American Idol Upset: Kris Allen Wins

By Jeralyn, Section Media
Posted on Wed May 20, 2009 at 07:54:56 PM EST
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Update: 100 million votes cast and in an upset, Kris Allen wins. His first comment: "Adam deserves it." He sounds almost bummed. Adam is smiling and very congratulatory. Congratulations, Kris. To Adam: You'll still be the biggest star of the show.

Final thought: Homophobic Christians took over the American Idol ballotbox, just like they're trying to do in real life. It's at least a plausible explanation considering 100 million votes but the lowest ratings ever for last night’s finale. Who’s voting besides the viewers and why? The Washington Post says you can expect these questions to be batted around the water cooler tomorrow.

****

The two-hour finale has just begun. I thought it was just the pre-teen, text-message obsessed crowd that might create an upset on American Idol tonight, resulting in Kris Allen beating Adam Lambert. But, there may be a religious factor and he may pick up a big chunk of the Danny Gokey vote: [More...]

[Kris] Allen is a married college student and has worked as a church worship leader. Gokey, a widower, is a church music director.

To Kris' credit,

Allen said Monday that he hoped the outcome isn't decided by "having the Christian vote." "I hope it has to do with your talent and the performance that you give and the package that you have. It's not about religion and all that kind of stuff," he said.

In any event, it's going to be a close one.

Lots of performances: Lionel Richie, Carlos Santana, Cindi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, the reigning American Idol David Cook and season 4 winner Carrie Underwood.

Even the New York Times is live-blogging the finale. I'm just going to watch and update through the hour over at PopLeft. Feel free to comment here or there -- I'll be going back and forth. And rooting for Adam. I even texted my vote in twice last night.

Update: Thanks to Jesse Csinscak for putting my PopLeft story on his petition for DWTS on his site.

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American Idol Upset: Kris Allen Wins | 76 comments (76 topical)

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According to dialidol.com, (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by rdandrea on Wed May 20, 2009 at 08:45:30 PM EST

a site that tracks busy signals on the call-in numbers (among people who download its software), Kris was ahead by 1.1 percent last night with a 1.5 percent margin of error.

Whatever.

All I know is that I won't have to listen to Randy say, "Yo-Dude-Check it out" for almost a whole year.

And for that I'm grateful.

I'm disappointed (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:14:44 PM EST

for Adam, even Kris said he deserved it, but Adam will still be a star, and probably a much bigger one than Kris, title and all. But it was so obvious who should have won.

: I told my husband, who thought (none / 0) (#32)
by Anne on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:24:56 PM EST

Adam was the better singer, that I didn't think the Idol demographic was going to work in Adam's favor.
The two of them have such different musical personalities - Adam fitting more into the whole "star" thing, and Kris seeming more - to me - like a musician/artist.
I wish them both well, and look forward to hearing their work in the future.

Maybe (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by TomStewart on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:56:42 AM EST

It was that terrible version of 'Ring of Fire' Adam did. Johnny Cash should rise from the grave and take revenge for that one.

: Heh. (none / 0) (#62)
by Fabian on Thu May 21, 2009 at 07:58:10 AM EST

I saw some of the selections that Adam sang (didn't hear, just read the titles). I get the impression that the top contenders don't do go for anything edgy or risky.
Now someone with the guts to take on Ani Difranco - I could get into that. "I Am Not A Pretty Girl" would be interesting. "Little Plastic Castles" would certainly be a risky move for American Idol.
Only in my dreams, of course. Only in my dreams.

Who's voting for Kris Allen? (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by Mshepnj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:58:26 AM EST

Who's voting for Kris? Me, my secretary and boss among others. Why? We preferred Kris' "less is more" style to Adam's extravaganza.

Personally, I couldn't care less who Adam and Kris choose to love, and I don't care what church, synagogue, mosque or temple they belong to or don't belong to. Their private lives are none of my concern. Honestly, I think the "culture war" aspect is overblown.

They are both talented guys and deserving and I really do think it's a matter of musical and style preference for most people who are voting.

However, I think the judges inadvertently didn't help Adam because they were so over the top in their praise of him, and so dismissive of Kris and the obviousness of their preference for Adam I think may have rubbed some people the wrong way. I know it did me. There is a reason why some people root for the underdog.

My 2 cents on Adam and Kris:

Adam is the front-runner, showman who strives to make each performance to work of art on the big canvas. Kris is the dark-horse who makes love to a song, connects with it emotionally and makes me feel it.

I think Adam is very entertaining and will be a blast to see perform live. He has an incredible range and I like his singing best on "Tracks of My Tears" - with the softer touch. But while some adore his high range, I think he's shrieky an shrill when he wails on those high notes; it's like nails on a chalkboard for me.

Kris' understated, some people would say bland. I love the intimacy he brings to a performance, his ability to interpret and generally the tone of his voice.

I'd be more likely to pay money to see Adam perform live and buy Kris' album. It's all good.

Final thought: Homophobic Christians (5.00 / 1) (#70)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 21, 2009 at 11:18:57 AM EST

Final thought: Homophobic Christians took over the American Idol ballotbox, just like they're trying to do in real life. It's at least a plausible explanation

Another plausible explanation is that the biggest voting block is tween and teen girls. They seem to really go for the cute, sweet, non-threatening, "he would only want to cuddle" type of pop-star.

But of course that would not advance the agenda of Christophobic Democrats who want to take over the ballot box.

Oops, oh yeah, they already did...

Allison sang with Cindi (none / 0) (#1)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 08:17:29 PM EST

I want to know who dressed the girls like hookers for the Fergie intro.

Back to Allison, it was a nice pair up. Hope to see more of her in the future.

I do think a lot of the Danny vote will swing to Kris. I'm hoping Adam wins, but I don't mind Kris at all and think he would do well as the AI also. I think we will see more of Allison, Kris and Adam in the future. Not sure how mainstream Danny will end up. Prob 'cause I just never connected with him ;)

Ah, Adam's on {swoon!} lol!~

We're on different time zones (none / 0) (#2)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 08:20:14 PM EST

so no spoilers, ok? But do keep letting us know what to watch for.


: Oops! Sorry! (none / 0) (#3)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 08:24:25 PM EST

Def watch for Adam!!! He sure puts some life in the theater and show ;) I really can't wait to see what he does after this.
Me, I'm back to hauling some recycling down 4 flights . . . . {sigh}

Who did Daughtry lose to? (none / 0) (#11)
by Inspector Gadget on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:20:35 PM EST

All four of the last standing this season have tremendous careers ahead of them, IMHO. The past winners have not always done better than their runners up have.

In the end, the talent will survive and thrive.


Taylor Hicks (none / 0) (#12)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:31:16 PM EST

won. Katherine McPhee was the runnerup


: Hard to believe now (none / 0) (#13)
by Inspector Gadget on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:35:58 PM EST

Daughtry has a pretty great career going.
I saw where Taylor is currently in "Grease". Kathryn, I think is singing, but haven't heard anything about her in awhile.
So, they are all performing in music, but I don't think I've heard anyone but Daughtry on the radio. When he was voted off, I did read that it was speculated he already had a record deal and wanted to get away from the prize restrictions.

Some that didn't finish (none / 0) (#14)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:37:12 PM EST

in the top two, that had things work out well for them based on their Idol experience.

Tamyra Gray
Kimberly Caldwell
Jennifer Hudson
Chris Daughtry


You forgot Clay Aiken (none / 0) (#36)
by Inspector Gadget on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:33:35 PM EST

I've never heard of the first two on your list :)


: Clay (none / 0) (#42)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:44:35 PM EST

finished second so I left him off the list. Tamyra has had roles on several television shows and on Broadway. Kimberly Caldwell is on my television every night doing a gossipy program for TV Guide.

I am not a fan of guys who (none / 0) (#37)
by vml68 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:33:40 PM EST

wear makeup but I make an exception for Adam Lambert. I am digging those sexy "guy linered" eyes!


: His eyes really work with makeup (none / 0) (#47)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:01:18 PM EST

not all people's do.

I hate the anti-meth commercials (none / 0) (#4)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 08:33:40 PM EST

what a downer.

This time zone thing s$cks! (none / 0) (#6)
by coast on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:06:24 PM EST

Can't talk about the guest or nothin'.

Sure you can (none / 0) (#7)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:13:59 PM EST

Just don't tell us who wins.


I don't want to spoil the guest appearances either (none / 0) (#8)
by coast on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:16:40 PM EST

They had some really good ones this year. I won't spoil the final guest, but it was really good.


Never mind, (none / 0) (#9)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:17:32 PM EST

the NY Times already has the winner up.

It's okay to write what you want.


Wow...now that does s$ck. (none / 0) (#10)
by coast on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:19:42 PM EST

Sorry about that. Keep watching though. Like I said, the final couple of guest are very good.


Ok, did you think this was one of the better (none / 0) (#15)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:38:03 PM EST

finals with the guests? I could have done without a couple of them, but a few really added some spark! I did like when Graham Nash was on and the duet he did what ever year that was, but I'm usually pretty underwhelmed with their guests and mass productions with the contestants.


I think one of the big winners (none / 0) (#16)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:44:23 PM EST

from the week that wasn't on television at all was Pink. Her song "So What" was featured on Dancing With The Stars on Monday night and on Idol tonight.

Gotta love Pink


I was really liking Carlos Santana, (none / 0) (#20)
by Anne on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:53:16 PM EST

until the whole Idol gang joined in and it sounded like a 5th grade chorus sing-a-long...

I think my favorite moment was Kara coming out to show up Bikini Girl - Kara can really sing! - I loved her popping her dress open to show her own bikini! And I thought it was kind of endearing how uncomfortable she was at exposing herself like that.

Interesting to me is that a lot of the Kris/Adam numbers seemed designed to showcase Adam; I couldn't decide if that was meant to be a consolation prize for Adam, or an indication of who the show's producers wanted to win.

I was happy at how it all turned out.


It was interesting the way they did the production (none / 0) (#22)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:01:08 PM EST

but I felt Kris held up ok in those numbers. And I think he needs a bit of that or I can see him playing it too safe. Getting pushed a bit is generally a good thing creatively ;)

Adam really showed what's been missing from music lately, lol!~ Ahhh . . those were the days. A lil' of Bowie and I would have been very happy :)

I really liked Allison also. I see her growing into herself in a good way. She should be able to make her own mark.


I agree with the Adam observation, (none / 0) (#23)
by coast on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:01:25 PM EST

but I can't decide if it was because they thought he would win or maybe Adam is just that talented that he fits in with the likes of Kiss and Queen. I really liked Kris duet with Urban. Thought that was really good.

What the heck was with the Steve Martin bit. Love him as a comedian, but that was out of place.


: About Queen and Adam... (none / 0) (#66)
by Mshepnj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 09:05:02 AM EST

I've heard that Queen is currently without a lead singer. I think Adam would fit perfectly and would do Freddie proud - after his commitments to the AI Machine are done at the end of summer.
In some ways, Adam gets the better deal, because he's not saddled to a saccarine coronation song as a "first single".

Liked the duet with (none / 0) (#21)
by coast on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:55:58 PM EST

Keith Urban, Black Eyed Peas were fun, like seeing Rod Stewart - but he looked really old, Kiss was terrific, and the ending with Queen was great. Oh almost forgot Santana.


Liked the KU duet also. (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:05:33 PM EST

I actually googled Stewart to see how old he was, lol!~ He seemed to be retaining his youth for a good long time. Now . . .

KISS and Queen I thought were perfect. Santana was great until the idols got out there. Boy, when he plays that guitar though . . . sounded so nice.


Stewart....65 maybe? (none / 0) (#26)
by coast on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:09:39 PM EST

1945 (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:13:55 PM EST

I came up with stories on how they were trying to have another baby . . .

{runs away from google}


I turned to my husband and said, (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by Anne on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:17:47 PM EST

"you know those teenyboppers are looking at Stewart and asking, 'who's that old guy?'"

I thought it was interesting that Kris sang that awful Kara-written song a lot better tonight than he did last night - I think he started in a lower key and that made quite a difference. Still think it's a stupid song.


: My impression (none / 0) (#34)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:30:26 PM EST

though not certain is that it was lip synced and done in the studio earlier.

: The huge downside to winning AI (none / 0) (#39)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:38:14 PM EST

you have to sing an awful cheesy a** song at the end. Adam was spared that, lol!~
Wonder how many of the boppers knew Santana, Queen, KISS, Cyndi etc. We are starting to hit the real divide here . . . .

Adam should have won. He's the best singer. (none / 0) (#17)
by Angel on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:49:37 PM EST

Kris Allen is b.o.r.i.n.g.

Tatiana is like (none / 0) (#18)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:50:43 PM EST

fingernails on a chalkboard. If she had made the final 12/13 or whatever, I wouldn't have watched the season.

Tatiana (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:52:22 PM EST

may have a future on All My Children. She is a living breathing soap opera.


: Nope, she doesn't even fit there! (none / 0) (#25)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:07:38 PM EST

They may get some whacky story lines and go a bit over the top, but that chick is in a class, umm planet, all her own.

I'm not sure it was such an upset (none / 0) (#29)
by rdandrea on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:16:50 PM EST

if you consider that Kris probably got most, if not all, of Danny's votes.

Highlights (in my opinion): Allison and Cyndi Lauper--by about a mile. Second, Adam singing with Brian May and what's left of Queen. He should go on tour with them. Kris' verses were forgettable.

Lowlights (also in my opinion): Rod Stewart--by about 10 miles--he stumbled his way to the microphone; Kiss.

Special mention: Steve Martin's sh*t-eating "hey, I hate this, but it's a payday" grin. Priceless.

: Biggest LOWlight was that (none / 0) (#35)
by Inspector Gadget on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:31:00 PM EST

awards segment showing those auditions of people who were intended only for mocking laughs.
I still don't see that there is an advantage to being the winner on this program. It doesn't seem to give them a better chance at success than the ones with personality (like Kelly Pickler), and real talent (like Clay Aiken, Daughtry, and Hudson).

My final thought: (none / 0) (#31)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:24:33 PM EST

Final thought: Homophobic Christians took over the American Idol ballotbox, just like they're trying to do in real life. Thats how I see it and the most plausible explanation.

Oh, come on, Jeralyn - (5.00 / 2) (#38)
by Anne on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:34:03 PM EST

I know you're disappointed, but that's going a little too far, and it really denigrates someone who is clearly a talented musician - Kris. Why is it so hard to imagine that more people actually liked Kris better?

I can't imagine that millions of pre-teens - who are probably the bulk of the voters - give a rat's patootie whether Adam is gay, straight or bisexual. The image of millions of middle-aged mouth-breathing homophobes bothering to spend money to call or text votes to American Idol just to keep Adam Lambert from winning is one I just can't picture.


I agree.... (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by vml68 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:42:01 PM EST

I just can't see the Jonas brothers loving pre-teens voting for Adam over Kris.
I thought that was the reason AI did not spotlight Kris' wife only his parents...they did not want to crush all those adolescent fantasies.


They even said that about his wife early on (none / 0) (#44)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:52:44 PM EST

Wasn't it Simon who said he should put some distance there for the competition?

And black nail polish with a shot of eyeliner never really flies with the closed mentality ;)


I started watching AI (none / 0) (#46)
by vml68 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:57:39 PM EST

after Adam sang Mad World so I don't really know what happened on the show before that.


: That was great! (5.00 / 1) (#49)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:04:58 PM EST

It was def before that, that Simon said something about not showing the wife too much because of teen status. Kinda of jokingly, but he had a point.
I liked Kris's honesty in his work. Same with Adam and Allison. I think some of the others were honest in their work, but the performances didn't work as well.

I don't think it's that much of a stretch (none / 0) (#43)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:49:22 PM EST

I figured Danny's votes would go to him. Do I think they are all Homophobs? No, but prob a larger majority than those that voted for Adam. Some of the younger ones may not have been consciously voting sexual preference, but I'm sure Adam was a bit much for them. They'll figure it out down the road. It's not just what the kids think, they live in a house with their parents and are influenced to a degree.

I happen to be glad Kris was in the top 2 if it wasn't Allison, because I do think he has talent. He's also cute and Christian, so that is why other people like him, for one or both or all three reasons. I'm also pretty sure Adam has cemented his career, so no great "loss" :)


nycstray- the use of the term (none / 0) (#51)
by kenosharick on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:07:56 PM EST

"sexual preference" is highly offensive to many gay people including me. Preference implies a choice. I was born gay, its my sexual orientation.


: My apologies (none / 0) (#57)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:57:44 PM EST

I actually hesitated when I typed that.It didn't seem quite right, but orientation just wasn't popping into my brain or fingers at the time I was typing. Word F@rt. Again, my apologies.

Exactly (none / 0) (#59)
by mjames on Thu May 21, 2009 at 12:18:56 AM EST

I watched ONLY the final last night. Nothing all season. I was once a fairly decent musician. I knew nothing about either singer. To me, Kris Allen was the better singer last night.


Exactamundo. (none / 0) (#72)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 21, 2009 at 11:24:19 AM EST

Either that or (none / 0) (#33)
by rdandrea on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:27:01 PM EST

Votefortheworst.com finally won out.

They were pushing Kris pretty hard all week.


It's not the first time. (none / 0) (#67)
by Mshepnj on Thu May 21, 2009 at 09:17:34 AM EST

VFTW backed Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks.


: They picked them after they became the front- (none / 0) (#73)
by Angel on Thu May 21, 2009 at 11:30:10 AM EST

runners, not before. Where VFTW had power was with Sanjaya Malakar and the tall skinny girl Antonia or something like that.

Although I love your search (none / 0) (#40)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:39:35 PM EST

for a reason, you need to be more of a sociologist and less of a lawyer in evaluating these outcomes. I listed a few reasons why Kris would win on PopLeft for you earlier today. From the outside looking in, Kris is just more likable.


I think Adam is very likable (none / 0) (#45)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:56:25 PM EST

he was always very gracious, right down to the twinkle in his eye. He obviously has a loving family etc. Never once saw him throw attitude, and he and Kris were looking like they were close. Ime, he could have been a raving a** with that talent. I've run into more than a few in my line of work.


Don't get me wrong (5.00 / 1) (#53)
by CoralGables on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:09:25 PM EST

Adam could be the greatest guy in the world and Kris a real ass. And I agree, Adam was always gracious. But when you only see someone on stage a few minutes a week, we don't get to read the book we only see the cover. Kris has the better cover for teen girls that vote, and for their moms deciding who they would want their daughter bringing home to dinner.

These were the four reasons I gave earlier today why Kris would win. Note none of them deal with singing ability which I saw in the two of them as different but semi-equal.

He's a better musician.
He's better looking.
He's less theatrical.
He's less polarizing.


I think the "better looking" (none / 0) (#54)
by vml68 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:23:35 PM EST

reason is a matter of opinion. I would take Adam's looks over Kris' any day of the week. IMO he looks good when he is all glammed up and he looks even better when he wearing a suit and his hair is all slicked back!


Yeah, Kris is cute (none / 0) (#58)
by nycstray on Thu May 21, 2009 at 12:06:20 AM EST

but better looking than Adam?! Not in my book. Adam is good looking and also knows how to work it. I really appreciated that he would wear a suit and clean his hair up. Damn, he was sure good at working that look. If Kris starts stretching his boundaries, his good looks could work even better for him. Adam understands this, Kris isn't there yet. But with Adam's help . . . ;)


: Adam is actually strikingly good looking (none / 0) (#63)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:49:02 AM EST

and you can tell he takes the time to present himself well. I happen to think that is a real asset to character. Both his parents are also very attractive.
Kris is simply cute. He looks sweet and gentle.
Each image is very appealing.

you do realize that 3 of the 4 (none / 0) (#75)
by Jlvngstn on Thu May 21, 2009 at 10:28:37 PM EST

statements you make are entirely subjective?


I saw an interview of both of (none / 0) (#48)
by vml68 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:01:58 PM EST

them on CNN. Apparently they were roommates for most of the show. Kris said that Adam helped him out during rehearsals and would give him advice on some of the song arrangements.


Interesting. Thanks for the info (none / 0) (#52)
by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:08:42 PM EST

I actually liked the Ford song they did tonight. it makes sense now that I know they were roommates. They def are tuned into each other. I hope they stay in touch.


: Another interesting tidbit... (none / 0) (#68)
by vml68 on Thu May 21, 2009 at 09:29:08 AM EST

Kris Allen's family said that Kris had Adam paint his thumbnail with black nailpolish and had Adam remove the polish from his thumb as a show of support...kinda cute and odd at the same time.

I just answered you over there (none / 0) (#56)
by Jeralyn on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:33:54 PM EST

I agree- America (none / 0) (#50)
by kenosharick on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:05:20 PM EST

did not want one of us queers as their American Idol. Homophobia plain and simple. I know it should not matter, but it reminded me of when best picture front runner "Brokeback Mountain" lost to an lnferior movie. Adam will go on and have a great career. I feel slighted.


: Look on the bright side.... (none / 0) (#55)
by vml68 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 11:26:00 PM EST

atleast Adam did not have to sing that cr*ptastic "mountains and hurricanes" song again.

: So (none / 0) (#61)
by coast on Thu May 21, 2009 at 07:52:43 AM EST

you are inferring that the members of the Academy of Motion Piture Atrs and Sciences are homophobic...ah I doubt that very seriously.

: I sincerely hope that's not true, kenosharick (none / 0) (#64)
by Inspector Gadget on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:53:22 AM EST

But, there certainly is a group of judgmental, self-righteous know-it-alls in this country. I think those same people are behind just about every openly prejudicial movement we all have to deal with, so we all get a bit of their wrath.
I hope I live long enough to see your liberties realized.

: So you didn't want the straight guy to win? (none / 0) (#71)
by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu May 21, 2009 at 11:21:36 AM EST

What are you, a straightophobe?

No surprise whatsoever (none / 0) (#69)
by KoolJeffrey on Thu May 21, 2009 at 11:06:11 AM EST

Jeralyn said:

Homophobic Christians took over the American Idol ballotbox....

Of course they did. Three quarters of Americans are Christians. I'm guessing a sizable majority of them are homophobes. A lot of voters for the finale haven't kept up with every show, and probably didn't even vote for most of them. When the vote that counted came along, Americans displayed their true colors.

Kris was better (none / 0) (#74)
by DaveOinSF on Thu May 21, 2009 at 12:56:44 PM EST

Adam was a bit too "out there". I'm a gay guy and preferred Kris (who is hotter too).

: matter of preference (none / 0) (#76)
by Jlvngstn on Thu May 21, 2009 at 10:34:39 PM EST

Kris grew on me but i definitely will not be buying his record. Adam is the first contestant in the 7 years i have watched who makes me want to buy his record. I think he is more talented and Kris more hearthrobbish. My wife thought Kris was cheesy but we are in our 40's and not his target audience.
I don't mind Kris won, and he demonstrated a ton of class with his words for Adam. I hope my sons turn out as respectful as either one of them, they were both great all season. Their parents should be very proud, not of their talent but for the way they presented themselves.....