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Kris Allen wins ‘American Idol’
At the end of a star-studded finale, and after nearly 100 million votes were cast, 23-year-old Kris Allen was named “American Idol” Season 8 champion over rival Adam Lambert. The singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas — noted for accompanying himself on guitar or piano and twisting the arrangements of popular songs — bested his rival, 27-year-old actor and singer Lambert.
“Idol” makers seemed to be pushing for Lambert: two weeks ago, Simon Cowell all but told America to vote for him and, during Tuesday’s performance show, Lambert received the lion’s share of the judges’ praise. But America was not ready to crown such an unusual contestant who favored the outrageous and theatrical over Allen’s more mainstream style and homey charm.
The finale was much more elaborate than in recent years, featuring performances from the sublime to the ridiculous: The last female contestant to leave the show, Allison Iraheta, sang a beautiful duet of “Time After Time” with Cyndi Lauper, while Lambert glammed up the stage with KISS. Allen and Lambert (whose vocal stylings have been unwisely compared to Freddie Mercury’s) delivered a spirited rendition of “We Are The Champions” with the surviving members of Mercury’s band, Queen (perhaps Lambert has found his post-Idol gig).
Allen seemed genuinely surprised and gracious, telling host Ryan Seacrest, “I don’t even know what to say right now; I’m not even here,” and claiming that Lambert deserved to win. And in the end, American was forced to endure one final rendition of “No Boundaries,” the awful coronation power ballad co-written by new “Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi. Even seeing DioGuardi almost strip down to a bikini for charity mid-show did not excuse that.
Comments
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By rjp
May 21, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
CONGRATUALTIONS Kris! You desevered it! I think all who made it to the top 13 definately have great careers ahead of them. Music is made up of many different styles, and the contrasts were very visible throughout this season. Enough of these speculations as to why Kris ended up winning....Chris won because of his fans of AI. Kris and Adam both won. They have class. They are incredibly talented. Both true to themselves. They both love what they are doing. What's not to like? The top 13 contestants had the opportunity to perform with legends.
Americans won tonight. Can't wait to hear Kris' and Adam's music!
This was a well-deserved win for Kris.
By Dawn Meredith
May 21, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this
Adam was hands down the better singer, but Chris got the lionshare of Danny's votes, so his win was predictable to me. There was a ton of talent this year. I think we will hear a lot more from many of them: Alison, Danny, Lil
and I agree Adam is one of the very few I have ever heard who CAN cover Freddy Mercury. He was my pick to win from the start. As for the judges: they recognize TALENT.
By Jane
May 21, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this
Perfect choice. Kris is the total package. Adam has a great voice, but there's something unsettling about his demeanor, his performance, and his scream....... eery.
By ish
May 21, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
i am glad chris won, i was hopping allison was in it longer, but after she was booted off i knew kris had to step up his game, and he did. Adam sucks! he sounds like the lead singer of gun's and roses, he looks like a drag queen half the time and his voice is very 80's hair band. kris is more marketable, he will have no problems making it big. Adam will be big to im sure, if Gun's and roses need a new lead singer.
By leo
May 21, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
Well can you say Rubin Studdard or Soul Patrol? Allen is not as talented as many of the guys and girls that were voted off. The whole American Idol vote early and often concept of picking talent is flawed to say the least. Adam Lambert will be a BIG, BIG, talent in years to come when most won't remember the cutey pie from Arkansas. I hope Adam loosing unleashes him from the grasp of Simon and Co. and that he gets much better deals than they offer the "winners."
By KrisAllen
May 21, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
Are you serious, people still watch this crap!!!
By jeff
May 21, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this
Why was either of them singing the new Milie Sirus song??
Mountains high and I'll keep pushing - harder - deeper -
What the heck is that about???
By eResumes4Vips
May 21, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
I'd love to have been crowned, "2009 American Idol Runner-Up!" After all, Can you say, 'Clay Aiken?'
By Matt Linder
May 21, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
I'm glad I didn't watch this crap this year. I would have gotten to choose between Shorty McCornball or Eyeliner Jones.
Let this be a lesson to all you wanna bes out there- black finger nails and eyeliner on a guy is a sure recipe for failure.
By Stephen
May 21, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
I personally liked Kris' low key demeanor and music but I think if Adam has his head on straight and stays focused will have the more successful career. I think it is a big if because I think this guy has other "issues" he wants to push.
By Jack
May 21, 2009 11:18 AM | Link to this
Way to go Kris. You will now be popular for a couple months until the teenage girls who voted for you find a new victim to chew up spit out of there pop culture media focused, superficial mouths. America is stuck in rut here of unispirational, passionless art. This is glamorized and fully embraced by the major record labels as well most media outlets today looking to make a quick buck at the expense of mediocre artists that have no longevity to there carreer.
By Roz
May 21, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Adam is the better performer but hands down Chris will sell more records. His voice is perfect for cross over pop where adam is more of a Queensrych type theatrical rock singer, not so much pop. He just doesnt have the safe, soothing pop voice. Chris totally deserved it and Adam will be fine, he will be rich and famous and everyone will be happy.
My favorite part of last night was Kara DioGuardi coming out during bikini girls performace and totally whiping the stage with her. classic!
By your mama
May 21, 2009 9:41 AM | Link to this
"YEAH" ITS OVER:)
By Georgie
May 21, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
I agree with bevogal. It is sad that AI was afraid to let Adam win. I know he will be a huge success and we will remember him long after Kris Allen has been forgotten.
By ****
May 21, 2009 9:21 AM | Link to this
Anita - they all have to pay a percentage to Idol, or actually Simon Cowell's record company. I think all those that make it on the show (top 24?) are under contract with Simon.
By Reality Show Despiser
May 21, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
I'm glad Idol fans are disappointed. I'm glad "bevogal" and others have said they are no longer a fan. Maybe this will be the beginning of the end of "reality" TV. Bring back the actors that have trained to entertain us.. these shows are so stupid and nowhere near reality.
By Linda
May 21, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
Adam should have won. He was the better singer! When Adam and Kris sang together - it was obvious who was the better of the two. However Adam will go on to have a great career. He can sing anything! Kris not so sure about his future.
By Vegan
May 21, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
America got it right and didn't fall into the judges' trap. Kris is much more marketable and radio friendly. In case anyone hasn't noticed Glam Rock went out a long time ago. Simon was wrong last year and again this year. My faith in the voters is restored. I am so glad Kris one.
By RonB
May 21, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this
And in other entertainment news, real musical talent is still toiling away in clubs hoping for their big break.
By ho-hum
May 21, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
All that counts is how many screaming teeny-bopper girls can spend 2 hours texting and phoning to vote for the cutest face. Talent is a way-behind second factor.
By Anita
May 21, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
Adam deserved to win. In my book he is the winner. He will make it bigger than Cris and at least he won't have to pay a percentage to Idol... Cris Is a great singer but I have been an Adam fan from tha start. I LOVE YOU ADAM!
By Tutu
May 21, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
I am devastated. As all the judges proclaimed, Adam is a rock god. Chris will go the way of that gray haired guy from a couple of years ago.
By leni
May 21, 2009 6:53 AM | Link to this
Adam Lambert was robbed. His vocal talent was so obviously superior to Kris Allens', who seems like a nice guy, but vocally belongs in a piano bar somewhere in the midwest. Billybob, (figures that would be your name....yeeeehaaaa, get the moonshine out Ellie may), this was a SINGING contest, not an expose on the contestants private lives!
By gdub
May 21, 2009 12:12 AM | Link to this
I thought the bikini bit was more shockingly bad than that song — and that's saying a LOT...
By billybob
May 20, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this
The judges went for the pompous, swishy screamer, but the voters wisely did not. I have to admit after seeing Adam's YouTube guy-kissing pictures, however, that he and Kiss have at least one thing in common - extraordinary tongues!
By bevogal
May 20, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
"homey charm"? more like corny facial expressions and wimpy voice. AI lost me as a fan forever.