Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Carrie Underwood will perform on American Idol this week, and that’s probably fitting.

After all, season four, when country gal Carrie took the Idol crown over southern rocker Bo Bice was probably the last time the season finale featured such different contestants.

Consider:

Kris Allen prepared for his Idol experience by singing and playing guitar as a worship leader, a role that took him on mission trips to a number of countries. Adam Lambert spent more than two years as a cast member with “Wicked.”

Kris once ventured into the Idol mosh pit, but seems most comfortable when he’s standing center stage and playing his acoustic guitar during a performance. Adam, on the other hand, prances and dances and displays a stage presence seldom seen on Idol. Even his slower numbers — like “Mad World” — carry a theatrical air.

Kris once dressed in a suit to perform. That was during Rat Pack week. Otherwise, the simpler the better seems to be his motto when it comes to fashion. Jeans are the norm. As for Adam, try black fingernail polish, eyeliner, chains and leather when he’s playing the rocker. But he’s also been known to show up on stage in an all-white suit with his hair slicked back.

Kris Allen was virtually invisible on this year’s show until performing in the semifinals, then establishing himself as a dark horse in the competition with a string of strong performances when the finals started. Adam has been a frontrunner in the competition since his audition in San Francisco and certainly since his performance of “(Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in round two of the semifinals.

Heck, the contrast even stretches to their hometowns. Kris lives in Conway, Ark., where he attended the University of Central Arkansas. Adam hails from San Diego and spent years performing in Los Angeles.

Could the two be more different?

They do have this in common. Both have created some magical moments in season eight.

Adam has done it on an almost weekly basis. “Ring of Fire” on country week might have been his only misstep since the finals began.

Kris has done it less frequently. But he saved one of his best performances for last week. To appreciate his artistry, listen to Kanye West’s hit version of “Heartless.” Then listen to Kris’ drastically different acoustic version.

So who should win Wednesday night?

My pick is Adam. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I think the guy has put together one of the best seasons ever from an Idol finalist. None of the other finalists this season can come close to matching his vocal range.

But remember what Ryan said last week. Less than 1 million votes separated Kris and Adam. And that was with Danny Gokey in the competition.

With Danny gone, where will his votes go? Logic dictates Kris will get the lion’s share.

Which means two of the most different Idol finalists ever might square off in one of the closest finales ever?

Hey, it would be a fitting end to season eight.

Coming Tuesday at 8 p.m.: Live blogging during the show, with song-by-song grades.