American Idol winner Kris Allen and star powered runner-up Adam Lambert both performed this morning on The TODAY show this morning, Thursday, May 28th and BroadwayWorld was there!
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 on Wednesday May 20th, 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 of Tears for Fears' "Mad World," earned him a standing ovation from 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."
Adam Lambert appeared in "Wicked" twice, once with the touring company in March 2005 for a six month contract, and then opening in the sitdown Los Angeles production in February 2007 and remaining with the show until October 2008. For both engagements in "Wicked", he was a member of The Ensemble and understudied the role of Fieryo, the show's love interest. "
In addition to performing in WICKED, Adam Lambert also had a role in The Ten Commandments and appeared in The Zodiac Show.
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.
"The Today Show" airs locally on WNBC-TV Channel 4. Check local listings.
Photos by RD / Dziekan / Retna Digital
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