Together We Are One - The Idol WInners

As a farewell to "Idol creater" Simon Cowell, seven of the eight Idol winners performed Together We are One. It was great to see Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen perform, along with many of the other Idol finalists this tribute to Simon Cowell.

Missing in action was Idol winner David Cook who was involved in a prior charity engagement and was unable to attend.

We'll miss Simon!

Danny Gokey is Busy 'Enjoying Life Again'

He may have lost out to Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on American Idol last season, but Danny Gokey has plenty to smile about. The former truck driver's first record, My Best Days, had the strongest album debut for a new male country artist in 18 years. And his single, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me," is a top 10 country hit.

"I feel very lucky," Gokey, 29, says of "the progression I've made in the last year and a half." The Milwaukee native has a famously tragic back story, including the 2008 loss of his young wife, Sophia, after a routine heart surgery. As a result, in addition to pouring himself into his music, Gokey is also hard at work expanding Sophia's Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization honoring his late wife and aimed at connecting school children with music and art.

"I've very busy and enjoying life again," he says. "I'm very happy."

Gokey – who is opening for country powerhouse Sugarland on tour this spring – adds that he "hasn't found anyone to date yet." But in his lyrics and in his life, the singer is open to the possibility of falling in love again.

Of his song "Crazy Not To," he says, it "is about somebody who has experienced the pain of love and doesn't want to go down that path again. But, they find someone so special, they'd be crazy not to pursue it."

"Women really like it," says Gokey of the tune. "It's becoming their favorite song on the album."

Carrie Underwood, Alicia Keys, & Black Eyed Peas Doing 'Idol Gives Back'

"American Idol" is starting to cement its "Idol Gives Back" lineup.

Carrie Underwood, the Season 4 winner of "Idol," is returning to perform, along with R&B songstress Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox and Jeff Beck.

Since its inception in 2007 during Season 6, "Idol Gives Back" has raised over $140 million for charity. This year's special will aise funds Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T and ExxonMobil will return as corporate sponsors.

"Idol Gives Back" already kicked off with Kris Allen back on February 25th. He visited Haiti and performed on the "Idol" results show, asking for people to donate whatever they can.

The big "Idol Gives Back" extravaganza will air Wednesday, April 21 2010. There is no word yet if a contestant will be booted that day or not -- in the past, all contestants were safe on one "Idol Gives Back" night (2007) and on the other Michael Johns went home (2008).

American Idol 9 Hopeful, Justin Williams, Performed with Kris Allen Last Season

Did you recognize him?

Justin Williams, who auditioned in Boston on Tuesday’s season premiere of American Idol, is a Hollywood veteran! (Sort of.) The vocal coach, who sang “Feelin’ Good” and earned a golden ticket, has been down that road before. Last year, he performed a group number during Hollywood week with season 8 winner Kris Allen and judges’ save recipient Matt Giraud. Check him out, singing the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.”

Idol Kris Allen Says Adam Lambert is Finally Showing His True Colors

Shocked over Adam Lambert's recent performance antics? Don't be, says American Idol winner Kris Allen, because there is more to come.

"Yeah, that's who he is," Allen told the press at last Friday's Z100's Jingle Ball at New York's Madison Square Garden. "Obviously, he couldn't do that stuff on Idol. And so you're getting to see the real Adam now."

Lambert caused an uproar for his sexually-charged performance on the American Music Awards last month, which led ABC to cancel his scheduled New Year's Eve appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and his performance on Good Morning America. He was allowed to appear on The View.

"I thought it was Adam being Adam," Allen said of Lambert's AMA performance. "I'm going to get a shirt that just says, 'That's Adam.' "

As for Lambert, he says he has found a way to address the controversies through his music.

"[The single 'Whataya Want From Me'] is a great way for me to say to the public, 'What do you guys want from me? I'm doing my best,' " he said. "And the best lyric in the song is 'I'm a freak but thanks for lovin' me. 'Cause you're doing it perfectly.' "

The Idol runner-up just hopes fans don't stop loving his music. "I think that's my biggest fear," Lambert admitted.

Video: "Live Like We’re Dying" by Kris Allen

Check out American Idol winner Kris Allen’s debut music video, “Live Like We’re Dying.”



“It was cool because we actually shot it in the desert in L.A. in the middle of nowhere in this junkyard,” Kris, 24, told PopEater. “I’m pulling the big cord through the junkyard…then I plug in the clock and it starts counting down to zero.”

“It was my first video,” Kris shared, “so I was really trying to have a great time.”

Kris‘ self-titled album will be in stores Tuesday, November 17th!

Kris Allen's Debut Album Sampler

Kris Allen's self-titled debut album is due out on November 17th and here we have a sampler preview of what to expect:



Here's the track list:

01. Live Like We're Dying
02. Before We Come Undone
03. Can't Stay Away
04. The Truth
05. Written All Over My Face
06. Bring It Back
07. Red Guitar
08. Is It Over
09. Let It Rain
10. Alright With Me
11. Lifetime
12. I Need to Know
13. Heartless

Personally...I'm looking forward to Adam Lambert's CD "For Your Entertainment" instead of Kris' debut. Adam's CD will be released on November 23rd.

Kris Allen’s Album Cover Revealed?

Check out the new (rumored) self-titled album cover for American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen.

His current single is “Live Like We’re Dying” and the album is scheduled for release on November 17th.

About five days ago, Kris was asked how close he was to finishing the album. He told EW, “We’re still writing some more songs for the album, and just putting some finishing touches on other tracks, going back to do some minor vocal takes, and that’s kind of it. We have a lot of songs that are almost done, and with a little bit of work we’ll have them completely done.”

Idol's Kris Allen Debuts First Single

American Idol winner Kris Allen stopped by New York’s Z100 on Monday to debut his first single, “Live Like We’re Dying,” on Elvis Duran’s morning show.

Although he’s now dropping in on radio stations to promote his first single, it wasn’t long ago that Allen almost gave up on his dream of becoming a singer. “I was playing in bars, playing three hour shows, singing every song under the sun, taking requests from people,” he says of the days when he was trying to break into the industry. “I was actually trying to go back to school [before Idol]. This was one of the last ditch efforts. I’m just glad it worked out!”



That last ditch effort landed him at the top on what would become a historic season of Idol — Paula Abdul’s last. “I’m glad I was able to be a part of her last season. She was great. She cared for all of us. We got to know her the most, probably. She’s just a sweetheart,” Allen said. “I’ve met Ellen [DeGeneres] as well, and she’s great. She’s awesome. I love Ellen to death.”

Allen, whose still-untitled first album is due out November 17th, says he’ll miss his home in Conway, Arkansas, while he’s making the rounds to promote his album and the song. “I miss everything about that place. I miss Chick-Fil-A. It is the best chicken sandwich out there,” he says. “I love it, man. It’s one of my favorite places in the world.”

Adam Lambert's CD Release Date

It turns out that American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert and the show’s surprise winner, Kris Allen, will be releasing albums within a week of each other.

Adam, who came out publicly on the cover of Rolling Stone shortly after the talent competition ended, will release his album on November 24th.

Kris’s debut album will have already been out a week by then but these guys have formed a terrific gay-straight alliance that has them as friendly rivals happy for the other’s success.

Star Sighting: Idols Rock On!

Talk about a dynamic duet! American Idol winner Kris Allen shares the stage with runner-up Adam Lambert during a stop on the American Idols Live! 2009 summer tour at L.A.'s Staples Center on Thursday.

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert Talk About Life After American Idol

American Idol is ready to hit the road! Season 8 winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert were on hand at a press day in Los Angeles on Thursday to talk about the Idols Live Tour, which kicks off in Portland, Oregon, on July 5, and will take the top 10 — which also includes Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre — to 50 cities in North America.

People spoke separately with Allen and Lambert about their upcoming albums, the tour and how their life has changed.

Kris Allen

Are you moving or planning on staying in Conway, Ark.?
My wife is going to move back home for the tour, so we still have to have a place to live, and still have our apartment. But things have changed completely. Four months ago, I could have never imagined ever doing anything like this. I don’t get much sleep now but there’s a lot of work to be done writing for the album and … rehearsals, as well. It’s nonstop but I’d rather be doing this than anything else.

How is the recording process coming along?
It feels great! It feels great to know that you’ve wanted to do this thing your whole life and to know that you have an album coming out in the fall that you’ve worked hard on that is you.

Can you tell us anything specific about the album — how many tracks, guest appearances?
None of that stuff I know yet. I don’t know if we’re going to have any collaborations and I have no idea how many tracks, but I think the CD is going to be great, I really do. A lot of good songs.

Do you think people will be surprised with your sound?
I actually do think people are going to be surprised, but in a good way, hopefully.

What’s been the hardest thing about recording?
It’s a lot of work. For me, I felt like the songs would come easier writing-wise and collaborating with people. It’s just a process and you kind of have to get used to it and we’re very, very new to this and you’re kind of just thrown into, “Hey, you’re going make a CD in four months. And You’re going to be on tour for three of those months.” … We are music industry virgins, but I feel like we had the best experience and you kind of learn a lot from Idol, and you got to work hard.

What are you taking on tour with you for those long bus rides?
If I got my iPod and my phone, I am perfect because you can talk to people and then you can listen to great music, which I like to do.

Are there any songs you’re excited to perform?
I think they let us say one. I’m really excited to perform “Hey Jude” by The Beatles just because it’s such a great song.

Adam Lambert

How is the album coming along?
I am so excited! I think it’s going to come out in November. We haven’t found a title yet. And I’m working with RedOne — he’s an incredible producer who did Lady Gaga’s hit material. I’m working with Linda Perry, with Greg Wells, with Ryan Tedder, Sam Sparrow — amazing writers and producers. And I’m getting to co-write. I wrote a song with Kara Dioguardi from the show. It’s awesome.

What will the vibe of your album be?
It’s really about finding the sound that I want to communicate my ideas to people. On Idol, you’re doing cover music that’s tried and true material. I went the route of doing a lot of classic rock because I knew that that was the more vocal and it was songs that everybody connected with. In creating new material, I want to do something modern that will stand the test of time, and something that’s new. I’m being careful not to stay stuck in that sound, because it could end up being dated. So, I’m going to try to take the best musically from that era and make it mix with modern pop electronic production. It should be really different.

What’s been the reaction since you came out on the cover of Rolling Stone?
The response that I’ve felt is mostly positive support, so I think that’s great. It’s a testament to us really trying to become a bit more progressive and focus on what really matters which is that I’m an entertainer and a singer and that’s what it really needs to be about. My private life really has nothing to do with my ability to entertain.

How will you pass the time on a crowded tour bus?
Definitely iPod. You know, escape in music is the best way to kind of be in your own little world. Books as well, I’ll probably grab some books.

Any specific artists you’ll have on rotation?
I’m such a music junky. I have everything all the time. You name it, I’ve downloaded it.

What would you put on your concert rider?
We’re not quite at the level right now where we get our own rider for this tour. I don’t know. I would love to have a masseuse on sight — that would be cool.

Any cities you’re especially excited for?
Connecting with people that are in different cities across the country is going to be really cool. I’m excited for the L.A. show. Obviously, I’ve lived here for eight years so this is my home base now. And then my hometown, San Diego, where I grew up.

What else are you excited for?
I’m looking forward to banking that paycheck. I’m not going to lie, I mean, that’s not my first priority, but, you know, I think for all of us, having gone through experience, to be able to walk away with some financial security in these tough times is really nice.

Star Sighting: Creative Juices

American Idol winner Kris Allen grabs some Jamba Juice before heading into a recording studio for a session on Thursday in Los Angeles, where he's working on his debut album.

Kris Allen 'Flattered' by Adam Lambert's Crush

In his Rolling Stone cover story, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert admitted he'd been crushing on his roommate in the Idol mansion, Kris Allen.

"I was like, 'Oh, s---, they put me with the cute guy ... Distracting!" Lambert told the magazine. "He's the one guy that I found attractive in the whole group on the show ... totally my type – except that he has a wife."

Allen's response? "I'm flattered," the Idol winner told People, "And think it's hilarious."

The duo will have plenty of time to laugh over their missed chance at bromance this summer: Allen, Lambert and the other eight finalists from the show's top ten will hit the road on a 52-date tour starting July 5 in Portland, Oregon.

American Idol Winner Kris Allen Signs Record Deal

Kris Allen, winner of TV's top-rated singing contest "American Idol," has signed a record deal with producer 19 Recordings, and his debut album is expected to be released this coming fall through Jive Records.

"Everyone's been asking me what it's going to sound like. It will be very similar to what you heard from me on the show -- definitely in the pop/rock genre," Allen said in a statement announcing the deal on Monday.

Simon Fuller, executive producer of "American Idol" and chief executive of 19 Entertainment, said Allen won fans with his soulful voice, good looks and gracious demeanor, but his passion for music performing will make him a star.

Before his debut album is released in the fall, Allen, 23, will perform in the 50-city "American Idol" 2009 Summer Tour, which kicks off in July.

Allen, the surprise winner of the reality TV show's eighth season, is already enjoying success. The Arkansas native's song "No Boundaries" currently ranks No. 23 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

Jive Records is a unit of Sony Music Entertainment, a division of Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp.

Kris Allen Calls Adam Lambert & Drake LaBry a 'Cool Combination'

Although he's encouraged people to keep speculating about his sexuality, Adam Lambert now says, "all your questions will be answered" in an upcoming issue of Rolling Stone.

"Finally," he said at the 11th Annual Young Hollywood Awards Sunday in Santa Monica, where he was named artist of the year. "Once and for all" he'll speak directly about the topic.

But the winner of American Idol, Kris Allen, 23, is already speaking out in support of his good friend and runner-up, praising Lambert for his openness.

"I think he's happier that he can be himself and it's nice," Allen says of Lambert, 27, stepping out with his friend Drake LaBry. "Adam is who he is and he's not afraid. I support him in whatever he does."

Allen, back in Los Angeles Sunday to sing the national anthem at game 2 of the Lakers-Magic NBA championship series, says that he has met LaBry, and, "he's a really nice guy."

Allen calls Lambert and LaBry's friendship a "cool combination," because they're so different. "Drake's from Louisiana and Adam is from L.A.," he says. "But they click well and they're really nice together."

Enjoying the Spotlight

Meanwhile, Allen looked relaxed an hour before singing the national anthem, which he executed to perfection, drawing a huge ovation from the Staples Center crowd, which included Rihanna, Diddy, Simon Baker and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Allen's wife Katherine joined him at the game, which the Lakers won, and she has been with him for the past couple of weeks. "[Winning Idol] has completely changed our lives," Allen says. "She is happy to be here and supporting me and she is just as excited as I am."

And the couple have even more good news to share, as Allen has officially inked a record deal with 19 Recordings and Jive Records.

"I'm really looking forward to what is next," Allen said in a statement about the deal. "I'm very grateful to be working with Simon Fuller and his team at 19 Entertainment, along with Barry Weiss and Jive Records on my debut album. Everyone's been asking me what it's going to sound like. It will be very similar to what you heard from me on the show – definitely in the pop/rock genre. I can't wait to get started!"

With his debut album due in the fall, Allen – along with Lambert and the rest of season 8's top 10 – is gearing up for the Idols Live Tour, which opens July 5 in Portland, Oregon.

But Allen says his wife won't be following him on the road. "She's going to come to a couple of shows," he says, "but then she is going to go home and hang out with friends and family."

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen Discuss Who is a Top

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen both seem like winners since the American Idol finale. These guys are everywhere!

They seem to genuinely like each other which is nice and Adam is comfortable enough to make a gay joke during this interview the pair does with Us.com. Its at around the 1:20 mark where they are asked who will get the top bunk on the American Idol tour this summer. Kris says he doesn’t care. Adam says he’s a top. They both completely crack up.

Star Sighting: Kris Loves Mickey!

American Idol champ Kris Allen checks out the view on the parade route alongside new pal Mickey Mouse during a celebratory ride Friday through the Walt Disney World theme park in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Kris Allen & Adam Lambert on Today Show

American Idol winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert rocked NBC’s Today Show Summer Concert Series on Thursday and discussed the AT&T voting controversy dubbed “textgate” with host Natalie Morales.

Kris Allen performed “No Boundries” and the Kanye West hit “Heartless,” and runner-up Adam Lambert sang “Mad World.”

Watch Kris Allen and Adam Lambert Today Show videos below.

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Did ‘Power Texting’ Influence American Idol’s Outcome?

The winner has been declared, but American Idol fans may be in for some more debate.

The New York Times reports that the show’s voting results for the May 20 finale, which landed Kris Allen as the winner over Adam Lambert, may have been influenced by AT&T employees helping Allen fans with free texting services and instructions on how to power text.

While it remains unclear whether such power texts were counted (the Times points out that the show warns viewers that blocks of votes using technical enhancements may not be counted), AT&T representatives attended two parties in Arkansas — Allen’s home state — and supplied instructions on how to power text, which sends 10 or more text messages at a time, according to the Times. (AT&T is the only mobile phone network that can be used to vote via text message.)

An AT&T rep told the paper, “In Arkansas, we were invited to attend the local watch parties organized by the community. A few local employees brought a small number of demo phones with them and provided texting tutorials to those who were interested.”

In response to the Times report, FOX, along with FreemantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the producers of Idol, issued the following statement: “FOX and the producers of American Idol are absolutely certain that the results of this competition are fair, accurate and verified. Kris Allen is, without a doubt, the American Idol. We have an independent third-party monitoring procedure in place to ensure the integrity of the voting process. In no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition.”

Though it doesn’t appear that AT&T provided such services to Lambert fans, the power texting technique was also encouraged in San Diego, his hometown. Fliers were distributed to fans there the weekend of his visit, instructing voters on how to power text. One flier instructs fans on how send “between 3K-5K votes in 2 hours — by power texting 10 votes at a time,” and another one encouraged fans to buy a phone and an unlimited texting plan to “send 3K votes easily.”

Meanwhile, a source told People, more than 5,000 fans were given fliers at a rally for Lambert at Mt. Carmel High School, where the Idol runner-up attended.