How Kris Allen whipped Adam Lambert

by Victoria Barker

LIKEABILITY - that was what gave Kris Allen an edge over hot favourite Adam Lambert in the biggest upset in the history of American Idol.

In a shock move, Allen, 23, a college student and church worship leader from Arkansas, beat Lambert, 27, a performer from San Diego.

About 100 million votes were cast for the finale, though it was not known how many each contestant got.

Allen was so humble, he even told judges at his audition in Louisville, Kentucky, last July that ‘there’s probably people out there who are better than me’.

And he was gobsmacked when Ryan Seacrest announced on Wednesday who had won Idol, saying: ‘It feels good, man, but Adam deserves this.’

This despite the fact that all four judges were so condescending when they told him that he should be proud of making it this far, after he struggled with the last song ‘No Boundaries’ on Tuesday’s show.

So, how did the underdog with a limited vocal range grab the title from vocal powerhouse Lambert’ Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim puts it down to Allen’s charm and ‘great connection with the audience’.

He added: ‘Kris is definitely more commercial and relevant in the music world today.’

Lambert’s over-the-top antics and ambiguous sexuality might also have worked against him. Allen, in contrast, is married and dresses normally.

Mr Simon Nasser, marketing director of Warner Music Singapore, said: ‘Adam may have been a bit too edgy for the mainstream public’s taste.’

Ultimately, Allen’s accessibility makes fans feel warm and connected.

Marketing executive Cheryl Denis, 22, gushed: ‘Kris’ smooth vocals are so easy to listen to. He seems really down-to-earth, too.’

Source: http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Showbiz/Story/A1Story20090522-143092.html