American Idol Finalists Face the Media

They may be going face-to-face on the American Idol finale stage tonight, but Adam Lambert and Kris Allen teamed up to tackle the media this week.

The two finalists took on a barrage of questions from reporters during a press conference yesterday. Here are a few excerpts of how it went...

Kris, on receiving help from his Christian background: "I hope that having the Christian vote does not help with anything. I hope it has to do with the talent and the performance that you give. It's not about religion and all that kind of stuff."

Adam, on pre-show rituals: "Just get some sleep, which has been tough. We both are used to a lot lower pressure situations…a little bit. I think we're both really excited."

Adam, on his professional, pre-Idol experience: "I've worked in theater. We both have experience. I think the thing that is really cool about this competition is that it's an equal opportunity situation. It doesn't matter. The only rule that is set up is that you cannot be in a recording contract. And, American Idol has played by those rules and so have we."

Kris, on Adam's professional, pre-Idol experience: "He's done the theater thing…and, me, I've had as much experience as he has, just not in Wicked."

Adam, on relationship with Kris: "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."

Kris, on relationship with Adam: "For me, I'm not going to go out there and out-sing Adam. We are two totally different artists. I do my thing and he does his thing. And, it's whoever America votes for."