Kris Allen Takes Adam Lambert's Crown on AI Finale

KISS gives a powerful performance. Queen sounded fantastic! Adam Lambert wo.....huh?! Find out what happened when Kris Allen won American Idol Season 8.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1767998/kris_allen_takes_adam_lamberts_crown.html

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!
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1764362/ai_judges_choose_adam_lambert_to_win.html

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!

Kris Allen vs. Adam Lambert... David vs. Goliath?

Can't wait for the finals tonight! These are my comparisons of Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, go check it out and tell me what you think.

Is Adam Lambert too much action for Kris Allen? How do you decide which American Idol finalist to vote for? Find out more about Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on this season of AI.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1759720/kris_allen_vs_adam_lambert_david_vs.html

Adam Lambert Vs Kris Allen for American Idol Season 8 Title

The top three American Idol contestants went home this week for visits. Adam Lambert and Kris Allen advance to the finals. Who will win AI Season 8? Find out about Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1745516/adam_lambert_vs_kris_allen_for_american.html

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen in the AI Season 8 Finals

America makes the right choice for AI finals
FOX 9/8c 5/13/2009

In what some may call a shocker, Kris Allen pulls into the American Idol Season 8 finals. Danny Gokey has been the emotional favorite since the beginning, and has never fallen into the bottom three. As usually seems to happen in the final weeks of AI, America voted the correct two finalists through.

Kris Allen has been called the 'dark horse' throughout this season of Idol. Every time he has a great week, he slips back into his tentative karaoke style and takes two steps back. Kris Allen does not have the voice for karaoke. Like James Blunt, he will never sound good trying to mimic the style of anyone else. He has to be Kris Allen. If he is, he could actually win.

Adam Lambert on the other hand, has been the leader from the start. AI producers even hid his talent from us until the very last minute. This seems like Adam Lambert's time. There is just one little thing left to deal with, Kris Allen.

I did not think anyone would be able to compete with Adam Lambert this season. The minute I heard "Satisfaction", I knew we had our winner. Then we got to hear "Mad World" and I hummed it for several days. With last week's "Whole Lotta Love", I was sure it was over.

Last night Adam Lambert had a bad night, if you want to call it that. It was still vocally superior to both other AI finalists. For the first time though, Adam seemed boring on the first song. The second song started horrendously and did not improve much (at Adam's level). There was a sound issue that made everything sound sharp, and you could tell Adam knew it.

Kris Allen has now delivered an equal number of hits this season. First with "Ain't No Sunshine", his first complete re-work. Then "She Works Hard for the Money", his second complete re-work (seeing a trend?). Last night's "Heartless" was the best offering from Kris Allen yet. He just knows how to re-interpret a song.

Ryan Seacrest said that over 88 million votes were cast last night after American Idol. Only 1 million votes separated the top two. If Kris Allen has a good week next week, this could be a very close AI final.

Simon Cowell said that next week may wind up being a "big ding dong". He said that was a good thing. Let's hope he's right... oh wait, he's Simon Cowell, he's always right.

Adam Lambert Performs "One" & "Cryin'"

Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey perform two songs each tonight in the semifinals of American Idol Season 8. Who will be the final two?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1741610/adam_lambert_performs_one_cryin.html

Kris Allen Vs Kanye West...Kris Allen Wins

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey compete on American Idol Season 8. Are the AI judges against Kris Allen in the finals? Who should go home this week?
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1741810/kris_allen_vs_kanye_westkris_allen.html

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!

AI Season 8 Final 3: Adam Lambert Couldn't Save Allison Iraheta

Chris Daughtry, No Doubt, Paula Abdul and Slash all took the Idol stage tonight. American Idol Season 8 gets down to the final three!
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1722906/ai_season_8_final_3_adam_lambert_couldnt.html

AI Season 8: All Guy Final 3... Allison Iraheta Out in 4th

Allison Iraheta Bids Good-bye: 4th Place to the Young Idol
FOX 9/8c 5/06/2009

Over 64 million votes were cast last night for the American Idol finalists. The most ever outside a final. 'Rock' night turned out to be a great idea. Tonight we see No Doubt and the return of Daughtry to the Idol stage. Paula Abdul will also take the stage.

With Slash on stage for the live opener, the final four gave a rendition of Alice Cooper's "Schools Out for Summer". Again, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert fit in with the band in both appearance and vocals. Danny Gokey and Kris Allen were left at the curb.

Simon Cowell had a talk with Kris Allen about not being humble anymore. Time to start thinking you can win.

Adam Lambert told us how excited he was when they got the go ahead for the rights to perform Led Zeppelin for the first time on the Idol stage.

Danny Gokey fessed up to hitting the worst note ever on the American Idol stage. After listening to the playback, Danny said, "I just laughed all night!" He had heard that his family muted the TV and 'fans' were making ringtones of the 'scary scream'.

Allison Iraheta just said she wished she spoke up more. Sadly she may be the one to go home tonight. I hope not.

Paula Abdul made her... um, comeback? Why? Not sure. Oh wait, because they have perfected the non-singing machines enough to pass and you still look pretty good in a skimpy dance outfit.
Paula Abdul's new song is "I'm Just Here for the Music".

No Doubt took the stage next with "I'm Just a Girl". I'm not crazy about the group, but they definitely brought some energy to the Idol stage. The group seemed the have fun 'connecting' with the crowd. Doing push-ups was a little weird. No Doubt will kick off their reunion tour in Vegas this summer.

Advancing this week on AI means becoming a 'Hometown Hero' next week as the top three return to their homes. They fessed up and said the results were in no particular order tonight.

Dim the lights...

After reliving the judges comments from last night, Ryan Seacrest sent Kris Allen to the safety of the chairs first. The shock almost overwhelmed Kris Allen. He truly did not expect to be safe tonight.

Chris Daughtry came back for his triuphant stand on the American Idol stage. His band's first release is the fastest selling rock album, the sophamore effort will be out soon. Daughtry debutted "No Surprise" tonight, the first single from the new album. Chris sounded great, as usual, and the band was tight. I would definitely see Daughtry in concert. Ryan Seacrest asked Chris about his memories of the early exit he made (Taylor Hicks won that year, yep). Chris said, "...I got over it in about 30 seconds..." He then received his award for his debut album selling over 5 million copies. Fourth place ain't all bad.

The second person to go into the top three on Season 8 is Adam Lambert. Thank you, AI producers for not dragging that out too far.

Allison Iraheta and Danny Gokey now stood before Ryan Seacrest in the middle of the stage. Danny Gokey was pronounced safe. Tonight Allison Irahet was sent home. Finishing American Idol Season 8 in 4th place, the 16 (now 17 year old) grew up a lot on the stage in front of us.

Now the American Idol Season 8 final three are: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny gokey... hopefully that's how they finish.

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.