American Idol: How Kris Allen Won

No, I am not going to use some scientific method to explain to you how Kris Allen won over the popular Adam Lambert. This is merely my opinion based on my observation of Season 8 of American Idol. Just for the record, I did happen to favor Kris Allen. “How can you not favor Adam? He was so good at everything he did!”. In the words of Scott Smith from Air 1, “Adam screams to much”. Those of you who know me know that I happen to like a little wild and loud music (much of what is played on Radio U). But, there comes a time when the loud, screaming, ear piercing music does not need to be played (there is a time and place for it, but not always). Adam gave me the impression that he couldn’t do anything else. Here in America, those loud, screaming bands are not exactly the best sellers. Since the title of the show is AMERICAN Idol, it would only make sense that the winner would reflect what the majority of America would want to listen to. I’m going to break down my thoughts on why Kris won.

Talent

I am not saying that Adam is not talented. His performance with Kiss was very good. That is his style of music and that is great. When it comes down to it, I see Adam as more of a performer rather than an artist (much like Taylor Hicks who NEVER should have won his season). Kris Allen in contrast, is a true artist. Not only can he sing, but he has other talents as well such as playing the guitar and piano. He is someone I can see most of America listening to in their cars or on their iPods (including my own). While Kris my have had a bad night here and there, he was over all consistent and never really tried to be bigger than he was. He was consistently himself every week. Adam tried to be a plethora of characters and I don’t believe we ever really saw him (with the exception of that really creepy version of Burning Ring Of Fire).

The Votes

This morning, it is becoming known that Kris won by a lot. Many thought it would have been closer. Here is my theory as to why it was not.

By the time we had found out who the final 3 were, Adam’s fate was already set. Danny Gokey and Kris Allen are very similar in style. Whenever a contestant is eliminated, the displaced voters do one of two things: They either stop watching the show (which is minimal) or they put their votes behind another contestant. Since Danny and Kris were very similar in both appearance, voice, and style, it is only natural that if either one was eliminated, then his voters would back the other. By the time we got to the top 3, Adam had already had the amount of voters he was going to get. Once Danny was eliminated, it could be assumed that Kris was going to win. Those voters who voted for Danny and stuck around to vote again would most likely put their support behind Kris.

Divine Intervention

OK, before you click to something else, let me explain.

There are two aspects to this. If you watched the Season Finale, both Kris and Adam were given brand new cars. Kris mentioned that he needed a new car. Wouldn’t it be great if God used this whole American Idol experience just to answer Kris’ prayer about needing a car? He didn’t even need to win the competition and he would have received the vehicle! To me, that is an awesome example of how God can work to answer prayers. But I think it goes further.

One episode, Simon Cowell commented about how humble Kris was. And, if you look back on the season, you will see someone who wasn’t really sure of his place in the competition. Yet, week after week he managed to stay in the game. I may be crossing the line in my next few sentences, but I’m going to say it anyway. The winner of American Idol has a tremendous influence on the masses. Wouldn’t it be great if God wanted someone strong in their faith to win so that he could win souls? Kris has mentioned that he wants to play Christian music and use his gifts for God. As if being a worship leader isn’t enough. And just think, if all he ever did was return to leading worship, the amount of people that would flock to the church just because of him may expose the gospel to those who would have probably not heard it otherwise.

Kris mentioned how Adam deserved to win. Even at the point where he could have jumped for joy and reveled in his victory, he was still humble enough to say it could have gone the other way. 1 Peter 5:6 says: “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” His humbleness alone is a testimony of his faith. Look what God did as a result of it? He “lifted him up in honor”.

Closing Thoughts

Whatever you think of the show, it is true that those who win have a huge influence on many–especially youth. I understand the reasons that Christians have for avoiding the show. The term “Idol” makes people uncomfortable. When someone like Kris Allen comes along though, you can’t help but see how God can turn something meant to create “idols” among ourselves into something that will bring glory to Him.

Granted, it remains to be seen if Kris’ new found fame will take him astray but as Christians, we should all pray that this experience will expose others to who God is. My belief is that Kris Allen will be able to influence many for the kingdom of God.

I welcome your comments.