Kris Allen Wins AMERICAN IDOL 2009!

Singers Adam Lambert and Kris Allen made it all the way to the season finale of "American Idol" at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles tonight, Wednesday May 20, and after a two-hour show where former "Idol" winners Carrie Underwood and David Cook, as well as Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Queen Latifah, Black Eyed Peas and Keith Urban graced the stage, Kris Allen was named the winner! Over 100 million votes were cast to decide the victor! Allen's softer style and gentle vocals won the day.

In one corner was 27-year-old wild child rocker Adam Lambert from California, a young stage performer who was a former member of the Los Angeles cast of Wicked. He easily dominated the week after week since the start of the final leg in March, soaring vocally and transforming every song he interpreted to thrilling effect. His performance is of Tears for Fears' "Mad World," earned him a standing ovation from feared judge, Simon Cowell. 

Lambert's tough competitor was clean-cut Kris Allen, a 23-year-old musician from Arkansas, who won his way to the finals with his warm and easygoing style. One of his best segments was on "Disco Night", as he crooned an acoustic version of Donna Summer's hit "She Works Hard for the Money."

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America.

Visit americanidol.com for exclusive videos, interviews and photos of the finalists as well as special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.