Chris Allen crowned un-expected 8th American Idol

American Idol's eight season was one for underdogs. After a 19 week battle, America chose the clean-cut country boy Kris Allen, over the constantly glammed up Adam Lambert. The flamboyant Lambert who played his role in perfection, was an early favourtie, with huge vocals and in-your-face fashion sense, and a love for eyeliner.

But it was Allen's all-American acoustic guitar player image that finally won out. In a star-studded finale that saw both contestants sing three songs each, Allen walked away with the 2009 crown and recording contract. So, unexpected was the win that, even Allen exclaimed: "It feels good, but Adam deserves this. I don't even know what to feel right now, this is crazy." Simon Cowell told Allen earlier in the show, "when your name was announced earlier this week, I wasn't sure if America had made the right choice. But I absolutely take that back."

Allen's personal spin on popular tunes saw him perform with Keith Urban, and Lambart's wild fire one with KISS, literally set the stage on fire. Top 13 contestant Lil Rounds' performed with Queen Latifa, American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi pleasantly surprised audiences by stripping down to her bikini with contestant Katrina Darrell, who won the Golden Idol award for best attitude, for auditioning in her bikini, Fergie spun some fergalicious magic.

American Idol's 8th season, which India also watched with bated breath, courtesy the sole Indian contestant Anup Desai, had a finale that was dramatic and star studded. A fitting end to the season.

Lambart who was dealt an unexpected defeat to, became famous for playing his sexuality as his wild card – few months ago he was spotted kissing a man. His music and fashion were reminiscent of gay icons from Queen singer Freddie Mercury to k.d. Lang. While Allan, drew a sharp contrast by always talking about his wife and church attendance!

Lambert sang "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke, for which he got rave reviews, and Allen followed with Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," though the judges were mixed up over this one. And with that in Ryan Seacrest words, the "the guy next door versus the 'guyliner'", contest drew to an end.