‘American Idol’ Recap: Kree Harrison, Candice Glover Battle For The Title [Watch]

Kree Harrison and Candice Glover were the two remaining contestants on last night’s American Idol finale – the first all-female finale since 2004. As host Ryan Seacrest dubbed it, it was a battle between country and soul.

The show consisted of three rounds, during which each singer took on a song chosen by show creator Simon Fuller, their potential “winning song,” and a tune they performed earlier in the season.

For the first round, Harrison gave a countrified performance of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” while Glover sang “Chasing Pavement’s,” Adele’s first massive hit. Although both singers gave able performances, the song choices made it difficult for them to energize the audience. Judge Randy Jackson found that both of the numbers set a somewhat lethargic tone.

The potential “winning songs” were next. The would-be winner’s performance will hit the radio shortly after their victory is announced. Philip Phillips’ “Home” was one such song. For Harrison, that potential first radio hit was “All Cried Out.” It seemed slightly out of range for Harrison, and despite its catchy chorus just didn’t seem to do her enough justice. Glover’s song “I Am Beautiful” also seemed a bit out of range, but it was easy to believe she could have a hit with it.

The final round brought the show to a close with a bang, with both Idol-hopefuls performing their favorite songs of the season. Harrison sang “Up to the Mountain,” a song she sang at the Hollywood round of the competition that launched her into serious consideration for the title. Glover revisited “I (Who Have Nothing)” by Tom Jones and did the unfathomable by one-upping her previous rendition of the song, accompanied only by a single timpani.

American Idol returns tonight on Fox at 8/7c to crown the winner of season 11.

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