Top 2 finalist Kree Harrison performs Patty Griffin's "Up to...

Top 2 finalist Kree Harrison performs Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain" on night one of the season 12 two-part finale on "American Idol." (May 15, 2013) Credit: Fox

Who fought harder to win the final battle on "American Idol" Wednesday night – Kree Harrison or Candice Glover? From a fashion standpoint, it was decidedly Harrison, who as Randy Jackson would say, was, “in it to win it.” Harrison amped up her wardrobe big time turning out in a series of confections that said, “I am your idol, hear me roar.”

First up, a nude, lingerie-like evening gown with spaghetti straps that featured a corset top and sparkling seams. She replaced her weekly black leggings with a flowy black, silk jumpsuit topped by a white trapeze tux jacket with taupe lapels for her second selection. And she went pure diva for her finale rendition of “Up to the Mountain” in a fiery red evening gown with a wrapped bodice that boasted high slits all around. She looked regal and gorgeous in it, and Mariah Carey noted, “You look beautiful. Lady in red.”

If there was a critique of how she looked, and to be honest, she looked great across the boards, it was that her style selections were at odds with the country artist she hopes to be – where was at least one pair of jeans and cowboy boots? Is it possible that she went too fancy, refined and sophisticated?

On the other hand, Glover didn’t change it up much. While she stayed true, mostly, to the simple style choices she has gone for all season, we weren’t feeling the effort on this all-important show. She sure looked pretty in a scarlet top – a crystal embellished V-neck worn over signature black pants for her performance of “Chasing Pavements.” But for her own single, “I Am Beautiful,” well she could have done much better. The proportions were way off in her all-black outfit – a quilted leather jacket over a sparkle-laden camisole, and tight, ill-fitting pants with rips (!) that did not flatter. Her final look, a sequin-laden short sheath, prompted Nicki Minaj to say, “Are we seeing your legs tonight for the first time? Did your legs make a debut on 'American Idol'?” It was just OK.

But, note, we’re not talking about talent. We’re talking fashion. Do the clothes make the "Idol"? That remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
 

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