TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE: "AMERICAN IDOL," 7 P.M., FOX

Here's the final showdown, pitting opposites.

Adam Lambert has a hugely theatrical style, transforming into new versions of Elvis or Bowie or Jagger or beyond. He also soars seamlessly into the higher octaves.
Kris Allen is a quiet Arkansas kid with a shy smile and flawless way with ballads. Tonight, they get their last chance to impress viewers; on Wednesday, we'll learn who is the next champion.

TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE (EVEN MORE): "GLEE" DEBUT, 8 P.M., FOX

Here is a wonderful hour that has it all -- humor, hope, cynicism and perversity ... plus dandy, upbeat music.
A wide-eyed teacher (Matthew Morrison) has a shallow wife and silly colleagues, one of whom is gaga for him. Now he's taken over a hapless glee club, one that's no match for the powerhouse show-choirs at other schools.
All of this is done with the full cynicism of writer-director Ryan Murphy. His other show ("Nip/Tuck") has despicable characters, not worth caring about; this one ripples with optimism (some of it misplaced) and music. Morrison and Lea Michele (who plays his top singer) are Broadway stars; "Glee" makes great listening.
The show won't be back until fall, but you'll remember big chunks of it -- especially a cheery, chirpy rendition of Amy Winehouse's angry "Rehab." That's the sly Murphy touch.