It began last summer with over 100,000 contestants and in tonight's American Idol Season 8 finale it's down to two, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. American Idol producers could not have scripted a better final's match-up. Lambert, the oddsmakers favorite, with flamboyant looks and rock-star talent going against Allen, a church-going 23 year old Arkansas boy with a killer smile and enough talent to keep him on stage for years.
So who will win? Online oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have installed Adam Lambert as a heavy favorite at -350 moneyline odds format. In comparison, odds on underdog Kris Allen's winning are +250.
How do these odds work? At -350 odds, it would require a $350 wager to win $100 if Lambert won American Idol. At +250 odds, a $100 bet would net Allen backers a $250 payday.
Keep in mind, these odds do not guarantee a winner, they merely indicate how oddsmakers expect the public to wager.
It's hard to predict how the public will vote between Lambert and Allen but one thing we can guarantee. Folks in the bible belt will surely go for Allen while more liberal minded fans will probably vote for Lambert. It's the millions of people in the middle where uncertainty lies.
"It's a tough call," said Sports-Odds.com entertainment handicapper Reno Gold. "While Adam has talent to burn, 'no doub't about that,' this Allen kid just keeps hanging around and getting better week after week. It's like the classic story of the 'Turtle and the Hare'. Where early on it appears the Hare will win the race but slacks off and allows the slower turtle to cross the finish line first."
Gold wrapped up his comments with this prediction. " I see an upset brewing. Of course they need to perform well too. A hic-up by either contestant could spell doom."
