American Idol

Kris Allen takes the 'American Idol' title

2009-05-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kris Allen's smooth vocals and boy-next-door image propelled him to "American Idol" victory Wednesday, turning the theatrical powerhouse Adam Lambert into the most unlikely of also-rans.
"I'm sorry, I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy," said a stunned Allen, 23, of Conway, Ark.
As host Ryan Seacrest said in announcing the result of the viewer vote, "The underdog, the dark horse, comes back and wins the nation over."
Lambert's commanding vocal range and stage presence — and the judges' adoration of him — at times turned "Idol" into "The Adam Lambert Show," with the other contestants mere guests. But it turned out that "Idol" viewers could embrace a gifted performer like Lambert, one who sported black nail polish and bold self-assurance, only to a point.
Simon Cowell tipped his hat to both contestants Wednesday.
"To both of you, and I don't normally mean this, I thought you were both brilliant. .... The future's all yours," the judge said.
Before the results were announced, Lambert and Allen had a moment of musical camaraderie: They joined together with Queen on the rock anthem "We Are the Champions."
"Adam did win. So did Kris. Nobody lost tonight. These are two champions," said Paul Stanley from Kiss backstage.
The outcome echoed last year's contest, when Cowell all but crowned David Archuleta after the performance finale — but the victory went to David Cook.
Lambert's triumph was never inevitable. When Allen and Lambert were declared the finalists last week, just 1 million viewer votes separated the pair out of 88 million cast.

American Idol 2009

2009-05-12T02:23:00.000-07:00

This week on American Idol 2009 there are just three remaining singers after last week’s elimination of Allison Iraheta. There is just a little over a week to go in the season with the Top 3 performing Tuesday and the Top 2 performing next Tuesday.

Tuesday’s performances will be double trouble when the judges pick a song for each contestant and the contestants each pick one for themselves.

Wednesday’s results show will feature the return of former Idol winner, Jordin Sparks who will be performing “Battlefield.”. Also singing that night will be Katy Perry with “One of the Boys.”

Three Finalists of American Idol 2009 :
Adam Lambert
Danny Gokey
Kris Allen

After scare, Danny Gokey is in 'American Idol's' final 3

2009-05-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

It was a bit of a nail-biter, but Milwaukee's Danny Gokey made it to the final three on Fox's "American Idol" on Wednesday night.

It was either the 29-year-old Gokey or 17-year-old Allison Iraheta who were to be sent home after the viewer vote. In the end, it was the talented young rocker who got the ax, despite a spirited performance of Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby."

Joining Gokey in the last phase of the competition for a recording contract are Kris Allen, 23, of Conway, Ark., and Adam Lambert, 26, of Los Angeles.

Finalists were announced in random order, so there's no way of knowing who had the most votes after Tuesday's "Rock Night" performances.

Host Ryan Seacrest reported that more than 64 million votes were recorded after Tuesday's show, the biggest total ever for a non-finale week.

There was some doubt about Gokey's fate after his Tuesday night performance of Aerosmith's "Dream On." His final note had drawn criticism from the judges, something he had eluded at first.

"When we're up here, the sound drowns everything out," Gokey said on Wednesday's show, adding that he thought the note was right on the money.

"But I listened to it back, and I have to say, I laughed the whole night. I think it's my funniest moment on 'American Idol,' that note. I definitely made a name for myself last night with that horror scream. I think it'll be in movies soon."

The most outspoken "Idol" judge, Simon Cowell, said Tuesday that the screech that ended Gokey's song "was like watching a horror movie."

Cowell has been predicting for weeks that Gokey and Lambert would be the last two "Idol" finalists standing.

'American Idol' crews visit Milwaukee

2009-05-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

Danny Gokey was so shocked by his young wife's sudden death last summer that he couldn't cry during her funeral at Faith Builders International Ministries.

On Friday, the 29-year-old "American Idol" finalist returned to the church for a joyful event, singing gospel songs to 1,000 or more people, including friends, family and fans.

"To see him from where he was, because I was here for the funeral, this room packed out for a funeral and now: joy," said his friend, Ruben Burgos, 26.

Gokey returned to his hometown Friday to film footage to air in the two weeks leading up to the May 19-20 finale. The church music director is one of three finalists, along with Adam Lambert from San Diego and Kris Allen from Conway, Ark.

Gokey's wife, Sophia, died during surgery for a congenital heart defect four weeks before he auditioned for the show.

"I couldn't even cry. ... I was so shocked," Gokey told the crowd. "Me and my family, we didn't know how to say goodbye. ... It was the most tragic event I ever had to face in my life."

The couple had agreed he would try out for the show, and Gokey has called Sophia his "biggest inspiration."

He started his day early Friday morning at the local Fox affiliate, WITI-TV, where hundreds of people, many young girls, screamed his name and held signs that read "Ga Ga Gokey, ur our idol" and "We love you Danny."

After the visit, Gokey said he's struggled with song selection on "Idol."

"I've always done gospel music and I don't know much about the music outside of that realm," he said. "Literally every song I pick, I'm learning. I don't know what to pick and song choice has been the most difficult thing for me, and it only gets harder as it goes."

On Tuesday, "Idol" judge Simon Cowell criticized Gokey's performance of Aerosmith's "Dream On." Cowell said Gokey's final note _ an elongated scream _ "was like watching a horror movie."

"Rock wasn't my thing, and I bit off a song that was bigger than me," he said.

"I loved it. It was terrible sounding, but it was funny. ... The thing is I can hit the note but that was like the 40th time. Finally, you get to a point your voice can only handle (so much). Right now my voice is sore from the rock."

At the church Friday, he returned to his gospel roots, singing "Glorify Him," "Keep on Praising" and "Praise Medley." His voice raspy from singing, he thanked God, his pastor Jeff Pruitt and his family for their support.

"Here all I got to do is sing and focus upward," he told the crowd. "On the 'American Idol' stage I got to work on focusing on the camera. I'm not the kind of guy to be all funky and crazy in front of the camera, but I'm developing that."

Ruben Burgos, 26, and his wife, Annie Burgos, 27, belong to the church but usually attend services at its Beloit location. Ruben Burgos said he and Gokey met in high school.

"He slept over at my house. We ate pancakes," he said. "It's amazing. You know, to see where he is at now. People are just getting to know the gift that's in him for people."

At one stop Gokey met Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who gave him an autographed jersey. Gokey later gave a free concert at the lakefront festival grounds.

The singer wrapped up his day by performing the national anthem and throwing out the first pitch of the Cubs-Brewers game at Miller Park.

He took to the rubber and pretended to make an underhand toss before winding up and nearly throwing the ball to the backstop if not for infielder Casey McGehee's leaping catch.

And then there were three

2009-05-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

The three last contestants standing on "American Idol" made hometown visits last week. Highlights will air at 8 p.m. today:

Adam Lambert's old high school greeted the "Idol" front-runner with cheerleaders, a marching band and thousands of fans on Friday.

In return, Lambert, 27, offered the crowd at Mt. Carmel High School two songs and a few words of appreciation.

"This is so weird," he said, thanking the crowd from a makeshift stage on the packed stadium's field. He advised students to "believe in yourself" no matter what others may say.

Lambert's renditions of Michael Jackson's "Black or White" and "Mad World" won applause despite a tinny sound system.

Lambert was a standout in high school, too, said Bryan Clark, 26, of San Diego, who graduated in the class of 2000 with him and attended the celebration Friday.

"He was definitely good," said Clark, who recalled seeing Lambert perform at pep rallies and other school events. "I'm proud of the guy. It's always good to see people making their dreams happen."

Kris Allen brought a little bit of rock back to his Arkansas hometown.

An estimated crowd of more than 20,000 packed an area of downtown Conway, about 20 miles north of Little Rock, to hear the 23-year-old finalist belt out songs such as Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror."

Allen appeared a little overwhelmed by the swooning fans, telling them: "You guys are crazy."

The concert was the last big public event on Allen's schedule Friday, which included performances in Little Rock, at the University of Central Arkansas and a parade in his honor before the Conway show.

At the university show, 24-year-old Chris Rodriguez, who said he grew up with the "Idol" finalist in Arkansas, called the singer "a good guy. He's incredibly talented, and he is what you see."

Finalist Danny Gokey started his day at the local Fox affiliate, where hundreds of people, many young girls, screamed his name and held signs that read "Ga Ga Gokey, ur our idol" and "We love you Danny."

Gokey's schedule also included a parade with Green Bay Packers players; a concert at the lakefront festival grounds; and delivering the national anthem at a Brewers-Cubs game at Miller Park.

He also stopped at his church, Faith Builders International Ministries, on Milwaukee's south side. Gokey, 29, volunteered as song director at the church before auditioning for "Idol."

American Idol Finalists Return Home

2009-05-11T22:58:00.001-07:00

The finalists in American Idol 2009 have returned to their home towns to meet fans and sing live.
Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey will compete to win the talent show as it reaches its climax on May 20.

And to drum up support they’ve each hit different parts of the US with cameras in tow.
Danny Gokey was in Milwaukee on Friday where he performed at the gospel church where he is musical director.
Between singing gospel he talked about the funeral of his wife last year which also took place at the church.
He said: "I couldn't even cry. ... I was so shocked… Me and my family, we didn't know how to say goodbye... It was the most tragic event I ever had to face in my life."
On the same day Adam Lambert was at his old high school in San Diego to sing two songs to adoring fans.
He ran through his versions of Michael Jackson’s Black Or White and Tears For Fears’ hit Mad World.
Kris Allen played three free gigs near his hometown of Conway, Ark.- singing The Beatles classic Come Together and Aint No Sunshine.
At the biggest gig Allen played to 3,000 people at the Little Rock outdoor amphitheatre.

Michael Sarver

2009-05-10T02:28:00.001-07:00

Michael Sarver
Hometown: Jasper, Texas
Age: 27

Songs Performed
Thank You by Boyz II Men
Some Kind of Wonderful by Grand Funk Railroad as part of a group with Adam Lambert, Matt Breitzke, Jessica Langseth
I Don’t Wanna Be by Gavin DeGraw - 17th Feb 2009, First Live Show
Saved: Top 13 Feb 18th 2009, First Results Show.
You’re Not Alone Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Ain’t Goin’ Down Till the Sun Comes Up by Garth Brooks Tuesday March 17th 2009
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg by The Temptations Wednesday March 25th 2009
Bottom Three - Thursday, March 26th - Top 10 Results
Eliminated: Thursday, March 26th - Top 10 Results Show

Lil Rounds

2009-05-10T02:27:00.002-07:00

Lil Rounds
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Age: 23
Audition City: Kansas City

Songs Performed
All I Do by Stevie Wonder
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
Be Without You by Mary J. Blige Tuesday, March 3rd, Top 36 Round, Group 3
The Way You Make Me Feel Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Independence Day by Carrie Underwood Tuesday March 17th 2009
Heatwave by Martha and the Vandellas Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
Surrender by Celine Dion - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Bottom Three - Top 8 - April 8th 2009
Saved - Top 7 - April 8th 2009
The Rose by Bette Midler - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
Bottom Three - Top 7 - April 15th 2009
I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
Eliminated: - Wednesday April 22nd 2009 - Top 7 Results Show

Jorge Nunez

2009-05-10T02:27:00.001-07:00

Jorge Nunez
Age: 20
Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Audition City: San Juan, PR

Songs Performed
My Way and What a Wonderful Road
Angel by Secada
Closer by Ne-Yo
Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me by Elton John Tuesday, March 3rd, Top 36 Round, Group 3.
Never Can Say Goodbye Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Eliminated: Wednesday, March 11th

Videos

Jorge Nu & ntilde

2009-05-10T02:26:00.004-07:00

Scott MacIntyre

2009-05-10T02:26:00.003-07:00

Scott Douglas MacIntyre
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Audition City: Phoenix
Age: 23

Songs Performed
And So It Goes by Billy Joel
Home by Daughtry
Mandolin Rain by Bruce Hornsby Tuesday, March 3rd, Top 36 Round, Group 3
Keep the Faith Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Wild Angels by Martina McBride Tuesday March 17th 2009
You Can’t Hurray Love by The Supremes Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
* Bottom Three - Top 10 - Thursday March 26th 2009
Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
The Search is Over by Survivor - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Bottom Three - Top 8 - April 8th 2009
Eliminated - April 8th 2009

Adam Lambert

2009-05-10T02:26:00.001-07:00

Adam Lambert
Age: 26
Hometown: Hollywood, CA

Songs Performed
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Some Kind of Wonderful by Grand Funk Railroad as part of a group with Michael Sarver, Matt Breitzke, Jessica Langseth
Believe by Cher - Hollywood, 10th Feb 2009.
Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones Wed, Feb 25th, Top 36 Round, Group 2.
Black and White Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash Tuesday March 17th 2009
Tracks of my Tears by Smokey and the Miracles Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
Mad World by Tears for Fears - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
If I Can’t Have You by Yvonne Elliman - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
Feeling Good - Tuesday April 28th 2009 - Top 5
Bottom 3 - Wednesday April 29th 2009 - Top 5
Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4
Duet on Slow Ride by Foghat with Allison Iraheta - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4

Allison Iraheta

2009-05-10T02:25:00.005-07:00

Allison Iraheta
Age: 16
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Songs Performed
Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
Alone by Heart Wed, Feb 25th, Top 36 Round, Group 2.
Give it to Me Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Blame It on Your Heart by Patty Loveless Tuesday March 17th 2009
Papa was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations - Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
Don’t Speak by No Doubt - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
Bottom Three - Top 9 - April 1st 2009
Saved - Now Top 8 - April 1st 2009
I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
Hot Stuff by Donna Summer - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
Someone to Watch Over Me - Tuesday April 28th 2009 - Top 5
Cry Baby by Janis Joplin - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4
Duet on Slow Ride by Foghat with Adam Lambert - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4
Eliminated: Wednesday 6th May 2009 Top 4

Alexis Grace

2009-05-10T02:25:00.003-07:00

Alexis Grace
Age: 21
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Audition City: Louisville

Songs Performed
Dr. Feelgood by Aretha Franklin
Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
I Never Loved A Man by Aretha Franklin - 17th Feb 2009, First Live Show
Saved: Top 12 Feb 18th 2009, First Results Show.
Dirty Diana Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Jolene by Dolly Parton Tuesday March 17th 2009
Eliminated: March 18th 2009

Danny Gokey

2009-05-10T02:25:00.001-07:00

Danny Gokey
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Audition City: Kansas City
Age: 28

Songs Performed
Heard it Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
Kiss From a Rose
Somebody to Love by Queen as part of group ‘Rainbow Coalition‘ with Jamar Rogers and Taylor Vaifanua
I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack - Hollywood, 10th Feb 2009
Hero by Mariah Carey - 17th Feb 2009, First Live Show
Saved: Top 12 Feb 18th 2009, First Results Show
Pretty Young Thing Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Jesus, Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood Tuesday March 17th 2009
Get Ready by The Temptations - Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
Stand By Me by Ben E. King - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Endless Love by Diana Ross - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
September - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
Come Rain Come Shine - Tuesday April 28th 2009 - Top 5
Duet on Renegade by Styx with Kris Allen - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4
Dream On by Aerosmith - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4

Kris Allen

2009-05-10T02:24:00.004-07:00

Kris Allen
Age: 23
Hometown: Conway, Arkansas
Audition City: Louisville

Songs Performed
A Song For You by Leon Russell
I want You Back by The Jackson 5 as part of group ‘White Chocolate’ with India Morrison, Justin Williams and Matt Giraud
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson Wed, Feb 25th, Top 36 Round, Group 2.
Remember the Time Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks Tuesday March 17th 2009
How Sweet it Is by Marvin Gaye Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
All She Wants To do is Dance by Don Henley - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
She Works Hard For the Money by Donna Summer - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
The Way You Look Tonight - Tuesday April 28th 2009 - Top 5
Bottom 3 - Wednesday April 29th 2009 - Top 5
Duet on Renegade by Styx with Danny Gokey - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4
Come Together by The Beatles - Tuesday May 5th 2009 - Top 4

Anoop Desai

2009-05-10T02:24:00.003-07:00

Anoop Desai
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Audition City: Kansas City
Age: 22

Songs Performed
Thank You by Boys II Men
If It’s Magic by Stevie Wonder
My Perogative by Bobby Brown
Angel Of Mine by Monica 17th Feb 2009, First Live Show
Eliminated: Feb 18th 2009, First Results Show
Wild-Card Round Re-entered as a wild-card on March 4th, 3rd Results Show. Performing again on Thursday March 5th live show for a place in the top 12.
My Perogative by Bobby Brown Thursday, 5th March, Wildcard Round.
Beat It Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
You Were Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson Tuesday March 17th 2009
Ohh Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
Caught Up by Usher Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
Bottom Three - Top 9 - April 1st 2009
Saved - Now Top 8 - April 1st 2009
True Colors by Cyndi Lauper - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Bottom Three - Top 8 - April 8th 2009
Saved - Top 7 - April 8th 2009
Everything I Do by Bryan Adams - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
Bottom Three - Top 7 - April 15th 2009
Dim All the Lights by Donna Summer - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
Eliminated: - Wednesday April 22nd 2009 - Top 7 Results Show

Matt Giraud

2009-05-10T02:24:00.001-07:00

Matt Giraud
Age: 23
Hometown: Kalamazoo Michigan
Audition City: Louisville

Songs Performed
I Don’t Want to Be by Gavin DeGraw
I want You Back by The Jackson 5 as part of group ‘White Chocolate’ with India Morrison, Justin Williams and Kris Allen
Georgia by Ray Charles - Hollywood, 10th Feb 2009
Viva la Vida by Coldplay Wed, Feb 25th, Top 36 Round, Group 2
Wild-Card Round Re-entered as a wild-card on March 4th, 3rd Results Show. Performing again on Thursday March 5th live show for a place in the top 12.
Who’s Loving You by The Jackson Five - Thursday, 5th March, Wildcard Round.
Human Nature Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
So Small by Carrie Underwood Tuesday March 17th 2009
Let’s Get it On by Marvin Gaye Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
* Bottom Three - Thursday, March 26th - Top 10 Results
You Found Me by The Fray - Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
Part Time Lover by Stevie Wonder - Tuesday April 7th 2009 - Top 8
Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman by Bryan Adams - Tuesday April 14th 2009 - Top 7
Saved by the Judges - Top 7 - April 15th 2009
Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees - Tuesday April 21st 2009 - Top 7
My Funny Valentine - Tuesday April 28th 2009 - Top 5
Eliminated - Wednesday April 29th 2009 - Top 5

Megan Joy Corkrey

2009-05-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

Megan Corkery
Age: 23
Hometown: Sandy, Utah
Audition City: Salt Lake City

Songs Performed
Can’t Help Lovin Dat Man
Put Your Records On by Corrine Baily Rae Wed, Feb 25th, Top 36 Round, Group 2
Wild-Card Round Re-entered as a wild-card on March 4th, 3rd Results Show. Performing again on Thursday March 5th live show for a place in the top 12.
Black Horse and the Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall Thursday, 5th March, Wildcard Round.
Rockin’ Robin Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Walking After Midnight by Patsy Cline Tuesday March 17th 2009
For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder Wednesday March 25th 2009 - Top 10
Turn Your Light’s Down Low by Bob Marley - Lauren Hill Version Tuesday March 31st 2009 - Top 9
Bottom Three - Top 9 - April 1st 2009
Eliminated - April 1st 2009

jasmine murray

2009-05-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

Jasmine Murray
Age: 17
Hometown: Brookhaven, Mississippi

Songs Performed
Big Girls Don’t Cry by Fergie
The Trouble With Love Is
Mercy by Duffy as part of group ‘Team Divas’ with Lauren Barnes, Katrina Darrell, Rose Flack
Tattoo by Jordin Sparks
Love Song by Sara Bareilles Wed, Feb 25th, Top 36 Round, Group 2
Eliminated: Thursday Feb 26th - Round Two Results Show
Wild-Card Round Re-entered as a wild-card on March 4th, 3rd Results Show. Performing again on Thursday March 5th live show for a place in the top 12.
Reflection by Christine Aguilera Thursday, 5th March, Wildcard Round.
I’ll Be There Michael Jackson week, Tuesday 10th March.
Eliminated: Wednesday, March 11th