AI Judges Choose Adam Lambert to Win Season 8

Who had the best night on the AI Season 8 finals? Adam Lambert and Kris Allen compete for the title. Find out who came out the winner!
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Final Performances of American Idol Season 8: Kris Allen & Adma Lambert

American Idol Season 8 Finals
FOX 8/7c 5/19/2009

Tonight the American Idol finalists, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, sang 3 songs each. The night was so packed, the AI producers got approval to go long on the live show. Ryan Seacrest reminded those recording to set timeres accordingly.

The songs tonight are: 1. The Idol contestant's favorite song this season (this should be the best!) 2. A song chosen by Simon Fuller (the Idol producer/creator) 3. A song written by Kara DioGuardi (oh, that's why she's there).

Kris Allen won the coin toss and chose to go second (smart choice, as he will now close the show).

Adam Lambert: "Mad World" by Tears For Fears
Throwing caution to the wind, and Simon Cowell's direct comments, Adam chose to enter down the stairs. With smoke crossing the stage, it really did feel like a concert. This was one of my favorite performances from Adam Lambert and I'm glad he did it, though I wanted to hear Whole Lotta Love.

Randy Jackson:"...this is it... I'm gonna give you an A+..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...I'm so glad you chose that song... you rocked it again tonight..."

Paula Abdul: "... it's unbelievable...a long journey... I thought you did a brilliant job..."

Simon Cowell: "...I always thought this was your best performance throughout the season... it was a little theatrical for me.. a little Phantom of the Opera... I don't know if it was the long coat..."

Kris Allen: "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
Sitting at the piano this time, Kris Allen changed it a little again. This was one of my favorite Kris performances as well. I think it was good this time, but again I liked it better the first time. It was more rock oriented. Kris is not giving up without a fight.

Randy Jackson: "...I think me personally, that was one of your best performances ever on this stage..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...you will kill on your album..."

Paula Abdul: "... you have a unique way of Allenizing all of your songs..."

Simon Cowell:"... when your name was announced last week, I wasn't sure America had made the right choice, but after that performance I absolutely take all that back..."

Simon Cowell called round 1 for Kris Allen. He really hates those stairs.

Adam Lambert: "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke
Oh, I like this. Adam Lambert has not shown a bluesy sound all season. He wore a suit, not sure if that was fitting. The vocals were impeccable. I'm surprised Adam never found this song for himself. Maybe just no time to sing it. Awesome ending. That should wrap up this round.

Randy Jackson: "... you can sing your face off..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... that may have been your best interpretation of a song this season.."

Paula Abdul:" ...that was the best I've ever heard you sing... I know you are gonna be iconic..."

Simon Cowell: "... your are 100% back in the game, congratulations..."

Kris Allen: "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
Another re-mix from Kris Allen. I didn't even recognize the song. This is Kris Allen's best night. I love ever one of his original covers. Wow, that was really good. Another choice by Simon Fuller. This is going to be one of my favorites by Kris Allen.

Randy Jackson: "... great song choice... it's a little bit light for this big a room..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... you have been true to yourself..."

Paula Abdul: "... you tore that song up..."

Simon Cowell:"...it was like 3 friends in their bedroom strumming away to Marvin Gaye... it was too laid back for this..."

Simon Cowell does not want Kris Allen in the ending.... Simon called round 2 "a million percent Adam."

Adam Lambert: "No Boundaries"
Another slow song, this one to pimp the efforts of Kara DioGuardi. Again the back-up singers sound flat to Adam. I don't like this song, I think it is a little ... trying too hard. Kris may have a shot, this is not a great performance by Adam Lambert.

Randy Jackson: "...dude you can sing anything, but that was just alright for me..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... it is amazing with someone with your level of talent sings one of our songs...."

Paula Abdul: "....Adam, adjectives can't express what you've brought to this show Season 8..."

Simon Cowell: "... I'm not gonna judge that song, I'm gonna judge you... you have been one of the best contestants.... the whole idea is to find a world-wide star, I think we've done that with you congratulations..."

Kris Allen: "No Boundaries"
Definitely more of song for Kris Allen. Not sure if he nailed it, he got pitchy throughout the song. He should have started it lower I think. The high notes killed him. Parts of the song I liked, which was more than Adam's performance. I don't think Kara did any favors for either Idol hopeful.

Randy Jackson:"...you should be very proud of what you have done in this competition..."

Kara DioGuardi:"...I don't want you to be judged on that song, I do think it was too high..."

Paula Abdul:"...you should take it in.. this has been one of the most compelling finales..."

Simon Cowell:"... I think your highlight tonight was your first song... you have thouroughly deserved to be on that stage tonight..."

Kris Allen told Ryan Seacrest that he and Adam had told each other they weren't competing tonight, they just wanted to give a good show.

To close the show, Carrie Underwood came out to sing her new hit cover "Home Sweet Home". Sadly, it too was a little choppy. The Idol band needs to get with it.

The best performances tonight were in the middle of the show. Simon Fuller's song choice was more than appropriate for both American Idol finalists. The worst by both was the final performance. All three judges asked that the finalist not be judged by that song. Says something about Kara DioGuardi and her team of song writers.

So that's it for the AI Season 8 competition. Now all that is left is the crowning of an Idol!

American Idol Season 8 Top 3 Perform

Final 3 on AI Season 8
FOX 8/7c 5/12/2009

Tonight was the 300th episode of American Idol. With the top 3 singing two songs each, one from the judges pick and one they chose. Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey took the stage for their Idol showdown.

Danny Gokey: "Dance Little Sister" by Terrece Trent D'arby (chosen by Paula Abdul)
Danny sounded good, finally, on this song. Though he seemed to be shouting through the beginning, he settled down at the chorus. Definitely one of Danny's best performances on the AI stage this year. It sounded the same, like Danny Gokey, but was in tune. The sax solo was very weird sounding. It sounded plastic. I just don't see the pop star anywhere in this guy.

Randy Jackson: "... let the games begin... dude, that was dope for me..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... Paula, I like that you picked that song... the dancing was a little not good for me..."

Paula Abdul:"... I thought you did a great job..."

Simon Cowell:"... I think it was the wrong song... I wouldn't have put the toy sax solo in the middle..."

Danny said, "...it doesn't matter to me, I wanna sing that song..."

The child play between Paula and Simon started very early tonight. Paula must be feeling very.... good tonight.

Kris Allen: "Apologize" by One Republic (chosen by Kara and Randy)
Come on Kris, have a good night tonight. I'm not a big fan of Kris', but he has had some really good nights. Kind of a boring song for the judges to choose. I love the song and Kris Allen did a nice job, but I don't think it will be memorable.

Randy Jackson:"... this is the kind of artist you could be... nice"

Kara DioGuardi:"...I think it was a really competent performance... you gotta be hitting it out of the park..."

Paula Abdul: "... there was a bum note there that was loud... but I'm proud of you..."

Simon Cowell:"... it was a competent version of the original... you can't blame him [talking to Kara] for not following through on your responsiblities..."

Simon continued to argue with Kara as she said she would have rathered Kris Allen played his accoustic guitar. "If you wanted him to play the guitar, then it was your job to tell him that. Don't choose a song for him, then criticize him for doing it." Ryan Seacrest asked if Simon meant that Kara and Randy had not done their jobs..."That's exactly what I'm saying...", Simon responded.

Adam Lambert: "One" by U2 (chosen by Simon Cowell)
This should be good. Simon Cowell told how he called Bono on Saturday afternoon to ask permission for Adam to perform the song (it's Simon's favorite). I did not really care too much for Adam's performance tonight. Or should I say the interpretation.

Randy Jackson: "... you are definitely still in the zone... a little bit off the melody.."

Kara DioGuardi:".. you're a strategist... you can change up a song and make it yours... see what I mean Simon..."

Paula Abdul: "... it was one brilliant song... and one American Idol that I'm staring at..."

Simon Cowell: "...great song choice... you performed it brilliantly.... if you are not in the finals next week it will be one of the biggest upsets in this show..." "outrageous" Paula yelled.

The 'half time' show was Carrie Underwood with an update from Idol Gives Back. She reported from Angola, Africa. Idol Gives Back is fighting malaria there. Giving out bed nets to prevent the mosquito bites at night. It was sad to see the kids cry because someone took their bed net.

Danny Gokey chose: "You Are So Beautiful" by Joe Cocker
This is a safe, safe song choice for Danny. This time he did change it up. Danny gave the beginning a soft touch that we have not heard from him. It was pretty decent. The ending was weak.

Randy Jackson: "... amazing song... you can really, really, really sing..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... everything you didn't do in the first performance, you just did... stunning.."

Paula Abdul: "... all of us are breathless... you nailed it..."

Simon Cowell: "...I love the song... it didn't need rearranging.. I would call that a vocal master class..."

Kris Allen chose: "Heartless" by Kanye West
Alone with his accoustic guitar, Kris took the AI stage as the biggest underdog ever. I did not see a Kanye West song coming. I was stunned. It was okay. I liked it about half way through. It was decent actually. It really grew on me. This turned out to be the winner of the night and possibly the season for Kris Allen.

Randy Jackson:"...dude, that was better than the original..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... loved it..."

Paula Abdul: "...you are the bravest artist because you sang a song about Simon Cowell..."

Simon Cowell: "... after a lame first song choice, I had literally written you off... that performance changed all that..."

Adam Lambert chose: "Crying" by Aerosmith
Again, I did not like this performance of Adam's. He sounded flat, for the first time. I'm sure the judges will still drool, but it was not great.

Randy Jackson:"...I love this even more than 'One'..."

Kara DioGuardi:"... how do you hit those notes and still talk... we'll see you next week..."

Paula Abdul:"... if Steven Tyler were a mentor I don't think he would have anything to say to

Simon Cowell: "... it is very easy to assume that you are going to be in the finals... I want everyone to vote for you because you have talent..."

Ryan Seacrest asked Adam Lambert how he felt after tonight and Adam gave the obligatory 'it's an honor to be with these guys' speil.

Tonight goes to Kris Allen for me. The stunner of the night was Heartless.

Danny Gokey must go. The finals need to be Adam Lambert vs Kris Allen.

Now go vote!

Rock Week on AI Season 8 with Slash

Without a proper rehearsal, the American Idol Season 8 final four attacked 'Rock Week'. Ryan Seacrest explained a technical stage difficulty that interupted the rehearsals this after noon for the Idol show tonight.

But on with the show...

Slash from Guns-n-Roses fame was the rock mentor. A perfect choice for a rock mentor, though vocals may not be his first worry. Slash mentored from The Roxy, with his full new band.

Adam Lambert: "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin


Adam has been heard to have said he wants to perform the Led Zepplin classic on the Idol stage. He did not disappoint. Slash told Adam not to improvise in his high register so much and Adam heeded. It was an excellent start to the show and proved again why Adam Lambert should win.

Randy Jackson: "... you are a rock star tonight!"

Kara DioGuardi: "... the records you should be making is classic rock from the 70's, glam rock from the 80's"

Paula Abdul: "... whole lotta perfect"

Simon Cowell: ".... this could have been a total disaster... it was actually one of my favorite performances of yours... the problem is no one can top that."

Allison Iraheta: "Crybaby" by Janice Joplin


Allison is going for a more obscure song this week. It may play well for her since she has been accused of sounding karaoke at times. Slash really liked Allison, he just told her to gain some confidence. Allison looked good tonight, less Madonna. This was the perfect song choice for her and she did a great job with the band. I think this was the best I've seen from Allison Iraheta.

Randy Jackson: "...I did not love the song choice for you...I didn't love this..."

Kara DioGuardi: "...Janis is the right choice for you, but .... Piece of My Heart, maybe... I think that you transform when you get on that stage..."

Paula Abdul: "...I think you're down right fearless..."

Simon Cowell: "...the difference from where you were 8 weeks ago to where you are tonight is staggering... I would have chosen the Queen song..."

Allison told Simon that it was a Jefferson Airplane song she was torn between performing and he said he would have chosen it. Then Simon said, "Just beg, now"... Allison retorted, "You're always saying that I don't talk enough so maybe I should talk some more." Get him Allison!

Kris Allen and Danny Gokey: "Renegade" by Styx


This is a new format this year and I like it. The harmonies at the beginning were nice. The rock part suffered horribly. I really hope Dennis DeYoung is not watching.

Randy Jackson: "... I really like the harmonies..."

Kara DioGuardio: "... I think the sum of the parts was better..."

Paula Abdul: "...it was powerful..."

Simon Cowell:"... Danny you were better than Kris..."

Kris Allen: "Come Together" by The Beatles


Kris Allen borrowed one of Slash's guitars to practice with him... he said "I almost peed my pants..." with Slash playing next to him. This was actually a good choice for Kris. He does not have a rock voice, so he had to change it up a bit. Kris Allen is not even close to the best vocalist, but he does have a certain stage presence.

Randy Jackson: "... I like the vocals, but I loved how you were playing the guitar..."

Kara DioGuardi: "... you're definitely the softer side of rock, but for me it was not a great performance..."

Paula Abdul: ".... your signature is all over it.... it's what you do with the song..."

Simon Cowell: "... I actually didn't like it that much. It was like eating ice for lunch..."

Danny Gokey: "Dream On" by Aerosmith


OK, I never had the 'Danny Love'. I'm not hopeful of this performance, I think it is way out of Danny's range. Let's find out. Slash could not even advise him. This was bad from the first note. The end note does not even warrent typing.... please send Danny Gokey home tomorrow night.

Randy Jackson: ".... it was alright for me, but I'll give you A+ for effort..."

Kara DioGuardi:"...I don't see you on this type of song... I commend you for taking chances..."

Paula Abdul: "... I don't know if this was the right song for you..."

Simon Cowell: "... the last note was like watching a horror movie... like a scene from Friday the 13th, this scream... with Adam it worked, it doesn't work for you so much..."

Danny Gokey argued that he would have to go back and listen, but he didn't think it was that bad. Go back and listen Danny, you should be embarrassed.

Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta: "Slow Ride" by Foghat


Now this pair looked like a couple of rockers on stage. Thier voices complimented each other well. Adam seemed to kind of lead Allison along and that was fine with her. It was a good performance.

Randy Jackson: "... that was the bomb, baby..."

Kara DioGuardi: ".... rock stars on the stage.."

Paula Abdul: "...it was a beautiful thing..."

Simon Cowell: "... in the battle of the duets, you won tonight... and actually Adam, you may have given this one [points at Allison Iraheta] a chance to stay in longer..."

And there you have 'Rock Week' on American Idol Season 8. The only real train wreck was Danny Gokey. Twice tonight he failed on the AI stage, but he probably won't pay for it.