Spoilers! Click on the jump...
By Paige Wiser, TV Critic
pwiser@suntimes.com
Kris Allen!
It was the biggest upset since... Well, since Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken in season two. Or since David Cook beat David Archuleta in season seven.
In the duel between the acoustic god and the rock god, the dreamy Kris Allen was crowned American Idol. In his plaid shirts and shy smile, Kris is the boy next door (especially if you live in Arkansas).
David slayed Goliath - Goliath being front-runner Adam Lambert in platform Kiss boots and barbed-wire puffed sleeves. And what did we learn from all this?
That the Teen Beat vote is not to be ignored.
Was it Kris's beautiful rendition of Kanye West's "Heartless" that turned the tide? Simon's calculating, well-timed criticism? Is the country just not ready for guyliner?
We certainly couldn't ask for a more wholesome Idol. Kris, 23, is married to an adorable blonde, is Christian, and is one of the humblest people to amble up on stage.
As Ryan Seacrest and some sort of Golden Globe Girl tried to thrust the trophy upon him, Kris looked truly conflicted. "I don't know what to feel right now," he said. "This is crazy."
Nearly 100 million votes came in - an all-time high, totaling 624 million for the season. Ryan didn't reveal how close the competition was, but he did say that Adam and Kris were within 1 million votes of each other last night.
Why did Kris win?
1. He's the Shawn Johnson of "American Idol": sweet, sexually unthreatening, and undeniably talented.
2. Because he showed the most growth on his "journey" to the finals. Kris, a bit raw and scruffy at his audition, is now polished enough to sing along with Carlos Santana.
3. Because he got all of Danny Gokey's votes. They transferred all their affections to Kris. In fact, Danny's pastor put out the word, tweeting, "Everyone who voted for @dannygokey should vote for Kris Allen! We need a believer to represent! Kris is an awesome young man."
4. Because he got the ant-Katy Perry vote. (Wearing Adam Lambert's name on her Elvis cape was just not fair.)
5. Because he was the underdog. An extremely attractive underdog who could easily segue into guest spots on "One Tree Hill."
6. Because he's musically versatile. Kris may not be able to front a glam rock band, but he can do just about everything else.
7. Because Adam's screechingly high notes - while impressive - could lead to chronic migraine headaches for his fans.
The finale was a happy ending all-around, since Adam is sure to rocket to superstardom (and possibly a line of acid-washed jeans). The opening number said it all for Adam: "So what? I'm still a rock star. I've got my rock moves, and I don't need you . . . "
I am pissed I love Adam he has the most AMAZING voice I've ever heard, My heart melts every time I hear his voice. See people are just blah!!! and gerrrr! This makes me mad that people just don't like him because he's gay... See I fricken love him!!
Well all my anger is gone now...
Kris is amazing! I personally think he is more "American Idol" than Adam. Beautiful voice, humble, and great Christian man.
Aaaaaaah! I'm so glad that Kris won :D:D
Adam is great too, but he's kinda sissy and he's gay! gosh.
Kris is so handsome and creative.
his rendition of 'Heartless' is awesome!!
im really happy to hear the news. it totally made my day! :)
im happy for kris as well :D
but i think adam will go far.
afterall, its usually the runner up who goes mainstream.
think david archie. :)
but i still love kris more than adam! haha.
KRIS ALLEN FOREVER! ♥♥♥
Adam is the GRRRREATEST!!! What a star and so gracious as the runner-up to Kris for winning the Idol.
Kris may be the Idol but ADAM IS "THE CHAMPION"! Adam, you rock. Please, come to Edmonton, Canada when you're on tour.
Adam's reaction should be an example to us all - with a big smile on his face "It felt so good. I got to sing with Queen and with Kiss. I mean, first or second it doesn't matter to me I got to sing with two great heroic rock bands." I bet Queen makes him an offer as they need a singer. What a fabulous human being. I love him even more.
The Number one reason Adam lost is that he is gay! I am sure the top reason the above mentioned pastor pushed for Kris is to keep a gay American Idol from winning. I can imagine all the "Christian" households in American chain calling and asking their 80 year old grandmothers who have never heard of American Idol to help too. I say this as both a gay male and as Christian. I will never check this again so to all the people who may try and comment on what I wrote, truley as yourself would Jesus approve of prejudice. Prejudice is hate and hate is sin, a sin no different than being gay! Think about that!
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 8 IS OVER!!
But the saga of Simon and Paula lives on…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o
AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 8 IS OVER!!
But the saga of Simon and Paula lives on…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7Opl3TCK0o
Kris blows. This guys bias too. Any1 that can play wit kiss can b a real American idol. Carlos santana for kris? U joking? And dvid cook is better than archileta but he didnt get the pretty boy vote.
kris won end of story!!! adam was annoying and loud for no reason. got sick of hearing the same crap from him everyweek. Kris deserved it as much as adam did. but Kris won Congrats... u rocked!!
I just watched American Idol in my country, guess what? America just proved that Evangelistic Christians/middle America rather let a great talent loose because of his sexual orientation! Sorry, the world is flabbergasted with America’s decision, again. This time the joke is on you, America!
I just watched American Idol in my country, guess what? America just proved that Evangelistic Christians/middle America rather let a great talent loose because of his sexual orientation! Sorry, the world is flabbergasted with America’s decision, again. This time the joke is on you, America!
Hurray for the bigoted idiots
It is nice to see a good guy win. Adam could only sing one way he had no ability to change. I may start watching again I have gained some faith in the show.
I am sorry but this result was wrong in so many ways. i like kris but adam was and is the clearly superior performer. i am sick of reading this "nice guy" and "the underdog" won-that only works if the underdog has at least the same talent as the frontrunner. i agree with chris j-this was a bible belt, christian vote where a gay guy does not stand a chance even if he's tremendously talented.
Well as usual America says I don't have to vote Adam will win anyway so my vote want make a difference....guess again.
I'm gay out & proud & I didn't vote for Adams. I think Kris has the versatility & talent that Adam lacks. His sexuality has nothing to do with it!
"An extremely attractive underdog" - are you serious? Cute, I will give you that -- but "An extremely attractive underdog," more like a pocket-sized manboy...
Chris J:
Please DO NOT use the gay card. I get so sick of that garbage.
First of all, America roots for the underdog, not the seemingly perfect.
Secondly, the judges pushed Adam so much, and it made America assume Kris wouldn't have a chance.
Also, Adam was WAY over the top.
And I'll tell you something else. As a gay man, I am sick to death of other gay poeple using that excuse. No wonder we have no rights. We need to start putting aside petty things and moving ahead instead of going backawards, and assuming everything has an angle and everyone hates someone because they're gay.
Be better than that. Have more class and pride in yourself, Chris J. and all the gay people everywhere. We're no different than anyone else. When we start believing that, the rest of the world will, too.
Only more proof that American Idol has zero to do with talent. It's about with whom they'll feel comfortable in their pew. Adam Lambert will go on to a seriously major career. Kris Allen will have a fantastic career in Christian music.
My prediction? Once Kris' Idol album comes out, he moves into Christian music.
Surprised that Adam lost. I thought he was creative and talented. Kris won, in part, because of his charming smile and good looks. Perhaps America is tired of bad news, and just needs the comfort of a warm smile. Didn't have the courage to select Adam.
I'm disappointed - Adam (Elvis) should have won the title.
I'm disappointed - Adam (Elvis) should have won the title.
Nice...Shouldn't it be most humble, not "humblest?"
Sounds like a lot of ducking and weaving to avoid the real issue that you can't quite bring yourself to mention for some reason. "Sexually unthreatening"? Please. Adam lost because he is obviously gay and a large number of people in this country are bigoted idiots. Thats it.