Disco legends Freda Payne, Thelma Houston and KC from KC and the Sunshine Band showed up and performed their big hits from the disco era.
 
Anoop and Allison find themselves in the bottom two.  If my theory proves true, Allison Irahetta will be the surprise elimination, leaving only boys in the Top 5 of "American Idol" Season 8.
 
David Archuleta sings "Touch My Hand" from his debut album. 
 
And, finally, the announcement comes.  After millions of votes cast, Anoop Desai is chosen to go home. 
And so I was wrong.  Anoop reminds me a bit of myself.  He's talented and I believe that if he can clearly define for himself where he wants to go from here, he could make it happen.

NOTE: Join us for our post-elimination chat, Thursday, noon PT/3PM ET at latimes.com/idoltracker.

—Phil Stacey

Photos: Fox. Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Anoop Desai (top).  Lil Rounds, Kris Allen, and Danny Gokey (bottom).

Phil Stacey blog: 'Idol' does disco

I know I’m getting this blog out late tonight, but it was a very exciting evening for me.  Many of you know that I have a record coming out this summer, and I was able to debut more than half the songs to a large group of industry leaders. It was amazing, but, unfortunately, the event kept me from watching "Idol" until about 11 p.m. (EST).  The event was part of GMA (Gospel Music Assn.) Week, which will end  Thursday with a live broadcast of the Dove Awards on the Gospel Music Channel. I will be performing during the opening and closing numbers — and there are several Idol alumni nominations, so tune in at 8 p.m. Thursday (EST) on the Gospel Music Channel.

I enjoyed this evening's disco-themed performances a great deal. Being the biased person I am, I’m always rooting for Danny Gokey, who I feel consistently brings the goods.  His performance tonight was fantastic, and I love the song “September.”  I don’t think he is in any danger this week.

Adam Lambert was great tonight. I agreed with Randy when he said Adam is ready right now to be making records.  There is no question at all that he will be in the finals.

I think a Danny/Adam finale would be great, but Kris Allen proves every time he performs that he is capable of bringing good quality music to the competition — as does Allison Irahetta.  Even now I can’t guess who will end up being there.

At this point, I would be surprised to see Lil, Matt or Anoop in the finale.  In reality, they are all incredibly talented.  But it seems that each of them are being a bit weighed down by the criticism the judges have given them over the course of the competition.  I think that if any of them found a way to free themselves from trying to cater to the judges — he or she could join the others in the running.  But I am sure we will see at least one of these three going home.

Who do you think will join Adam in the finals?

NOTE: Please join us for our regular post-game chat Wednesday noon PT, 3 pm ET at latimes.com/idoltracker.

The Rushfield Review: Singers and Stars

Ann Powers: What was missing from Disco Night?  Disco

—Phil Stacey

Photo: Kris Allen performs.

Credit: Fox