Kris Allen Wins American Idol!

Last night the worship leader from Conway, Arkansas, Kris Allen, pulled off what might be the biggest upset in American Idol history when he beat out the glam rocker from San Diego, Adam Lambert for the title of American Idol.

Allen spent much of the season in the shadow of fellow worship leader Danny Gokey, who was favored to go to the finals with Lambert. Gokey's poignant personal story - his wife passed away just four months before he auditioned for the show - helped propel him to the finals. Lambert was favored to win the competition, even getting the judges' endorsement when Simon Cowell told viewers to vote for Lambert.

But as the weeks progressed, Allen proved that his ability to interpret songs was a stronger asset than either Gokey's soulful vocals and poignant personal back story or Lambert's big rock vocals and theatrical stage persona.

Last night's show was a night filled with music legends - including Rod Stewart and Carlos Santana - as well as some newer artists that left some of us scratching our heads - Black Eyed Peas - culminating in the surprise results that left Allen speechless. (Well, we were all pretty speechless by that song Kara DioGuardi co-wrote that will be the first single Allen releases. You'd think with all of her writing credits she could have come up with something better than rainbows and puppy dog sentimentality. Blech. )

Well, it was only a surprise if you haven't been reading my blog. I've been predicting Allen to win back when everyone predicted a final three of Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey.

This likely isn't the last time you'll hear from those contestants either. The company that handles the licensing for Idol says they're going to exercise their options to sign Allen and Lambert, and probably some others.

While he isn't the only worship leader to ever compete on the show, he does make history as the first married contestant to win the title of American Idol.

And there you have it: season 8 of American Idol is over. What will we talk about now?

 Joanne Brokaw is the host of the Gospel Soundcheck blog at Beliefnet.com. She's also blogging about American Idol at NewChristianVoices.com. Check back every week for new posts and Idol updates!