Kris Allen beamed with disbelief, shook his head as if to reject that this was really happening and struggled to find words. The fact that he'd just beaten rollicking vocal powerhouse Adam Lambert for the "American Idol" title wasn't going to sink in quickly for the unassuming underdog from Arkansas. The only downside to this stunning victory: He'd have to sing "No Boundaries" one more time. "Adam deserves this. I'm sorry, I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy," said the 23-year-old from Conway, Ark. ...more

May 21, 2009

There was no saving Matt Giraud this time on "American Idol." ...more

April 29, 2009

Kathy Griffin promised "an evening of swearing and negativity" at the start of her first of two shows Saturday night at Ruth Eckerd Hall. ...more

March 22, 2009

A nice guy — and a nice girl — finished last on "American Idol." ...more

March 11, 2009

The producers of "American Idol" had to scramble to come up with a solution to a troublesome phone problem that could have had fans calling in to a sex line. ...more

March 10, 2009

Other than making it to the top 12, the best thing that happened to Jorge Nunez so far in his "American Idol" adventure was getting feedback from Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. ...more

March 5, 2009

The top 13 finalists — yes, 13 — have been selected on "American Idol." ...more

March 5, 2009

The second group of the eighth season's finalists not headed to the unemployment line are Allison Iraheta, a 16-year-old high school student from Los Angeles; Kris Allen, a 23-year-old University of Central Arkansas student from Conway, Ark.; and Adam Lambert, a 26-year-old theater actor from Los Angeles. The trio received the most viewer votes. ...more

February 27, 2009

The first three finalists of "American Idol's" season eight: Alexis Grace, the soulful 21-year-old single mother from Memphis, Tenn.; Michael Sarver, the beefy 27-year-old oil rig worker from Jasper, Texas; and Danny Gokey, the spikey-haired 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee were announced Wednesday night. The trio received the most viewer votes. ...more

February 19, 2009

Tatiana Del Toro had something else to cry about. The emotional 28-year-old crooner from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was one of nine "American Idol" semifinalists sent packing Wednesday. ...more

February 18, 2009