American Idol Shocker: Why Kris Allen Beat Adam Lambert

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American Idol Shocker: Why Kris Allen Beat Adam Lambert

May 21, 2009

Suzanne Heibel--HispanicBusiness.com

american idol, finale results, adam lambert, kris allen, bikini girl

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O...M...G...America. Kris Allen? Really? When host Ryan Seacrest was handed the final envelope most people assumed that he was about to read the name of Adam Lambert, arguably American Idol's most gifted performer of all time.

But no, America, you let us down, and worse, you let yourself down.

Much to the dismay of everyone over the age of 16, the tweeny-boppers speed-dialed more than 100 million votes crowning the dreamy Allen as the new American Idol.

But before we divulge further, let's not forget to remember the unforgettable performances of the American Idol conclusion.

The 40th and last episode of Idol saw the return of third-placer Danny Gokey, who sang a duet with 80s star Lionel Ritchie. The performance was a solid good time for a few minutes and indulging in Gokey's borderline goofy dancing and pleasant voice. The two had a good stage bromance and it was nice to see the fan favorite come back for one last hurrah and succeed in a genre he will hopefully make a nice career of.

Both Allen and Lambert had their own performances with a famous artist. Lambert, wearing a Mad Max suit and Herman Munster platform boots, rocked the stage with KISS while Allen and Nicole Kidman's husband Keith Urban strummed their guitars in unison to a poppy country song. The genres perfectly matched the idols' styles perfectly, both playing up on their strong points as artists. Even Urban seemed to be struggling to keep up with Allen's singing skills. Still, I bet America could only taste regret for speed texting Allen after this performance. This competition is about being an idol, not another face in the crowd artist.

Then comes out Bikini Girl (evidently new and improved, bust-wise, since her last appearance), her name is unimportant, dressed in her swimming knickers and parading across the stage to a sagging-jawed Simon and Randy. After receiving the 'Best Attitude' award, she proceeded to take one last shot at stardom by performing to a packed American Idol auditorium. Then, out from the back emerges none other than judge Kara DioGuardi, drowning out Bikini Girl, and at the end ripping her dress in half to reveal her own bikini-clad body. The whole sorry display harkens back to a tete-a-tete between the two during the audition phase of the competition. The neophyte judge gave a sample performance to the one-note nuisance, trying to show Bikini Girl how "Vision of Love" should have really sounded. Bikini Girl then claimed was not as good as her own. Congratulation, DioGuardi -- you, a professional, showed an amateur singer who was boss on a national stage.

But honestly, Kara? Was this really about trying to nab some of the spotlight after fellow judge Paula Abdul, 20-years-post-prime, got to perform her new single amid billows of dry ice and hunky dancers?

A beautiful, haunting break in the action came when a stunningly put together Cyndi Lauper sang her iconic "Time After Time" in duet with the last woman standing in the competition, Allison Iraheta. Lauper, who at times in her career allowed her unusual nature to eclipse her amazing talent, achieved near-perfect synergy with Iraheta, reminding viewers that music can and perhaps should stand on its own. Iraheta, for her part, utilized her smoky voice in a tender, memorable way, almost cementing the fact that for her there's sure to be life after American Idol.

But the most memorable performance that really tore at those heartstrings came from the two finalists Allen and Lambert who sang Queen's "We are the Champions" with Queen itself. It brought on a good feeling. This duet was even stronger than the Ritchie-Gokey combo and there was an honest sense of true happiness for the other.

Lambert did what he does best. He delivered a classic song with spouts of original voice flair, but he kept it mellow for the most part.

And although this song was about being a champion, it was hard not to notice how it seemed to be more of a visual analogy of Lambert filling the shoes of Freddie Mercury, whom he has been compared to multiple times throughout the competition.

Even though Lambert didn't win, this moment offered him a chance to be a "champion," on stage in his last Idol moment of glory.

Now, everyone knows by now that Allen is a humble man. He led prayer song at youth group before his Idol career and he is already married to a small town girl who attends the same church in Arkansas as he does. But when the suspense built the audience could see that Allen was confident he would take home second place.

His contorted smile and sad look in his eyes while his arm was around Lambert said it all. And when the results were read? Shock that disarmed his capability to speak and move and think. All he could mumble out was "Yeah, but Adam..." before Seacrest cut him off and nudged him to just enjoy the spotlight while it still lasted. He wasn't being modest when the confetti fell, he just didn't honestly believe he should have won, that his talents were superior to Lambert's. And he was right.

But maybe America isn't ready for Adam Lambert, an often-androgynous, mascara- and trenchcoat-wearing theater actor. The winner, however, doesn't necessarily matter.

Adam will get a career and fame out of this competition, which is what he came here to do, so maybe it is better that Allen won. In six months, it's likely that Lambert will be the one people still remember. After all, Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken -- none of them won Idol either -- but that didn't seem to stop their careers.

It's only now that the American Idol results are in, and a champion has been crowned, that the competition really begins.

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Comments

Total Comments: 24 | Pending Comments: 0

JADEA122152@AOL.COM
6/4/2009 10:09:06 PM PST
I agree Juzza. Adam thought he was being jufged on talent/presentaion/danceing/stair poise. He had no idea it was going to come down on his sexuality:why? He was nice looking and he could sing ( ADAM was set him up as the triple threat) Danny, Matt and to some degree kriss made sure to take Adam down. these cowardly contestantce /begains calling tabloids with ttips, may be gay. They googled to find any of the art shows he had ever perform ed in. News had them within 3 days.made a fool out of himself by showing world how easy it is to do real rock music.ADAM YOU ARE MY AMERICAN IDOL..

slanebrain
5/23/2009 3:52:29 AM PST
ADAM ROCKS!!!! Kris can't get close to Adam's talent!!!! GO ADAM!!!! Winning American Idol doesn't mean anything...Adam WILL sell more albums!!!!!!

maryb
5/22/2009 6:34:55 PM PST
Be fair and give what is due a person. There is too much hate, prejudice and " judging a book by its cover" in our world today. I am happy now that Adam did not win cause i know now what a crock of balony American Idol is now and i really will never watch the show again, and i hope this prompts simon not to return next year, cause you could tell he was upset as well.So i will buy all Adam Music and go to concerts when he is filling arenas(possibly touring as a part of Queen) wouldn't that be a blast!!! He sure could do it!!! Because one day i will be telling my grandchildren about Elvis, paul, wayne, and yes Adam lambert, because he is that caliber of talent and will be REMEMBERED as they are!!!! Very diappointed, Maryb.......

maryb
5/22/2009 6:34:42 PM PST
I was 16 at the time of my Queen concert and to this day i can tell you every song, move, costume change, everything. I'll tell you why, because there was pure star power...the "it" factor..something that comes along very few times in ones liftime and you don't forget it...and people Adam is one of those brilliant examples. I am a very proud christian woman who feels Kris Allen was a very good talent and will have a decent career, but he does not have "IT"!! So many have judged Adam for what his private choices are. I may not agree with or condon his lifestyle, but it is not for me to judge him.That i will leave between him and the Good Lord. It does not however take away from the fact that he is mega star quality.

maryb
5/22/2009 6:33:10 PM PST
I too am a 50 year old female who has followed idol since its 2nd. season. After clay aiken lost to rueben studdard i swore i would not watch another season, because it was sooo obviously the wrong winner!! But i figured i would give it another shot! All other seasons i felt there was good talent, but nothing truly memorable!!! And then when you thought all hope was lost for a outstanding singer, entertainer, showman, with the looks, body and charisma all rolled up in one package...BAM>>>there's ADAM LAMBERT!!! Iwas fortunate in my life time to have seen some of the best live in concert...ELVIS>>>WAYNE NEWTON>>>PAUL MC CARTNEY>>>and QUEEN in 1975 with a young FREDDY MERCURY!!!!

Juzza
5/22/2009 3:56:42 PM PST
We tonight viewed this crime from England (home of talented artists such as most of the stars that played in the final like Rod Stewart, Queen and Simon Cowell). Adam not winning is not simply ridiculous, it is criminal. The FBI need to examine this crime against humanity. In England, our MP's are steeling from us! Someone has stolen your American Idol! DO NOT allow this travesty. Nobody EVER attempts to do Queen, this Adam chap displayed his ability last week by doing Zepellin, furthermore, whilst in the presence of |Sir Bryan May, doing something no other artist has ever done - improve upon any Queen vocal - Bravo Adam - Shame on you America!!!!

ke702@aol.com
5/22/2009 3:33:09 PM PST
Arkansas, You made a fool out of Kris by sending in 38 mill votes. He may be a star, but ADAM WILL BE AT THE TOP OF THE CHARTS FOR A LONG LONG TIME.!!! Also , when they are on tour, who will we be screaming for when they come out on stage, ADAM!!!! ADAM!!!! I'm 60 years old and I will be 1st in line for his album!!!!!!

iadvocate
5/22/2009 2:40:32 PM PST
For all of those who believe that Kris won because of the teeny boppers texting their votes until their thumbs fell off, I have this advice. Stop being so provincial. While Adam no doubt is a huge talent, he lost because he does not have a broad enough appeal. In fact, the painted nails, mascara, dyed hair, whiny and sometimes shrieky voice as well as the look like he was about to cry when he sang was a turn-off for large numbers of voters, while Kris appealed to Middle America, which comprises the vast majority of the country and a sizeable number of those who vote. This has been said elsewhere, but on the DialIdol.com website, if we look at the final 3 voting, Adam had just under 30 but Gokey and Allen combined for a score above 58. I doubt many Gokey voters moved over to Lambert...

Giovanna
5/22/2009 12:56:33 PM PST
Season 8 has been especial because of the nature of contestants. I think that Adam Lambert is a great singer, he can sing anything, yet he is too dramatic and loud to my taste, which tells me that even though he seemed to have fun, he was working to hard to win. His presence on the stage was incredible however giving the perception of "DON'T BOTHER TO VOTE FOR ANYBODY ELSE, I'M THE WINNER". Let me tell you, presence counts but personality conquers...and I think that was made Kris Allen the winner. His humble attitude showed that what really matters to him was to do his best and somehow, I perceived that he left his performances in God's hands, he sincerely felt the music, he forgot about himself and honored the Almighty...and he got rewarded for that, like it or not. Good for you, Kris!

nahuatek
5/22/2009 12:33:33 PM PST
Suzanne, YOU ARE WRONG! America DID NOT let us down. They instead did us a favor. He doesn't have to put that crappy song "No Boundaries" on his record now.

JEAN
5/22/2009 6:54:04 AM PST
What a shocker. It was like reliving the South African Idols - recount the vote was my feelings. Adam is a fantastic singer! Well done!

barbie
5/22/2009 5:07:37 AM PST
"Had TV been an issue in the day, America would never have elected a President in a wheelchair (FDR). " Are you saying that being gay is the same as having a disability? You are an idiot!!! Adam is NOT disabled and just because he didn't win you will come up with any excuse. Get a life, America voted and Kris won.

GILLYANNEB@AOL.COM
5/21/2009 10:45:33 PM PST
TO: RYUNKIN: A very interesting take on the voting. Must admit I hadn't thought about the Vegas odds, and I usually think of everything. It wouldn't surprise me at all, now that I think about it. D----d right - Adam Lambert was robbed in one of the worst screw jobs I can remember in a very long time. I'm 66, and I was thinking that I am lucky I was privileged to see a talent that enormous in my own lifetime. I'm a professional entertainer myself. Gillyanneb@aol.com

IndoRock
5/21/2009 9:02:16 PM PST
What a "ANTI-CLIMAX" performance....this is the 3rd times..Ameican choose the wrong winner after Ruben Studdard; Tayloer Hicks and now Kriss Allen..have you lran something that this is about Singin Talent show not related to other things ...just SINGING capability, Great Performance & somebody futre career....Kriss maybe an American Idol..but let's see, Adam will be the WORLD ARTIST....

Honest Opinion
5/21/2009 8:21:43 PM PST
I would have loved to hear what Simon was saying under his breath at the announcement of Kris. I think Kris is a great guy, good singer and I appreciated his humbleness. Yet Adam was a far better singer and performer. I was very shocked at the results. I actually tried to call in and vote, but after a while you give up. I agree with the person who said they need to have a different way to count votes. I enjoyed the show last night and especially enjoyed the various songs that Adam sang. He truly can sing anything. IDOL must figure out another way to COUNT THOSE VOTES. Kris, congratulations and I hope you make it big. Adam, I know you will. Note: Ryan Seacrest does an excellent job on this show. He is an excellent balance to Simon's character.

Niffer4532
5/21/2009 5:07:27 PM PST
I am completely disgusted that America would vote for Kris over Adam. Adam was superb throughout the ENTIRE competition and I can remember every performance he gave. I can barely remember 2 of Kris's performances and I definately do not see how any of his performances can possibly warrent the recognition of the title of "American Idol". Who cares if Adam will be famous regardless of a win on Idol....HE DAMN WELL DESERVED THE STATUS!

Fairness
5/21/2009 12:35:02 PM PST
Suzanne !!! I agree with you 100%. I just turned 50 and I was an Adam fan from the first performance....I like a lot of the idol contestants this year, but I think I know talent when I sees it ! LOL. Adam is a true performer and unique artist and was truly the best....and IDOL material. Kris is a good singer and talented young man, but still ho hum drum and I can take it or leave it, but then I'm not a big "country" fan. They both deserved to be in the top of the competition. I will definetly be looking for the first Adam recording - already have him downloaded on my Iphone, but want the whole CD!!! Adam is something that doesn't come along everyday and has a special magnetism all his own. Thanks for your article !!!

GILLYANNEB@AOL.COM
5/21/2009 12:30:20 PM PST
Aiken was smart not to "come out" till he was $ established . Then, he lost nearly 1/2 his fanbase. Someone wrote: "In the grand scheme of things, does it matter who is the moronic supposed American Idol?" I say, "Yeah, it matters because excellence just can't seem to win over mediocrity these days. Simply put, America will never crown a "gay" American Idol. They're consulting their Bibles for the rules & then rendering "hate" votes. Had TV been an issue in the day, America would never have elected a President in a wheelchair (FDR). I believe everything in life and society matters, as it's the nucleus that dictates the whole." Last night was Ayn Rand's worst nightmare - Atlas Shrugged and Mediocrity Reigned.

lexii
5/21/2009 12:14:54 PM PST
Dudes, i really think that kris desereveed to win! I liikd him, not JUST for looks, but because i felt that he had a great voice!!! I really liked Adam to, but there was something about Kris that made me vote for him. i'm putting my opinion out there and if you don't like it, i don't care!!!

ryunkin
5/21/2009 12:12:13 PM PST
Boy, you couldn't have gotten it more wrong. Check the Vegas odds. A $100 bet on Adam Lambert lost money while that bet on Kris Allen would have won $300. With a little help from "power-dialing" equipment an enterprising gambler or glambling consortium could have and probably did alter the results in their favor. Don't be surprised if a known gambler is found in an alley with his throat cut somewhere in the world. I'm a reasonably objective guy and when a talent like Adam Lambert is taken down by a Kris Allen something is wrong. That's like Mr. Ed out hoofing Fred Astair in a dance contest. Most people aren't that stupid. Until American Idol replaces its fraudulent multi-vote system with a one phone, one vote aternative, I'm through with taking the show and your comments seriously.

rebeccarulzutoo
5/21/2009 12:11:48 PM PST
I think this is a BIG error. I know of noone who voted for Kris Allen. I believe they messed up the votes. On purpose or not, I guess we will never know. I think America knows Adam is much more talented. What a joke......

wldkt40
5/21/2009 12:09:00 PM PST
all you people are just jealous. kris is gonna a be a big star you wait and see. So all you crying lambert babies get over it..

s.a.idols.fan
5/21/2009 12:00:43 PM PST
Just finished watching and wondering if a boo boo was made like the South African Idols. Adam should have won.

notdumb1
5/21/2009 11:59:11 AM PST
SHAME ON YOU, AMERICA! Adam Lambert was robbed! Now I know why I've always HATED this pathetic show. They are not out to find REAL talent, but in fact to cater to the texts of tiny teeny bopper female hormones and the pathetic redials of the (silent) and not so secret homophobes. Are you listening Elisabeth Hasselback? Adam Lambert is a once-in-a-lifetime find! Kris (easy to forget last name) has no more talent than your average coffeehouse singer.

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