Kris Allen Crowned The New 'American Idol'

Access Hollywood - May 21, 2009 5:08 AM PDT
Story photo: Kris Allen Crowned The New 'American Idol'Kris Allen reacts as he learns he is the new 'American Idol,' May 20, 2009 Getty PremiumAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kris Allen is the new "American Idol."

Just under 100 million votes -- a new world record according to "Idol" -- were cast on Tuesday night, but in the end, it was 23-year-old Kris Allen, from Conway, Arkansas who walked home with the title of the Season 8 "American Idol."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol's' Season 8 Two-Night Season Finale

Kris appeared shocked as he learned the news, delivered by show host Ryan Seacrest, and he struggled to find words to express himself.

"Are you serious? Are you friggin' serious? It feels good man, but Adam deserves this. I'm sorry," Kris said as he looked around wide-eyed. "I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy. Thank you so much."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol's' Season 8's Top Ten Visit The Access Hollywood Set

With the news still just sinking in, Ryan presented Kris with the new "American Idol" winner's trophy, which was introduced and given out to "Idol" winners 1-7 earlier this year.

"What do you want to say now?" Ryan asked after Kris caught his breath.

"Oh my gosh. All these guys... I'm not here... Ah! I don't even know," Kris said pointing to his fellow Top 12 finalists, but struggling to find the words to complete his sentences.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 8 Contenders & Their Celebrity Look-A-Likes

"Thank you! You guys are the reason all of us are here," Kris added, referencing the fans who voted. "Thank you so much."

Adam gave Kris a quick handshake and hug before Kris sang the Kara DioGuardi co-written song, "No Boundaries."

The two-hour "American Idol" Season 8 finale packed a punch at the end, but it thrilled throughout as producers paired up the Top 12 finishers with some big musical celebrities.

Allison Iraheta, who finished fourth, dueted with Cyndi Lauper on "Time After Time," and Danny Gokey, who made it to third, sang a medley of Lionel Richie hits with the artist himself.

Other musical guests included Season 7 winner David Cook, The Black Eyed Peas, Queen Latifah, Jason Mraz, Santana, Steve Martin and Rod Stewart. And the final two also tackled several superstar duets.

Kris sang with country star Keith Urban, while Adam Lambert rocked out with KISS. Later, both sang "We Are the Champions" with Queen.

Tune into Access Hollywood on Thursday for all the action from backstage at the Season 8 finale!

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Season Eight 'Idol' Finale Backstage (May 19, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Former 'Idol' Contestants Give Their Finale Predictions (May 19, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: American Idol - Kris Allen - Urban - Keith Urban - Kara DioGuardi

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comments 1-10 of 40  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Hadar
    kris is awesome but adam should have won
    report abuseposted August 15, 2009 3:31 PM PDT
  • Hadar
    kris is awesome but adam should have won
    report abuseposted August 15, 2009 3:30 PM PDT
  • Hadar
    kris is awesome but adam should have won
    report abuseposted August 15, 2009 3:30 PM PDT
  • Claudia
    i agree wit jr_alex8! wow kris allen suckz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i LUV adam lambert! he the best! this waz a popularity contest..... its never a singing contest EVER
    report abuseposted July 31, 2009 8:42 PM PDT
  • Seana
    to be honest i do not hink that he was the best singer i thikn the only reason y he won was cuz hes good looking and not gay which is rather wrong but who says it has to be rihg tint he world today
    report abuseposted June 10, 2009 8:31 PM PDT
  • Seana
    to be honest i do not hink that he was the best singer i thikn the only reason y he won was cuz hes good looking and not gay which is rather wrong but who says it has to be rihg tint he world today
    report abuseposted June 10, 2009 8:31 PM PDT
  • HER
    I guess ir_alex8 makes sense since Adam wont have to split anything with American Idol.. Kris is a good singer but not good enough to beat Allison or Danny and on top of that Adam. I guess we have no one to blame but our selves. Although it was very hard to get through this year. I think I got through like once or twice a night when it came time to vote. Not everyone is an ATT client...
    report abuseposted June 2, 2009 9:29 PM PDT
  • HER
    I guess ir_alex8 makes sense since Adam wont have to split anything with American Idol.. Kris is a good singer but not good enough to beat Allison or Danny and on top of that Adam. I guess we have no one to blame but our selves. Although it was very hard to get through this year. I think I got through like once or twice a night when it came time to vote. Not everyone is an ATT client...
    report abuseposted June 2, 2009 9:29 PM PDT
  • Molly
    I think I have to agree with Catherine777
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 10:05 PM PDT
  • Rai of Sun
    Although for the record Kris won, I feel both of these guys are extremely talented and they have acquired such amazing feats they are winners in their own rite. I wish the both of them much success in all endeavors they wish to embark upon and I look forward to seeing great things from them. Congratulations Kris & Adam!
    report abuseposted May 21, 2009 2:07 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 40  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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