Kris Allen Wins Idol

Wow, wow, wow. I was surprised last night when Kris Allen won American Idol. Not because he isn't talented, but because it seemed like Adam Lambert had more fans. I thought Adam was very gracious when Ryan Seacrest announced Kris as the winner for Season 8. Kris looked completely shocked. I loved seeing him hug his wife at the end and watching his dad wipe away the tears.

Kris Allen has a beautiful voice and he's so creative with the music. He's also "hot" according to my daughters--I keep reminding them that he's married and they can't have a crush on him. I think he'll do very well because he's talented in so many ways. Randy Jackson even told him that he liked the way Kris sang one of the songs on Tuesday night better than the original artist. That's high praise. Kris seems like a genuinely nice kid and I wish him the best.

The finale was filled with great entertainment. I loved seeing the finalists all reunited, especially Danny Gokey and Scott MacIntyre. Scott is so inspiring. Not only is he a great singer and an amazing musician, he's shown the world that what we see as a disability isn't necessarily one. He's overcome his sight limitations to place in American Idol, that's huge. And Danny's such an inspiration as well. He's overcome a devastating personal tragedy. What awesome examples they are of endurance and faith.

Danny Gokey Goes Home

Seriously?

I was so disappointed last night that Danny was sent home. He was my favorite. I love his voice and I love his singing style. I'd definitely buy a CD from Danny Gokey. I'm sure he'll still get a contract and make albums, but I really wanted him to win American Idol. I think he will be a successful recording artist, especially since he has such perfect pitch (except for that one scary note last week).

In a way, I'm relieved because next week is so busy with graduations, end of the school year parties, and lots of field trips and now I won't have to be stressed about missing American Idol.

I really like Kris Allen's voice and I'd definitely buy his CD. I love how creative he's been with songs and the sound of his voice. I was especially touched by the embrace between his father and him last night. What a sweet moment. I think he'll be successful whether or not he actually wins next week.

Adam Lambert is very talented and creative, but his performances sometimes leave me feeling uncomfortable and I hate when he screams the songs. I would not buy his CD just because I don't like the screaming he does in his songs and he doesn't sing songs that appeal to me (except for Mad World--that was amazing). I think he'll be a highly successful performer and I do love to see people attain their dreams. He seems like a nice kid and I'm excited for him that he's done so well, I just don't care for his type of singing.

American Idol is always fun to watch. The judges seem to have some drama going on this year and Simon is always so full of himself. The best part of the show, though, is watching these kids rise from obscurity, take hold of their dream, and improve their talent each week. I love seeing people develop and magnify their talents.

Good luck to both Kris and Adam next week.

American Idol Results

I was surprised by the results show. Apparently, so was Adam Lambert. I figured it was Matt's turn to go home, though I was disappointed because I really like his voice and style. Of course, the reality is that someone has to go home each week and now that it's nearing the end those that go home are really good.

I think Kris has done so well. I love his voice and he sings well each week. I think he's also very creative and is a strong contender. My daughters think he's hot, but I keep reminding them that he's married.

Allison is very talented. It's amazing that she's so young and can sing so well. I don't listen to the type of music she will most likely make and her voice is a bit too raspy for me.

Danny is my favorite. He's been my favorite since the audition shows. I love his voice, I love his style, I love how creative he is with the music. I love how he puts his heart in every song. He's an amazing singer.

Adam is talented, but his performances leave me unsettled. I don't know how to explain it, but something about his performances make me feel uncomfortable. I think he has a lot of talent, but I wouldn't listen to his music.

I hope that Danny Gokey wins, but however the competition ends, all of these performers will be on the road to realizing their dreams. What a fantastic opportunity for these kids.