'Idols' share mutual respect

The mutual admiration society of "American Idol" winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert remains firmly in place two days after the competition.

After hearing he won, Allen, once considered a long shot, seemed surprised, saying his rival deserved the title.

Friday, Allen was still touting Lambert.

"I still feel that way," Allen said in an afternoon teleconference. "Adam deserved it as much as I did. He was the most consistent performer all year ... the most gifted performer I've ever met."

Lambert said he has no problem coming in second.

"I really won by getting to the final," Lambert said. "It's not about the title at all ... it's about the experience."

When asked if online chatter about his sexual orientation may have cost him votes, Lambert was concise. "Probably," he said.

"I'm totally OK. I couldn't be happier for Kris."

Both are looking forward to the "Idol" tour (stopping in Tampa on July 28) but are also eager to begin recording their CDs.

Sutherland, designer settle differences

Kiefer Sutherland and the fashion designer he's accused of head-butting at a Manhattan night club said Friday they resolved their differences, clearing the way for the charges to be dropped.

Sutherland and Jack McCollough issued a brief joint statement Friday.

"I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured," Sutherland said in the statement.

The star of Fox's "24" was charged May 7 with third-degree assault in the alleged incident two weeks ago in Manhattan.

"I appreciate Mr. Sutherland's statement and wish him well," McCollough said in the statement.

Springsteen to close Giants Stadium

Bruce Springsteen will be closing Giants Stadium.

The rocker told fans at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., on Thursday that he and his "wrecking crew," the E Street Band, will be the final musical act before the stadium is demolished after the 2009 football season.

Three shows are scheduled on Sept. 30, Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. Tickets will go on sale June 1.

Today's birthdays

Actor Nigel Davenport is 81. Actress Joan Collins is 76. Actor-comedian Drew Carey is 51. Actress-model Karen Duffy is 48. Rock musician Phil Selway (Radiohead) is 42. Singer Maxwell is 36. Singer Jewel is 35.

Sources: Tribune editor Kim MacCormack, The Associated Press