Having already made it so far, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, American Idol's very talented top two, are facing Tuesday's finale less as a competition -- and more as a chance for both to shine.
"I don't feel too much pressure right now," Allen, 23, told reporters outside the Nokia Theatre Monday. "We've made it. I feel like we've accomplished exactly what we wanted to accomplish, and we're going to go out there and have a good show. It's going to be a lot of fun."
(See the stars who are set to perform on Idol this week.)
While Lambert, a theater veteran from San Diego, and Allen, a subdued guitar strummer from Conway, Ark., are certainly (in personality and appearance) very different in many ways, both agree that they're the same in one.
"We both have a passion," Allen said. "We want to do this, we've wanted to do this for a long time."
Lambert agreed: "We're just very different types of artists, and at this point, it's not about out singing each other. It's not like a direct competition. It's about both of us staying really true to what we do."
On the eve of the finale, Lambert, a clear and early favorite, answered questions about his theater experience and whether it has been an advantage.
"This isn't theater, so I don't really see how it affects it at all," Lambert said. "I've had experience on stage performing, but so has Kris ... just in different venues. Kris has worked clubs and worked with a band ... The thing that's really cool about this competition is that it's an equal opportunity situation."
While some are speculating that Allen may have the upper hand now that Danny Gokey, a worship leader and music teacher, is gone and his votes -- particularly from Christian fans -- are up for grabs, Allen isn't counting on them.
"I hope that having the Christian vote does not help with anything," Allen said. "I hope it has to do with your talent and the performance that you give and the package that you have, and it's not about religion and all that kind of stuff."
Added Lambert: "We both have a hometown and a niche, but I would hope that vote based on what they like to hear. I don't think it has anything to do with your religious background, what color you are, your gender -- it doesn’t have anything to do with that -- it's about music. It's really important to keep that in mind."
But besides music, the season, like others before it, has had a sideshow on the Web with photos, rumors and more popping up. But it doesn't seem to have phased these two.
"Everybody knows everything now," Lambert said. "It's been cracked open. I don't know if there’s any more secrets."
Teased Allen: "I've talked about Adam's nail polish in the bathroom and stuff." -- Jed Dreben
Tell us: Who are you rooting for in the Idol finale? Who do you think will take the title?
Check out all our Idol coverage at PEOPLE.com/idol!F Micelotta/American Idol 2009/Getty
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