Kris Allen Steps Up To Challenge Adam Lambert's Lead On 'American Idol'

Access Hollywood - April 1, 2009 4:02 AM PDT
Story photo: Kris Allen Steps Up To Challenge Adam Lambert's Lead On 'American Idol'Kris Allen sings during Motown week on 'American Idol'<br />FOXAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Kris Allen emerged as a threat to Adam Lambert 's frontrunner status on Tuesday night's "American Idol."

The handsome 23-year-old from Arkansas, who performed the Bill Withers classic, "Ain't Know Sunshine," with a portable piano on the "Idol" stage, gave a moving rendition of the song that had judge and producer Randy Jackson almost ready to sign him up.

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

"For the last couple weeks you've been slaying them, dude. You're so in the zone, dude," the judge said. "So creative, so cool. Loving you, loving you."

But while Kris may be cutting into Adam's fan base, the raven-haired rocker kept things strong with a performance of Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music," which floored Paula Abdul .

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 8 Top 13

"True genius does not fulfill expectations, true genius shatters it," she said. "There are artists who have longevity in this business because of their unique and riveting performance. I'll name a few: Mick Jagger , Steven Tyler and Adam Lambert ."

While British judge Simon Cowell wasn't quite ready to place Adam in the same league as the Rolling Stones frontman, he did offer some complimentary words.

"That was very brave, Adam. I've got to hand it to you, at least we got rid of some of the karaoke nonsense we've seen tonight," Simon said (he previously criticized Anoop Desai and Megan Joy). "It was original. I don't think it's going to make you as popular as last week, but I don't think it matters now. You had a great time."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Anything But Dreadful! Hot Shots Of Simon Cowell!

And Danny Gokey also offered a strong performance, despite having to attend his grandfather's funeral last week, something not mentioned on Tuesday's broadcast. Singing the Rascal Flatts song, "What Hurts The Most," all of the judges commended the spectacled singer on performing the song in a stage-stealing fashion.

"This week, if I'm being honest, I thought it was your best performance of [the season], I know we're only three in, but it was so much better than the first two," Simon said. "That's what it's about. Get a great song, sing it brilliantly and do your version."

But while things went well for several of the men, Allison Iraheta, who Kara previously said had a voice from the heavens, was ripped apart - not for her version of No Doubt's "Don't Speak," but for her outfit. Her burgundy strapless dress with embellishments, and her "Bedrock" Pebbles-esque ponytail had all of the judges scratching their heads.

"Vocally, you can sing, you've got the voice... I liked the fact that you came out and played the guitar, but dude, what are you wearing?" Randy asked. "What is with this outfit man? Do you like it? (Crowd screams). I got mad love for you but I did not get the ensemble tonight."

"Allison, we can't ignore the outfit," Simon chimed in. "It was like something out of 'The Adams Family' or something. Tonight's theme is Halloween. I'll tell you why it bothered me -- because it was like a slightly precocious daughter trying to dress like a rock star and sound like one."

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MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: American Idol - Reality TV - TV - Music

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comments 1-10 of 22  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Shannon B
    hes hoooooooooooooooooooootttttttttttttttttttt
    report abuseposted May 16, 2009 6:57 AM PDT
  • Twilightfan
    I am a really big Kris fan and he deserves to win more than Adam and all the rest. I will be really mad if Adam ends up winning because for one i feel he has already had his shot at fame on Broadway and Kris has the looks and the voice to win. I think that in the end Kris will end up beating Adam and Danny. GOOD LUCK KRIS!!!!!!!!
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 5:01 PM PDT
  • Niki
    I think Kris and Danny are good but Adam is better. Allison is great too. Why did the judges make such a big deal about what she was wearing??? That was completely pointless.
    report abuseposted April 19, 2009 3:58 PM PDT
  • Ray M
    what is up?
    report abuseposted April 4, 2009 4:54 PM PDT
  • Ray M
    haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
    report abuseposted April 4, 2009 4:54 PM PDT
  • MME
    Adam was only a frontrunner once. Most of the time it's Danny %@!*#ey. But Kris Allen is quickly coming up to challenge them both. Kris impresses EVERY week, with his great voice, adorable persona and complete understanding of how to sing a song the right way and how to make the right song choice. Adam does nothing for me and Danny, while a good singer...has never taken any risk
    report abuseposted April 4, 2009 4:25 PM PDT
  • Ahmoua
    Kris deserves to win! He's got the look, the voice and everything else! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! For KRIS! Kris, beat them all! You can do it!
    report abuseposted April 3, 2009 7:16 PM PDT
  • 2cents
    Kris has certainly earned the right to be the next idol, based on last nights performance. Pretty awesome! But, really, isn't it time for Megan to get booted off???? I can't believe she's made it this far. Her voice is grating and that stupid wiggle dance she does is like something a 4 year old would do. I wish Simon would tell her to just stand still since she obvious
    report abuseposted April 1, 2009 11:29 AM PDT
  • T C
    I thought this Competition was about the way the contestants sang not about there clothing style!? WTF!!! Allison you ROCK Baby!!!!! Keep em comming!
    report abuseposted April 1, 2009 10:32 AM PDT
  • Richard
    I liked Megan last night and Kara is irritating to me now I usually agree with Simon but not this time . I was won over by Adam last night but he is no Mick Jagger . Kris was good too and Danny is one of the best this year.
    report abuseposted April 1, 2009 7:53 AM PDT
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