In an upset, the 23-year-old from Conway, Ark., beats out glam rocker Adam Lambert
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Allen and Lambert face off for the last performance night of the season. Who will win?
TALK ABOUT IT
The new judge rips open her little black dress while performing with the show's notorious "Bikini Girl"
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Tell us what you thought of "No Boundaries" – and did Adam or Kris sing it best?
Was it cool like Twilight or over-the-top like Phantom of the Opera?
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The finalists open up about their different experiences before the big showdown
Simon declares him back in the game after his acoustic performance of Kanye West's song
The music teacher also talks about the pressure of being a favorite and knowing his time was up
Glam rocker Adam Lambert and cool crooner Kris Allen will compete in the season 8 finale
Thousands greet him in San Diego on what the mayor proclaims as "Adam Lambert Day"
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The 17-year-old talks about her future in music, her signature red hair and working (hopefully!) with Pink
"It's a lot of pressure, but it's a lot of fun," says the Idol finalist of his visits to Little Rock and Jacksonville
The cynical judge tells Oprah that the artistic risk-taker will take the crown
"At least I got my hug," says the Idol finalist's grandmother at his homecoming salute by thousands
"I would like to be the visionary," the semi-finalist tells PEOPLE
The judges have a "Whole Lotta Lovin'" for his Led Zeppelin tribute
"It's complicated," says the piano man while answering reader questions – including a marriage proposal!
Rounds talks about being a young mom and Desai reveals why he's not going back to school
"Joel's like, 'Yeah, man, come over and jam anytime,'" the ousted contestant tells PEOPLE
Plus: Alexis Grace talks about being a young mom and Michael Sarver explains how Simon helped him into top 13
Allen nails another acoustic performance, but who will go home?
The judge also tells Ellen that contestant Adam Lambert has "got guts"
"This is my last season under contract," the judge says
Do you think the American Idol favorite looks better with or without his eye makeup?
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"They ridicule you for following their advice," the 23-year-old says
Lambert suits up to show off a softer side and has the judges singing his praises
Plus: Matt Giraud and Allison Iraheta bounce back from top 40 night
The mom of 2-year-old daughter Ryan is "disappointed" but "proud" and ready to be home watching Elmo
The singer stands out on a tough night of contestants' choice
Desai delivers Willie Nelson while Corkrey pulls off Patsy Cline
After getting the fewest votes, the judges decide not to save the oil rig worker
Michael Sarver and Allison Iraheta narrowly make the cut for this summer's Idols Live tour
Is the competition's new twist good for the show?
Plus: Kris Allen, Matt Giraud and others pop on a night of Michael Jackson songs
Surprise! The fan favorite gets another chance at stardom
Relive his performances of "Mad World," "Whole Lotta Love," his medley with KISS at the finale and more
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People Special
Relive Allen's performances of Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Kanye West and more
As America crowns a new Idol, see if you can remember the good, the bad – and the Simon!
Relive the 17-year-old's performances of Michael Jackson, No Doubt, Janis Joplin and more
Relive Gokey's performances of Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and more
Relive Michigan native Giraud's performances of Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and more
See if you can pick out Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Adam Lambert and the rest of the Top 10!
Anoop Desai, Megan Joy Corkrey, Matt Giraud and Jasmine Murray ar all competing for your votes. Get to know them!
Relive performances from Michael Johns, Carly Smithson, Brooke White and more
Read all the headlines and see the latest photos of Carrie Underwood
Check out the Idol winner’s journey from Midwestern bartender to singing superstar
Read the latest news and view the hottest photos of the original Idol
Read our fun fact-packed bio about the "goshing" cutie and enjoy a full photo gallery
Get all the news and see all the pictures of the young and rising star
Check out the Idol runner-up’s journey from girl-next-door to singing (and acting!) star
See what Clay Aiken's been up to since Season 2 with our complete bio of the Idol runner-up
Read all the headlines and see the latest photos of Taylor Hicks
See how talent translates no matter which language these aspiring stars sing
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Which song began Kelly's career? Know Randy's favorite? Test your Idol expertise!
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Lambert expresses happiness for the winner while Allen tells PEOPLE, "Adam deserved this just as much as I do"
After her hospitalization for pneumonia, she thanks fans for "the kind words and well wishes"
Plus: Avril parties in South Beach with a new guy, Hayden chats up Deryck Whibley and more
