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Conway, Ark. native Kris Allen defeated San Diego’s Adam Lambert to win the 2008 American Idol crown. His first single- as well as Lambert’s- is the Idol finalists track, “No Boundaries,” co-written by Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. (image courtesy of 19 Entertainment/PR Newswire)

Anyone whose jaw dropped upon Ryan Seacrest’s announcement of the new American Idol really should not have experienced such disbelief.

Twenty-three-year-old Kris Allen- the rather reserved, boy-next-door-type- emerged as the winner, topping the eyeliner-wearing, flamboyant glam-rocker-in-the-making Adam Lambert. Who do you think most Idol viewers would vote for?

It’s rather impressive that Lambert, 27, made it as far as he did. Not that he was undeserving- he arguably was the brightest, most original, exciting and talented contestant of the season. But, he also was unspokenly gay, competing on a show called AMERICAN Idol. America undoubtedly has made strides toward tolerance of homosexuality, but we’re not quite there in terms of widespread acceptance; we’re still a long way from the point where it’s a non-issue. So for someone like Lambert- who unabashedly is who he is without actually saying the words- to secure a spot in the Idol finals, it’s a triumph.

Then again, the far less adventurous and exciting Clay Aiken also finished as an Idol runner-up. Back in 2003, even though a lot of people and media speculated on his sexual orientation, Aiken stood firmly in the closet, going so far as to deny the rumors vehemently, even for years after his Idol run. So, taking that into consideration, yes, it is a triumph of sorts for Lambert and the gay community, in the ongoing struggle for acceptance.

Most would agree that Lambert was the one to beat- aside from weekly performances that left judges and viewers in awe, Lambert also landed smack on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. The magazine didn’t have Allen on its cover, now did it?

Allen appeared more surprised by his victory than anybody- he even humbly declared that Adam should have taken it. In reality, he should extend his thanks to Danny Gokey’s supporters, as once their hero placed third and left the competition, the majority of his votes likely went to Allen. And as much as Allen did not want his Christian affiliation to factor into voting, it very well may have- at least with Christian voters.

Nonetheless, Lambert did not need to be crowned the new American Idol to know that he has quite a future ahead of him. After all, non-Idol winners have had splashy commercial careers- witness season five’s Chris Daughtry. His band’s debut album has sold more than 4 million copies in the USA, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Meanwhile, season five winner Taylor Hicks’ debut sold less than 700,000, while runner-up Katherine McPhee’s debut mustered less than 400,000. (Season five perhaps produced the least exciting and mundane top two in Idol history, but that’s besides the point).

Combine Lambert’s commercial potential with his artistry and fearlessness, and he’s got some terrific possibilities ahead. Viewers got a further taste on last night’s finale by seeing Lambert perform with make-up rock icons Kiss and- aptly- Queen. Lambert more than held his own with the legendary rockers, and, seriously- would there a more fitting, not to mention worthy, successor to Freddie Mercury than Adam Lambert?

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen show unity prior to Wednesday evening’s American Idol finale. Both finalists should enjoy a successful post-Idolcareer. (picture courtesy of AP/Chris Pizzello)

None of this mucho Lambert commentary takes anything away from Allen, who put on numerous memorable performances throughout the season, including a recent standout rendition of Kanye West’s “Heartless.” Like Lambert, he’s not afraid to use artistic license for his musical interpretations, and that- in addition to his calm, soothing vocals and guitar-/piano-playing- should bode well for his future.

Plus, it’s a heckuva lot more satisfying to see him as the American Idolcompared to Danny Gokey- again, nothing against the vocally talented Mr. Gokey, but for most of the season, all he did was provide very good karaoke, and that should not make an Idol (see season three runner-up Diana DeGarmo as another example, as well as the aforementioned season five finalists).

Other Idol finale highlights included the return of “Bikini Girl” Katrina Darrell, who famously sparred with Kara DioGuardi during the Idol auditions. Darrell- snagging the Best Attitude award- expectantly appeared onstage in a bikini, as well as a couple of updated accessories. Seacrest commented, “I was going to ask what’s new, but I think I know,” referring to her newly ample bosom. Darrell proceeded to sing Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love,” and- surprise!- DioGuardi emerged from behind the curtain and the two engaged in a vocal “showdown” (Durrell had sung the song during auditions, and told DioGuardi that her vocals were no better than hers, which infuriated both DioGuardi and Paula Abdul). DioGuardi concluded the performance by briefly ripping open her dress to reveal her own bikini- though she acknowledged that Durrell possessed the better (albeit enhanced) body.

Also returning were Nick Mitchell- AKA Norman Gentle- and Tatiana Del Toro, who yet again made spectacles of themselves. Mitchell “won” Outstanding Male, tire off his pants and paraded around in boxer shorts while singing Dreamgirls’ “And I Am Telling You (I Am Not Going).” Meanwhile, Del Toro took Outstanding Female honors, and, much to Simon Cowell’s chagrin, belted “Saving All My Love For You” for an uptempth time, as security tried to remove her from the stage.

Aside from Kiss and Queen, other acts performing during the two-hour finale included Black Eyed Peas, Steve Martin, Queen Latifah, Keith Urban, Rod Stewart, 2008’s IdolDavid Cook and 80’s hitmakers Cyndi Lauper and Lionel Richie. And, naturally, season eight’s Idol 13 gathered for their usual brand of breathtaking musicianship (sarcasm fully intended).

And that’s a wrap for American Idol 2009. Fans have to wait seven months until the FOX singing competition starts all over again. Luckily, Dancing With the Stars fans don’t have nearly as long a wait- season nine commences in a mere four month’s time. Even better for entertainment fans, this blog has no hiatus… which is the best news of all, right?

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