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American Idol: Who saw this one coming?
American Idol finally comes to a close. Well, after about 2 hours of pre-game festivities, that is. Kind of reminds you of the Super Bowl but without the great commercials.
Will it be Adam Lambert or Kris Allen? Our polls said you wanted Kris to win but thought Adam would.
The opening gives us introductions of the judges with clips of their humorous (and oft-times annoying) phrasing through the season. A little embarrassment for the judges makes all of us smile.
Next up, the top 13 do a group sing. Good to see everyone back on the stage. I think I had forgotten about a couple of them. I hate group sings.
The first of the duets features Lil Rounds and Queen Latifah. This reminds me of why I think Lil could make something happen still, if she does the right music.
Jason Mraz joins the Idols for “I’m Yours” and leaves me thinking how hard it is to do his music live.
We get back to the final two for a second with a montage that looks back at Kris’ journey to the last two, and then he sings with Keith Urban. I really liked Kris on this one, and it’s why I think he can be a pop success.
Next up, a little Fergie and then the Black Eyed Peas, who know how to put on a good show. Who else noticed the Peas were censored?
I wasn’t even going to mention Bikini Girl getting some air time, and getting more air in her, ahem, lungs, but Kara DioGuardi made the whole skit an absolute riot. Let’s cut Kara some slack for the winner’s song after she put herself out there in the finale.
I absolutely love Allison Iraheta and Cindy Lauper’s duet of “Time After Time” and would buy it on iTunes. Allison will be heard from in the future.
Oh, a look at what could have been. Danny Gokey does a nice version of a Lionel Ritchie classic, then gets to sing a couple numbers with Lionel himself. Danny should be able to make a go of it as an artist.
Hey, less than an hour left before the results. Wake the kids and call the neighbors.
Idol recaps Adam’s journey to the finale, and then he takes the stage with Kiss, the ultimate old-school rockers, the ones who made it big when I was in fourth grade. You do the math, but that makes it old-school rock.
Group sing with Santana. Have I mentioned lately how I hate group sings? Santana, though, is always cool.
Blah, blah, blah. Rod Stewart. Blah, blah, blah. (I just did that to make my wife mad at me.)
Tatiana gets her cameo, and we all are reminded of that pain and suffering we went through earlier this season.
Seriously, can we just get on with the results now?
Adam and Kris do “We Are the Champions” with an assist from Queen. Nice number on a crowded stage, but it points out the imbalance between power-singer Adam and Kris, who is on the softer side of things.
Simon Cowell says Kris and Adam were both brilliant last night and thinks both will do well. They don’t let him predict who will win, which I think is odd.
With little fanfare at the actual moment of truth, we finally get to the reason we are here.
The winner is: Kris Allen.
Are you shocked? Kris was, and he was almost apologetic.
Did he deserve it? Share.
Permalink | Comments (33) | Post your comment | Categories: American Idol
Comments
By Kim
May 21, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this
Talent is in the eye of the beholder - just like beauty. I have known people to think someone is cute when I would put a bucket over their head and it’s the same way with music - it’s very personal. So it’s a strictly subjective term - not black & white facts. I was fine with the results either way because they are so different and I think they both have a chance at great careers. It will depend on how they play it from here on out. We know that the title alone doesn’t get you there and not winning doesn’t hold you back in the least if you have the right kind of talent - so it’s up to the boys now. And Kelle - I totally take it back - it was an awesome show! I had visions of the Idols being shoved to the background for a bunch of audience grabbing attention grubbers - but I loved how they did it. What a thrill that must have been for the Idols! Naturally I was so happy to see Danny again - great stuff! I thought that Kris’s bit with Keith Urban was great - great song and totally the type of stuff that would suit Kris. And how awesome is Santana? Bowing low… And I have to take time to say - I DO love rock music so I have had high hopes for Adam that he didn’t QUIIIITE live up to for me all the time, or I would have totally been in his court. “The scream” got way too predictable and it always came out the same. My jaw dropped to the ground when I saw Queen - LOVE them and I compared Adam to Freddie Mercury way back when. He is a great fit for that - they could go on the road with him! And I know another time I said I thought Adam was trying to channel Gene Simmons - and there he is on stage with KISS! I gotta tell ya - I was blown away. If he had sung “Beth” on Tuesday night - then I probably would have broken my vow and picked up the phone to vote for him - I loved it! I just can’t wait to see where he will go from here. So a big congrats to Kris and to Adam - they were both a class act all the way and I hope they do well. I hear Danny is working on a recording contract AND an eyewear contract - tee hee! :) Oh yes - and I LOVED Kara’s burn on bikini girl (I love how hardly any one actually knows her name - so much for fame - ha!) - that’s what I call putting your mike where your mouth is - way to go, Kara - ha!By Wilson
May 21, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this
For My2Cents: Whom are you referring to when you mention Daughtry? Isn’t he the bald punk that LOST and appeals to the brain dead of the world?By Yo
May 21, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this
Kris deserves the win, American Idol has played Adam up so much that he is played out!.By lgar51
May 21, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this
First of all, it has been apparent throughout the entire season that Adam had the most powerful and unique style of entertainment. Not only is he tremendously talented, he is as much diversified to all styles. Kris, on the other hand, while being a talent unto himself, just does not have the “star quality” to endeavor unless he hires a great PR person.I wonder though, how much of the voting results were due to the insecurity of the public’s own sexuality. Or was it the 12 to 17 y/o vote that swayed the difference? Or was it the fact that it was almost a given that Adam was going to win and people actually had sympathy for the underdog and voted in an “I’ll show you” manner? Who know, and at this point, who cares. What’s done is done. Adam will be outstanding for a long time. Kris? We’ll see.By Conservatism Reigns
May 21, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this
This was justice for America. No way ever should we tell our children that a homosexual is an “American Idol”. Once again Americans have told liberals that they will have nothing to do with their left-wing agendaBy Murph
May 21, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this
I was from the very begining an Adam fan, but when Matt left, I knew Adam wouldn’t win. Matt leaves, who is the singer closest to his style to pick up his voters - Kris. Danny leaves, who is the closest to his style to pick up his voters…Kris. Now Adam has the same fans and maybe picked up Allisons but thats it. Do the math…Kris wins and must have been by a lot because I don’t recall Ryan stating that the votes were close.By JOn
May 21, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
This is too NANCY, the only reason a deaf person voted, was because Adam was screaming so much and made them DEAF! I’m glad America got it RIGHT GO KRIS!!!!!By ELW
May 21, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
I said Kris would- not should- win. Adam is more talented. This was the good way to do so Kris has half a chance at making it. He will always have the title of American Idol Winner to fall back on. Adam doesn’t need it. Queen needs to go on tour with Adam taking Freddie’s place. Kris could be Keith Urban’s opening act. Fun Show. Loved seeing some fave singers interact with the kids.By nancy
May 21, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
I think it was a tradgedy that Adam didn’t win. Between the two finalists he was the only one with talent. Adam is an idol and will be heard for a long time to come. In two months people will be saying Cris who? I think the controversy over his sexuality played a factor in his losing the idol. Or people voting were deaf.By TRS
May 21, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
Both were talented in their own right. I don’t know if anyone had an agenda as one post said, but I do think that some felt Adam was being pushed. The talentless lady with the cape with Adam’s name on it from last week’s show probably did him more harm than good with some voters. I liked Adam, particularly his rock genre. He would be an ideal lead for Queen as he has a Freddie Mercury type voice. At the end of the day, there was alot of talent in this top twelve and we’ll be hearing from a number of them. The winner probably isn’t all that relevent.By holly
May 21, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this
Adam is the winner!!!! America should of based it on talent alone!! We are not to judge! Go Adam!!!!By Mike & Jackie
May 21, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
FIX FIX FIX We believe Adam should have won. He’s the hottest thing since sliced bread! We loved his manliner and the way he squeezed his fat thighs into those tight jeans.By Heather
May 21, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this
Oh Happy Day!!! :) I was thrilled that Kris won and loved to see his shock at the results! It is a little disappointing to hear all of the negative comments about him. Although I was not an Adam fan, I never denied he didn’t have talent. I just couldn’t stand the screaming. You just can’t compare the two - they have two totally different styles and will have two completely different audiences. They will be have careers - I just personally think Kris is suited for the radio and Adam for the stage. I really liked Kris’s duet with Keith Urban. I’m not a country fan, but I thought it was great. And Adam was definitely in his element with Kiss. Makes me wonder if Gene Simmons is his idol……….the tongue and all! I don’t think America got it wrong. And I don’t necessarily think they would have gotten it wrong with Adam - even though I would have been disappointed. It’s just clear that the majority identified with Kris and preferred his style. Like I said before, you just can’t compare the two. And to Kim - ohhh, I TRIED to vote 80 million times - but, honestly I think I only got through twice. I took that as a good sign! ;)By theshawn
May 21, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this
Will you people please stop it. It is what it is. Adam, loves playing dress up and has a powerful voice, and will appeal to some. Kris, softer voice but talented artist who can actually play an instrument will appleal to another side. They both win.By tracey
May 21, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
I am so happy Kris won! I felt that the show reallly pushed Adam this year. It got to the point that I didn’t want to watch it anymore. But, America had the last say, thankfully. Adam seems nice and I wish him well. But, I wouldn’t buy his CD. I would buy a Kris Allen CD.By Gr8Dane
May 21, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this
This is a contest for a mainstream star, not a small market talent. Adam has a great voice and can put on a show, but if I heard him scream one more note, I would have turned the show off for good. He will be a great Broadway star, but who hear can honestly say he will have a career on the radio? His longevity has to be in question given his lack of mainstream sound. Kris has that mainstream sound. If he can find himself and make an original album, he will make it. His challenge will be trying not to blend in. Gokey, Giraud and Iraheta will have better chances at long term careers (Iraheta in 5 years after she finds herself). That’s my two cents….By RionsHope
May 21, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry, but America did not get this one right. I’m partly glad Adam won’t be under any kind of obligation to idol and he can do his own thing but he deserved the title. When Kris sang the final song, I could see that he does not have the vocal ability to be a true start. Idol is just about tweens and what they like and I’m sick of it. This was my last season to watch.By Larry
May 21, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this
Having Kris win the American Idol is like Barack Obama winning the presidency. No talent between the two of them. What a joke. The reason Kris was almost apologetic is because he knew he didn’t hold a candle to Adam’s stage presence and voice. I will no longer watch this show. Like they really care.By mom
May 21, 2009 7:38 AM | Link to this
WooHoo!! I am so glad Kris won last night! Yes Adam can bellow out loudly but that isn’t always the way to sing a song. Kris was great and I am very glad he took this over Adam!!Now Adam can go and play dress up with all the crazies out there and fit in just right! Thanks to all the calls that got him to the end!By Kelle
May 21, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
First I have to say, what a show! I personally have not had that much fun watching a TV show in forever. Kris the new American Idol. Hmmmmm…. I knew it could happen but was kind of surprised when it actually did. Even Kris thought Adam should win. I know the party line is they will both have incredible careers, and they will, but I’m still more disappointed than I expected that Adam didn’t win. From a lot of our regular bloggers and stuff you see on TV, people were split. Their styles were so different that either you liked one or the other and obviously Kris has the greater appeal to the American Idol audience. I would like to choose to believe it had nothing to do with Adam’s androgyny. But I question, like many others, whether or not the guy-liner, fingernail polish, and lingering questions regarding his sexual orientation was just too much for some people. If so, it makes me sad. That said, Kris was absolutely amazing with Keith Urban. I wondered about Kris’ long term success potential until I saw that performance. However, he needs to do a pop/folk/country album. I don’t think I ever seen him having so much fun and looking so relaxed. That’s his genre. Adam and KISS. What can I say? It’s probably the first time we’ve all seen the “real” Adam with the outlandish costume and jewels around the eyes. He sounded better than KISS did. I can’t believe it’s over for this season. What kind of album will Kris do? What kind of album will Adam do? Will Danny Gokey outsell them both? Thank you to all the bloggers who posted and kept the conversation passionate and interesting this season. Will American Idol even be able to come close to this in season 9? Darn! We’ll just have to wait and see.By Michelle
May 21, 2009 7:07 AM | Link to this
I think both deserved to win. Both Adam and Kris are talented in very different ways and should have success in different genres of music. I am a big Adam fan but can easily see the appeal of Kris. Just because he doesn’t have the big voice like Adam doesn’t make him less talented. The way he put his on twists on songs throughout the season showed that he is an artist. I plan to check out both of their albums when they come out.By T.Matthews
May 21, 2009 6:56 AM | Link to this
Kris deserved to win!!!! Not only can he transform music he played two instruments during the season and figured these into his version of the songs. Adam is very talented but at times I felt like I was watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Screaming,screeching and SOOOO theatrical! I believe Kris was stunned and shocked he one and responded not quite how I had wanted. The judges seemed to clearly favor Adam. America voted and in turn America believed he was deserving of the title.By POV
May 21, 2009 6:40 AM | Link to this
No, Kris did not deserve it. The results were not based upon ability or God-given talent. I had a feeling all the (TTB) Texting Teeny Boppers would join with all the conservatives who have an agenda, and keep Adam from winning. I loved the Queen number, when Adam’s powerful voice overshadowed Kris weak little voice. It just showed who should win…LOL. I don’t dislike Kris, but I didn’t even think he should have won over Danny, who was great with Lionel Ritchie by the way. Compare that to Kris’ duo with Keith Urban…I could barely hear Kris, his voice is so weak. I will continue to watch AI, what a great way to find new talent. I just hope one day we can get past what a person looks like and concentrate on the talents they have.By Christie
May 21, 2009 6:39 AM | Link to this
So disappointed in last night’s winner…Adam is awesome compared to Kris. Adam is a much stronger singer and can totally out sing Kris. Is America just not ready for a guy who wears black nail polish and eye make up?? I voted for Adam, would have not expected Kris to win this thing! So many great performances last night, KISS w/Adam was just CRAZY good, Kris just sucked w/Keith Urban. Like I said, America got this one wrong! Ruben Studdard won, when CLAY was the better artist and now the same thing has happened to ADAM!By Amanda
May 21, 2009 2:07 AM | Link to this
what a joke adam brought it to the stage every week and kris well he should be singing in the backyard around a campfire. I am very disappointed but at least now adam wont have to carry the idol title with him.By AdamFans
May 21, 2009 1:12 AM | Link to this
Adam should have won. He deserved to win till the end. I hope we see an album asap!!!!! I think he will be the best AI that sells the most albums. I still think he should do a Elvis movie or sing some of his songs. He looks just like him.By Julie Current
May 20, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Yes he did deserve it, He is awesome!!By Big Bubba
May 20, 2009 11:27 PM | Link to this
Adam fit right in with Kiss, he always wears make up. He’s so cute. YummyBy Shantei
May 20, 2009 11:11 PM | Link to this
All I can say is wow…. It’s kinda of weird but I really didn’t know who was going to win down to that last minute of the show. Did anyone else hear Kris say that Adam should have won? And someone pleeeeaaasssseee tell me, WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT TATIANNA SKIT ABOUT? I didn’t know if it was real or fake! My mouth was open the whole time!By Kim
May 20, 2009 10:43 PM | Link to this
Okay, Heather, fess up - you voted about 80 million times, didn’t you??? :)By n50
May 20, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this
My2cents, you are right on! However, most of those you mentioned as well as Chris’s success will depend on his personal management, his vocal coach and more than anything, his own personal drive to be the best. It’s one thing to sing in local clubs and another to perform on the big stage. He’ll need to find someone like a Clive Davis to personally direct his career and recording choices.By n50
May 20, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
Ok. Lets look at it this way…Adam is a PROFESSIONAL SINGER & ACTOR! He was with the LA cast of Wicked for the past year[up until Idol]. And Chris is no stranger to being paid to perform. And yes, this is all within the framework of the new rules, but wouldn’t it be cool that a virtual nobody really won this!? Chris, though, was very good and Adam is remarkable. I think we’ll be hearing from a goodly number of the final 13 in the future.By My2cents
May 20, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Kris should never have won that. Adam outsang him all season. Like you said, he is a power singer. Kris won’t make it far. One album wonder…but Adam..we will hear a lot from..Remember what happened to Daughtry??? Taylor who? Katherine who?