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Her.meneutics is edited by associate editor Katelyn Beaty and online editor Sarah Pulliam Bailey.

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May 22, 2009

Kris Allen Triumphs on American Idol -- in More Ways Than One

Lessons from the outspoken Christian's friendship with the competition, glam rocker Adam Lambert.

Laura Leonard

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If you are one of the 28.8 million people who watched American Idol's season finale Wednesday night, you already know that Kris Allen, the 23-year old worship leader from Conway, Arkansas, beat out Hollywood rocker and musical theater vet Adam Lambert for the eighth season's title. Many saw this final battle as yet another chapter in the red-state/blue-state struggle, pitting Christian wholesomeness against bombastic worldliness. But in the days following Allen's surprise victory, the conversation has shifted from questions of whether devoted Christian voters propelled Allen past the season-long frontrunner, to the strong friendship the two performers have forged during the season.

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Earlier this year, I wrote about the role of faith on American Idol. While contestants like Allen may benefit from "the Christian vote," non-Christian performers like Adam Lambert have been similarly embraced by voters who do not share his worldview. By allowing him into their homes (via TV) for the past few months, many viewers came to see Lambert as more than his sexuality. Writes Ann Powers in the Los Angeles Times:

Each singer has fans who should be rooting for the other one, according to the usual patterns linked to the culture wars. Some commentators have tried to make a stir over Lambert's sexuality - Bill O'Reilly questioned Lambert's appropriateness as a singing role model on his Fox News program. But he seems to have many Christian admirers. "My husband and I are Baby Boomer Christians and we LOVE Adam Lambert! After 8 seasons, we finally have the contestant who defines the title," wrote one reader in the comments section of Newsweek magazine's Pop Vox blog.

Allen's friendship with Lambert, who was his roommate for the duration of the show, embodied Christian love in a way that also surprised many in the mainstream media. During Rock Week (top 4), Allen painted his thumbnail black while Lambert removed the black polish from his thumbnail, showing support for Lambert as a performer and friend, even while the two were competing against each other. And in an interview with E! the morning after his surprise win, Allen said, "I told [Adam], I was like, ‘You deserve this,' and he was like, ‘No, you deserve this.' We love each other, man. We've been friends ever since the Top 36, we were in group two together, and we both made it. I'm really proud of him, and I know that he's really proud of me as well."

Wednesday night's win was just one moment in pop culture history, so it may be silly to read many larger implications into Allen and Lambert's friendship. But as the most-watched show on television, perhaps American Idol is a catalyst, or at least a mirror, of how Christians can engage those whose actions they do not fully embrace. For Christian viewers, this means we can celebrate Kris Allen's victories - both musical and spiritual - on America's biggest stage.

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Posted by Katelyn Beaty on May 22, 2009 10:19 AM

Comments

This story makes me happy.

Posted By: alison | May 22, 2009 2:26 PM

What's weird is I've watched all season long and never knew Kris was a Christian until I saw it pop up in conversations on the internet. The supposed scandal over Adam is so silly. The show itself certainly did not make a big deal about any issues in their personal lives, and certainly no profiles like Danny Gokey had about his wife passing away. I love this show but it astounds me how many people waste their time on the trivialities of the contestants personal lives!

Posted By: Stephanie | May 22, 2009 2:38 PM

i usually get a glimpse of american idol at the end of the season when it becomes hyper-hyped. i saw kris allen being in the huckabee show and didn't know until then that he's a christian. in the interview itself, i had the feeling that governor huckabee wanted to draw out kris' christianity through his questions. but kris wasn't to be drawn out. his answers were neutral. at any rate, i believe that when one gets into the public eye, one's personal life becomes a topic. whether they like it or not. and as christians, we believe that this is a God-given opportunity to serve. to be a light and salt. and to those who are given much, much is expected. trivial or not, our life serves a purpose. and this is where we fail. i wish kris all God's blessings. may he see his winning this "idol" title the way God sees it and not the way the world sees it.

Posted By: jiji | June 4, 2009 8:46 AM

Glad to see you actually talking about Kris Allen... I think it is utterly amazing that out of the top 3 contestants 2 were evangelical (and I agree that Kris is teaching a lot of Christians about "love your neighbour"). I live in a Muslim country and one of my students asked me what a worship leader is, because she read that about Kris. I know neither Kris nor Danny G. are preaching to the masses but the world is their stage. What a chance!

Posted By: dagsch | June 7, 2009 12:05 PM

Did American Idol get lucky now that Adam Lambert is coming out in Rolling Stone and saying he had a crush on Kris Allen? http://tinyurl.com/lgaf4w

Posted By: Sarah | June 9, 2009 2:11 PM

So, what am I missing. Is the article hinting that Kris only won because his being a Christian was brought up and the "rocker" should have won because he's a better singer.
Maybe, Kris won because he was a better singer even though not a "rocker" singer and it had nothing to do with his being a Christian and apparently Adam not being one. I doublt that gazillions of Christians got on the phone to push Kris because he was a Christian and not the better singer because he's not yelling and unintelligible like 99% of "rocker singers" are.

Posted By: Anna | June 10, 2009 12:33 AM

I'm actually disturbed by the excerpts that I've read from the interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Adam Lambert is not only leading a homosexual lifestyle. He admitted to using illegal drugs and making out with other men while drunk in the corners of bars. He also talked about his issues with self-esteem and wanting to be a role model! While I'm glad that Kris Allen did not condemn him, he actually seemed to support his homosexual relationship!! It's scary to me how liberal our society is becoming.

Posted By: Nicole | June 10, 2009 1:09 AM

Actually, from what I understand, Danny Gokey's pastor sent out an e-mail asking Christians to vote for Kris (if indeed, this is true). It may have swayed the vote, not sure. Musicians and those in the music business (myself included) agree that Adam has a far more talented voice and vocal ability than Kris, and will probably sell more records. I'm a Christian but I love Adam, his kindness and humility around his gift, though I don't agree with his lifestyle and am praying for him. I will support his music career, because he is so talented. I wish Kris the best as well, and love his support of Adam, but agree, hope he's not supporting the homosexual lifestyle.

Posted By: cheery | June 10, 2009 2:11 PM

I think both of these guys are extremely talented. My first choice would have been Danny Gokey as I love his voice, but I did vote for Kris in the finale. Adam's style of music is not my cup of tea. Amazing talent, but not the kind of music I listen to. For me it did not come down to opposing lifestyles, but opposing music styles. Kris sings the kind of music I would purchase and listen to, as does Danny. I'm tired of being told that this became an anti-gay, anti-Adam campaign. I voted for Kris because I like his music.

Posted By: Idol fan | June 10, 2009 10:39 PM

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