“American Idol” re-established itself as the water-cooler show this year with a finale upset: Nonthreatening all-American guy Kris Allen took the title over flamboyant vocal powerhouse Adam Lambert, a favorite of judges and critics alike. Of course, “Glambert’s” star kept rising, as he outed himself in Rolling Stone magazine and rumors swirled that he might join classic rock band Queen.
But the shocking finale wasn’t the only buzzworthy “Idol” drama. Who could forget the Kara DioGuardi vs. Bikini Girl throwdown, the hysterics of Tatiana Del Toro, and most recently, the earthshaking news that judge Paula Abdul was resigning and Ellen DeGeneres would be taking her place. What madness will the next season bring? —LH