Lambert's Pipes Vs. Music Legends

San Diego’s own ‘American Idol’ is about to take on the big boys (and girls) as he faces off against fellow finalist Kris Allen -- and opens for some real class acts.

Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cyndi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas and Keith Urban are among the artists scheduled to perform on Wednesday's finale before either Lambert or Allen is crowned the eight season champion.

Previous "Idol" winners David Cook and Carrie Underwood will also croon on the two-night finale. Underwood will perform on Tuesday's episode, which will feature Lambert, a 27-year-old theater actor from San Diego, and Allen, a 23-year-old college student from Conway, Ark., duking it out for a record contract and the title of "American Idol."

"American Idol" judge Simon Cowell said he thinks Adam Lambert will win this season of the popular singing competition show. Cowell told Oprah Winfrey on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that his money is on Lambert because the contestant is fearless, unique and "he's got swagger."

Adam Lambert's old high school put on a show May 8 for the "American Idol" finalist, with cheerleaders, a marching band and thousands of fans and students celebrating their hometown music hero.

In return, Lambert, 27, offered the crowd at Mt. Carmel High School two songs and a few words of appreciation.

"This is so weird," he said, thanking the crowd from a makeshift stage on the packed stadium's field. He advised students to "believe in yourself" no matter what others may say.

His entrance — in a cherry-red convertible — was heralded by the screams of cheerleaders. The marching band played as Lambert slowly cruised the stadium track, drawing shouts from the bleachers.

Lambert's renditions of Michael Jackson's "Black or White" and "Mad World" won applause despite a tinny sound system.

A woman wearing a sports bra but sans blouse rushed the stage to get closer to Lambert and was quickly hustled off. When Mayor Jerry Sanders stepped up to declare Friday "Adam Lambert Day" in San Diego, he jokingly vowed to keep his shirt on.

The stadium was draped with banners reading, "Mt. Carmel (Hearts) Adam!" and, "You're Our American Idol." A poster toted by a fan proclaimed, "Adam, You're a Rock God" — echoing show judge Kara DioGuardi's assessment of Lambert, who has performed in musical theater. He's been a consistent favorite with the "Idol" judges.