In the usual tradition, the Top 2 finalists will sing three songs each, only one of the songs will be chosen by Simon Fuller instead of music mogul Clive Davis. The actual formula for Tuesday's performance set list includes one song chosen by Fuller, a reprise of an earlier performance picked by Adam and Kris, and the coronation song as written by Kara. Although things have been switched up in the finales over the course of the series' lifespan, both finalists will perform the same coronation song this time around, as they did in Seasons 1, 3, 4 and 6.
Since Adam and Kris have even less control over what they will be singing, their personal reprisal choices will be all the more important. They will have to be strategic in what they choose, and even if they feel their best showings were on certain songs, they might have to resist giving them another go and take on a song that was not as great instead. That leaves me with the following suggestions for both the personal and Fuller picks:
Adam Lambert: "Mad World" (reprise), "Don't Stop Believin'" (Fuller)
Adam has a ton of options for his reprise on Tuesday. Too many options. In fact, if he goes with something like "Ring of Fire" or "Born to Be Wild," that could be the downfall of his chances. Therefore, he has to pick something on the slow side, preferably not "Tracks of My Tears." "Mad World," which closed the Top 8 show, would be a great decision because it was one of his stronger moments and would not sound out of place amid the rest of the night's performances like "Tears" or "If I Can't Have You" would.
As for Fuller's song choice, everyone is predicting and hoping for something by Queen. That would be predictable, over the top, yet it could work. But for an up-tempo selection, Adam would easily be able to rock out Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and make it sound theatrical without it being as predictable. It's true that the song was used in a group performance during Top 9 week, but it would sound much different coming just from Adam. Plus, it would be an automatic crowd-pleaser and the the Nokia Theatre would be on its feet for the whole performance.
If these two well-balanced songs are on Adam's set list come Tuesday, the cheesy coronation tune would bot be nearly as disappointing as it should sound. Unless, of course, she pulls off a miracle and doesn't offer up something like Paris Hilton's "Screwed."
Kris Allen: "Ain't No Sunshine" (reprise), "The Remedy" (Fuller)
For a revisit to one of his highlights, Kris would best be served by avoiding "Heartless," which he nailed last week (see Diana DeGarmo's "Don't Cry Out Loud"), and "Falling Slowly," which people were reminded of when they saw him sing it twice while back home in Arkansas for his hometown visit. This leaves him with a few good options, but "Ain't No Sunshine" is best because it's been weeks since viewers heard him perform it and at the time it was considered his best showing.
For Fuller's pick, he should go with something relatively current and fits with the style that would be a perfect match for him. Therefore, since everyone usually compares Kris' style to that of Jason Mraz, a song from his catalog would be ideal. Now, "I'm Yours" would be a logical choice, but it's too current and Kris has performed too many current songs of late. "You and I Both" is another good pick, but I think "The Remedy" would be the song. It's easily recognizable, catchy, and allows for one's vocal range to be shown off.
This might not be the most exciting finale, but there's definitely enough potential for the results to be close if the show is solid. These song choices would be a surefire way to liven things up and present as level a playing field as possible.
