Kris Allen wins American Idol - did religion play a role?

May 20, 10:41 PMInternational LGBT Issues ExaminerKelvin Lynch

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                   American Idol 2009 Winner Kris Allen

Hallelujah! 

Kris Allen was just crowned the season 8 winner of American Idol.  The 23-year-old married cutie from Arkansas will now have to sing crap like Kara's dreams and rainbows ode "No Boundaries" forever and ever.  And that's a good thing, because it suits him.

Adam Lambert, on the other hand, is more free to be himself as first runner-up, once the dreaded summer Idol tour is over.  For one thing, he doesn't have to sing that godawful song, and for another, he will have his choice of recording contracts (and believe me, he's fielding offers).  Kris is stuck with ultra-conservative 19 Entertainment and Clive Davis for at least the next year.

I know a lot of people are disappointed that American Idol didn't crown it's first flamboyant, unapologetic, openly gay winner.  However, it's not much of a surprise.  Just look at winners past - they are as blah as they come, with the exception of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.  The runners-up have enjoyed much more successful careers.  Fourth place finalist Chris Daughtry has a platinum album under his belt and a cult following, and Jennifer Hudson has an Academy Award. Even Clay Aiken sold more records than Ruben Studdard.

Bill O'Reilly said that the final vote probably came down to religion, and as much as I hate to agree with him, I think he makes a good point.  Kris is practically a poster boy for heterosexual, white-bread Christianity, while Adam is an in-your-face Jewish gay man.  That could very well have played a significant role in the final voting among red state voters with texting capability.

Interestingly enough, it also came to light today that disgraced Evangelical minister Ted Haggard is a big Kris Allen fan.  The "ex gay" and former head of New Life Church in Colorado twittered his support for Allen and remarked earlier today on his account that Kris would win.  Straight guy fetish, Ted?

Force of nature glamazon world superstar Adam Lambert

Nobody can deny that Adam has the more powerful and versatile voice. Simon said last night that Adam was a world-class star (he quite notably didn't say the same about Kris). Adam has already cemented his superstar status on Idol this season.  I can't wait to see the Adam Lambert tour once the Idol summer tour (and his 19 Entertainment contract) is history.  Adam is meant to play to large arenas like a true superstar.  Think Madonna, Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, or his performance mates tonight, Kiss.

Go Adam!  The world needs you to bring androgynous sexy back with glitter and platform boots. 

Bring it beeatch!

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