ABOVE: Idol Winner Kris Allen Performs Jackson’s “Remember the Time.”
In an effort to pay final tribute to the King of Pop, and make another buck on commercial sales, Fox is airing a special encore presentation/rerun of American Idol Season 8’s Michael Jackson night special. Odds are the snarky comments from the judges will be edited out of this airing of the show.
Idol fans may recall that during the MJ show, blind pianist/former judges’ fave Scott MacIntyre performed an obscure Michael Jackson number called, “Keep the Faith.” He said he picked the song because he wanted to do something artistic, which caused Simon to bluntly point out that, “It is fine being artistic, just not on this show.”
Good point, Simon. This is glorified karaoke, afterall. While the performances were met with mixed reviews by the judges, looking back at this performance special could be an interesting chance for fans to compare the performances of Idol winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert.
The fact that Lambert is the runner-up is often overlooked, as his outgoing persona tends to overshadow Allen. However, word has recently surfaced that the two musical friends have expressed interest in recording together. Maybe they’ll make a great duo. American Idol’s tribute to Michael Jackson airs Monday, June 29 check local listings for times.
Before the show: Check out the complete list of all the Michael Jackson songs each of top 13 contestants will sing. There’s a good chance that these songs will become a big part of the upcoming 2009 Idols Live tour dates featuring this season’s top 10 contestants.
BELOW: Idol runner-up Adam Lambert sings Michael Jackson’s “Black or White.“
Carson says...
06.29.09 10:58 am
Yeah, I’m betting they take out the comments too or else it will just be downright weird to hear Kara tell Lambert, “I hope Michael Jackson is watching you now…” and downright embarrassing to hear Simon call Kris what-ever-his-name is performance “fogettable.”
Karen added...
Haha, good point–I forgot about that one!
06.29.09 10:59 am
Tina S added...
They actually did cut Kara’s comment. You could see Adam mouthing his response “I love him!” but there was no audio to that either. Don’t recall if they left in Simon’s comments about Kris, but it seemed like all the judges had less than enthusiastic things to say about Kris’s performance, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was actually there.
06.30.09 12:59 pm
jackson added...
Idiots, you only hear what you want to hear. You need to listen again. Stupid bitterberts.
06.30.09 2:44 pm
Jasmine says...
06.29.09 11:03 am
Maybe they will have little tributes to MJ instead of the comments
Mary says...
06.29.09 11:18 am
I just watched both videos and I am really surprised that the first boy won. I think I am getting it correct too. Chris Allen (?) was the first place winner of that show right? Adam Lambert was the second place winner of this American Idol Show??? I find it hard to believe because to me, after watching only this video on their performances; Adam Lambert is clearly a more superior artist. Yes the little boy can play the guitar but if it was a singing competition then the best singer and performer was Adam Lambert. The other boy doesn’t even look like a singer he looks more like a college kid who forgot his books. What is with the faces he makes while singing? I guess if they play that at least everyone will see how much better quality Adam Lambert provides musically in comparison to Chris Allen.
MW added...
Mary:
Amen sister, Amen.
Altho Kris is a nice guy.
06.29.09 11:57 am
media bias added...
I know, right? Seriously what a sham. Yes the “little boy” is cute and really nice and he and Adam Lambert have a great Bromance but regardless…. Bet a dollar they close tonights “tribute” with Adam Lambert.
If the nasty Gokey fans put KA over the top, then they got what they deserved. Gokey with no contract, no notoriety, and fading fast…
But I’m pretty sure it was AT&T. One person power texting with a phone could vote around 10,000 times each at least especially with the free phones and texting the ATT employees provided. 50 phones at each party? You do the math.
06.29.09 3:32 pm
annfan added...
You have personally attacked every single person who voted for Kris Allen - every one who is a fan of his - including Mr. Lambert - You’re rude…
Adam does not care thathe came in second - just as Kri swould not have cared if he lost to Adam - let it be - there’s room enough for both artists
06.29.09 6:07 pm
SCat says...
06.29.09 11:50 am
Well I think the “forgettable” comment was appropriate. Couldn’t even watch the whole version of Kris Allen’s performance. Too boring. (Maybe it was just the song, pretty boring).
hayllie added...
you are so right-i just watched it and now ive already forgot about it…
06.29.09 1:28 pm
jackson added...
Typical bitterberts!
07.1.09 8:11 am
hayllie says...
06.29.09 1:25 pm
i missed this week-the only one ive seen is adams because i bought it on itunes…kris was really pitchy[spelling?]…he really got into it thoe-and i like that!–he never really acted like that on any other of his performances thoe-and that really disapoints me…he shouldve done more vocals then letting the backround singers do it-he has a great voice id like to hear it-adams-i dont know what to say-it was just plain awsome! he wasnt singing he was having a concert! and thats what i love about him-he has awsome vocal skills and he can put on a show. i cant wait to watch tonight! gosh i just love you adam and kris!—you guys are just plain awsome.
terie D. says...
06.29.09 1:29 pm
Since this is a tribute to Michael Jackson, I, too, hope that the judges comments will be left out. I do not, however, think that any comparison between ADAM (I am one of his fans) and KRIS (I like him, too) would be unfair as both young men have pointed out the DIFFERENCE in their styles and are VERY GOOD FRIENDS. This is a TRIBUTE to MICHAEL JACKSON and in my opinion, should be viewed as such. The competition is over!
terie D. says...
06.29.09 1:32 pm
CORRECTION ON MY LAST COMMENT: I DO THINK THAT ANY COMPARISON WOULD BE UNFAIR!!
MAM says...
06.29.09 1:33 pm
The first video is the winner?
Karen added...
Yes, Kris Allen won, although Adam Lambert (bottom of page) seems to be more popular…
06.29.09 1:34 pm
Annie says...
06.29.09 2:53 pm
Now you know why so many people were so upset - Adam should have won! The guy is gorgeous and brilliantly talented! His fan base is in the millions - something went seriously wrong. Oh well, Adam is now a World Idol!
jackson added...
Didn’t realize there was a World Idol contest again. Even if there was Adam wouldn’t qualify because he didn’t win AI, so guess that leaves him out.
06.30.09 10:52 pm
ravengirl says...
06.29.09 3:19 pm
I so agree.as I recall, This was the first time I thought, Wow! Who is that Adam guy? He stole the show. I don’t even remember what kris allen sang or did. It will be interesting to watch knowing the outcome as we now do.
media bias says...
06.29.09 3:23 pm
And imagine, Adam Lambert said this performance was the one he was least satisfied with. He feels it was pitchy in parts and a bit screamy. What a humble kind person. Bless with THE GIFT. Regardless of how the media creeps try and sabotage him.
I much prefer his live performance over the studio release of this song as well as ALL the others.
chipitasgirl says...
06.29.09 3:35 pm
Adam should do a stream of Michael songs as a tribute…….it would be so SICK……so Edgy…..such a memorable memorial. Fox should think of this…..If you cameo Adam, for sure nothing will be “forgetable”
HD says...
06.29.09 3:44 pm
If Adam has a fan base in the millions, they should of supported him better. The competition is over. Kris Allen WON. Please Adam fans put your bitterness behind you, they are both good artists in their own way. Enjoy the upcoming tour, buy Adam’s CD’s, go see him in concerts. Stop the negative comments about Kris. You are really showing your poor sportsmanship.
AdamAddict added...
Yes, Kris is a nice guy we all acknowledge that. We’re not being “poor sports”; we’re just stating a fact, that Kris just doesn’t have the charisma Adam does that is required for stardom, period. It’s just a fact. Whether you are an Adam fan or not, anyone can see this clearly.
06.29.09 4:19 pm
AdamAddict says...
06.29.09 4:17 pm
ADAM was a winner from the start. He’s going to be an ICON, following in the footsteps of Elvis, Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, etc. He’s the ICON of our 21st century. Everything he’s done has been superlative, and now the world knows how talented he is. He’s smart, grounded, funny, sweet, and incredibly talented. Can’t wait to follow Adam’s every step along the way.
jackson added...
Very high expectations, what will Adam do when he can’t live up to what his fans expect and the media move on to the next big news?
07.1.09 8:13 am
juliet says...
06.29.09 4:42 pm
adam lambert the ebst ; now i like him then> i like hom now much better- hes my favorite singer.
adam lambert- elvis prsley -high range;
same birthyear zodiac sign(diffrent birthyear_ no wonder thyre similar.
elvis presley was born jna,-1935- capricorn-(boar )cusp dog year
michael jackson was born august 20plus soemthing -1958-dog yera born
adam lambert(capricorn cusp aquarius)- was born jan..29)like ophra winfrey(birthmonth)
1982 born boar cusp dog year.
similarity?
jackson says...
06.29.09 4:45 pm
Bitterberts need to get a life. Kris continued to improve and give brilliant performances. Adam stayed the same or gave inferior performances. There is a difference between being an artist and giving over the top screaming fests. The name is Kris Allen, remember it!
Nancy added...
If someone posts a comment that’s different from the way you think you resort to name-calling—”Bitterberts”. Learn to handle opinions that are different from yours without acting childish. No one here is calling Kris names. So, who’s really bitter??????
07.1.09 2:48 pm
jackson added...
Didn’t call Adam names, just his over the top, bitter fans who attack Kris and his fans on all Kris’ articles. Not all Adam fans are bitterberts but if the name fits, that’s your problem!
07.1.09 3:23 pm
Eileen says...
06.29.09 4:48 pm
HD: I don’t see any bitterness here on the part of Adam fans — just honesty and opinions. Adam IS the better singer and performer in my opinion. Kris is a nice guy, OK voice, he won, and if you’ve been reading, there are various reasons he won — mostly that he got more votes! Adam was more polarizing because he takes risks, pushes buttons and is a unique artist, not everyone’s cup of tea.
Most musical geniuses — i.e. Michael Jackson, Prince, The Beatles — DO push buttons. Like anyone who is a genius, they are so good they are ahead of the time; they are trailblazers, pioneers, call them what you will, because they are not like everyone else. Like the song said, there are “no boundaries.” ‘Nuff said. Enjoy the show!
jackson added...
Adam’s not unique and he is not going to change the face of music no more than Kris will, he is just different than Kris. Adam will never in his or your wildest dreams come close to touching the Beatles. What fantasy world are you living in? At least Kris’ fans are realistic.
06.30.09 10:58 pm
Eileen says...
06.29.09 4:50 pm
Agree with you 100% AdamAddict! Adam’s got it all! That’s why he’s constantly in the media (magazine covers, stories, People’s Best Bachelors). He’s the next MJ!
Karla says...
06.29.09 5:25 pm
Simon was right. Adam was really in a league of his own. Adam’s performance was so superior over everyone else’s that night. The rest of the top 13 became the opening acts of the Adam Lambert Show.
jackson added...
Adam had been performing on stage for years before this performance, he should have been good, and that’s all he was. It’s insulting to all the other contestants who were amatuers, in that they did not have the experience or advantages that Adam had prior to AI, to say they were opening acts for Adam. Adam should not have been on AI. The show is supposed to e about finding the best undiscovered talent, and that’s what happened when Kris won. The other contestants learned and grew, Adam stayed the same because he had already reached his potential before AI.
07.1.09 8:07 am
happybert added...
Jackson: Kris had recorded an album before AI, as had Matt. Check your facts instead of polluting blogs with rants
07.2.09 9:43 pm
jackson added...
happybert, Kris and some friends made the cd, it was not promoted by any record company. Kris never left Arkansas, he was completely undiscovered. Adam made all kinds of connections but couldn’t make it. You need to change your name to bitterbert!
07.6.09 6:45 pm
Shannon says...
06.29.09 5:34 pm
Who won American Idol again? Unbelieveable!
Amanda says...
06.29.09 5:48 pm
I think almost everybody did a great job that week, esp. Adam, Kris and Allison (and ok, Danny was good too. And Matt.). but I have to say that Adam was way better then all of them, he really stood out, and the way he performed that song was very special. he meant every word.
Josh says...
06.29.09 6:00 pm
ADAM’s MJ Black & White number was the first performance I watched on AI this year and I was blown away with awesomeness.
(to think this was his least well-performed song,and it’s still 100 times better that you know whos.)
I’ve been an adamant ADAM fan since!
MJ paved the way for ADAM!
ADAM is definitely the next megastar of pop/rock!
Rammi says...
06.29.09 6:17 pm
There is absolutely no bitterness. I like Kris, and I appreciate his friendship with Adam. But Adam fans are not sore losers. They are simply stating the obvious. When it comes to vocal ability, there is no comparison. Kris gracefully acknowledged that fact. Kris is cute and a nice guy, but I would compare him to several vocalists where I live. Maybe he’ll show more in the future. I certainly hope so because I wish him much success. But Adam is truly amazing with a special gift. He has the whole enchilada. He has that incredible voice, the tremendous vocal range, a great musical sense and creativity, intelligence, ability to articulate, stunning looks and a super smile. This is not anti-Kris. It is simply telling it like it is, so Kris fans, you get over it. He won with more votes but not voters. And there is a difference when you have 3 year olds punching buttons and logging thousands of votes.
Kathleen says...
06.29.09 7:04 pm
Well, I don’t think anyone should be compared to the
“King OF Pop”= Michael Jackson; esp so, so, so soon after his death!. Adam is wonderful, great, so talented & exciting! (as are some other performers.)
But I don’t think anyone can “touch” the “genious of
Michael Jackson” And Please ….. Let’s give others a chance to mourn
the wonderful Michael Jackson! I was watching his
Music Videos last eve. What a talent! These were
amazing to watch. Among some of the best, I thought,
was one called “Smooth Criminal” also another one I really enjoyed was called “You Are Not Alone.” It is so shocking and so sad for so many that such a talent and a really wonderful person is gone from
this world. At this moment Fox is re broadcasting
the Top 13 on American Idol as a tribute to Michael
Jackson because it was Michael Jackson week.And, Yes,I do hope they eliminate, at least some of the comments made by the judges. I’m still shocked and
saddened by his death. Kathleen
Stephanie says...
06.29.09 7:07 pm
This will be another chance for the public to compare Kris Allen and Adam Lambert and the comparison will not help the eventual “winner” Kris Allen. Adam is in a different league performance-wise and this show is a prime example of that. This re-airing will just re-inforce what many people already believe…that Adam was robbed and that the wrong person won American Idol for the wrong reasons. Adam will be picking up even more fans after this show airs. He’s virtually unstopable and well on his way to becoming a worldwide Superstar.
Katie says...
06.29.09 10:38 pm
Adam was definitely the hot one on this show, and all the shows. I do wish Gene Simmons would shut up already about how Adam ruined his career by coming out. Methinks Gene is jealous that Adam stole the show when they performed together. Adam is something special, and he will have an outstanding career!
meredith says...
06.29.09 10:46 pm
well after watching both videos (and the show), what i think of this story is that it should probably read, “What?? Kris is who won? Is Idol a talent contest, a singing contest, a performance/entertainment contest — or just a voting/cuteness contest??!!” great to have a tribute to the amazing MJ and his music — and adam lambert is wonderul.
carly says...
06.29.09 10:47 pm
well after watching both videos (and the show), what i think of this story is that it should probably read, “What?? Kris is who won? Is Idol a talent contest, a singing contest — or just a cuteness contest??!!” great to have a tribute to the amazing MJ and his music — and adam lambert is wonderful.
Sandy says...
06.29.09 11:02 pm
This is only the second idol show I watched all season. I am shocked that Adam Lambert did not win. What, did he freak out or something as the show went on? What a totally amazing singer he is and what a great performance! He did put the others to shame — and Kris, the winner, seems like a likeable guy and adequate, but not at all extraordinary. I guess this is why lots of people don’t bother watching or voting. Well it was still a tribute to the great Michael, who I totally love. (Would love to see Adam Lambert perform a few more of his songs.)
MicheleDE says...
06.29.09 11:34 pm
Even those who are watching this for the first time are wondering wth happened and why Kris won. Adam clearly shines more, and has better skills. However, yep the competition is over and Kris did win, he’s a sweet, wonderful guy and a wonderful friend to Adam. I LOVE KRADAM!!!
so very sad. Note that in the earlier interviews, both Adam and Kris stated MJ as an idol of theirs. True story.
I still can’t believe MJ is gone.
Ginger Sweet says...
06.30.09 7:33 am
Kris got more votes for a reason. He. Deserved. To. Win. Get over it! I also admired many of Adam’s performances but after watching the entire body of work by both performers, I had no doubt that Kris’ album is the one I would buy. Adam on stage = entertaining, but listening to a whole album of the high notes and what many call screaming is not what I want to hear on my Ipod. It would be like an entire album of Phantom of the Opera, good to watch when I am in the mood for a big Broadway musical, but gets tired fast. Look at the ITunes data, the reason American Idol kept it quiet is because Kris was outselling everyone. I will put Kris’ Heartless up against any song by Adam except Mad World, which I think is equally beautiful. Hey people, it’s all about taste and you are entitled to your opinion, but Kris ROCKS and obviously America agreed- according to sources it wasn’t even a close vote.
ciciring added...
wait a minute… AI wants to keep it quiet because its own winner outsell others? Don’t you think they would be proud to announce it because there are soooo many voices questioning Kris’ winning?
and… for the entire season, I am really curious about who outsells others~ anyone has the data? I mean, not just the few weeks after finale because tons of people would be curious about who is the winner and Kris got iTune pass, priority to famous talk shows etc.
06.30.09 3:07 pm
ciciring added...
plus, I really don’t want to argue at first, but why people keep comparing those two when this is actually a tribute to a legend?
06.30.09 3:10 pm
jackson added...
Everyone knows AI kept it quiet throughout the season. They still don’t want us to know to keep the controversy going and sell more cd’s.
07.1.09 9:31 am
jackson says...
06.30.09 8:03 am
If you Kris bashers had watched the entire season you may be able to comprehend how Kris won. In case you didn’t notice this was the first elimination show. Kris improved throughout the season. Adam stayed the same. Kris kept gaining fans. Adam obviously didn’t. Get a life and get over the bitterness.
Lorena added...
I did watch the whole season. I never saw the improvements your talking about sorry.
06.30.09 9:42 am
ciciring added...
Kris improved, I saw that. But Adam just set the bar so high that his improvement is not so obvious as Kris. Kris was about 60 at first, and then go to 80, Adam was 90 at first and then go to 95. People felt amazed at Kris’ growing, but forgetting that the higher you go, the harder you can improve. Kris is excellent, but Adam is exceptional.
Anyone who has seen this season, please tell me, do you think BOW is Adam’s best performance? Adam’s vocal is already exceptional, so let’s talk about stage presence and control: born to be wild, feeling good, cryin’, whole lotta love, a change is gonna come, any one of those is obviously better than “black or white”.
06.30.09 3:22 pm
DONNA BATTLES says...
06.30.09 8:44 am
SO SO HAPPY THEY RELAPED THIS AMERICAN IDOL SHOW. IT WAS THE ONLY ONE I MISSED NOW I HAVE A COMPLETE CONCERT FOR ADAM AND I WATCH IT 2 TIMES IF NOT MORE A DAY . I DONT HAVE ANYTHING AGAINST KRIS UNLESS HE WAS IN ON THE AT&T THING. I AM SURE THE WAY THINGS WORKED OUT ARE BETTER FOR ADAM BECAUSE NOW HE HAS THE FREEDOM TO GO WORLD WIDE AND THEY ARE WANTING HIM EVERYWHERE!!!!!! I JUST ONLY HOPE I GET TO SEE HIM OR MEET HIM IN THIS LIFE TIME . I GREW UP WITH MJ , I AM 50 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED HIM AND HIS ENTERTANING. I AM SURE MICHEAL WOULD AGREE WITH ME IN SAYING ADAM WILL BE THE NEXT CLOSEST IDOL TO FOLLOW BEHIND HIM AND I KNOW WHEN MICHEAL SAW ADAM SING HIS BLACK AND WHITE SOND , HE WAS PROUD!!!! GOOD LUCK ADAM AND IF YOU EVER COME TO ALABAMA ”I’LL BE THERE ” RIP MICHEAL
Angel says...
06.30.09 12:23 pm
I grieved the loss of MICHAEL JACKSON, the greatest entertainer in both singing and dancing. I cried every time his video is playing especially when he was young. I’m over 50 and I’ve been a great fan of MJ from ‘69 to now. I felt relieved after my daughter told me, “He’s at peace now, Mom! He’s better off now.” I prayed for him during his trial that GOD may give a verdict that’s good for his soul. I believe he has a beautiful soul but misunderstood. You will live forever in our hearts, Michael. Thank you for what you have given the world which will last forever and never forgotten.
I’m a fan of ADAM from his audition. But I fell in love with him when he electrified the AI audience with his Black or White rendition and shreds the competition that early. I was simply stunned and in awe! And I just asked. “Where have you been, ADAM?”
Now that MJ is gone, it’s so consoling that there’s something to look forward to and get excited about: ADAM LAMBERT!
I thank GOD for Michael and now ADAM!
MK says...
06.30.09 1:43 pm
Yeah, right-lambert fans aren’t sore losers -my ass!
I can’t stand to even listen to adam(known as the screamer around our office) finish a song. Always was a good time to channel hop. Adam was only the
most popular in your little minds and the media’s.
Lorena added...
My opinion about Adam being the best singer hasn’t changed. Neither has my opinion that he should have won. Adam still has a recording contract. He doesn’t have to do the promotional stuff that Kris does have to do. We are very happy for him. We don’t consider ourselves sore losers just very opinionated. I happen to love them wonderful high notes that he hits. They are pitch perfect and music to my ears.
06.30.09 3:34 pm
jackson says...
06.30.09 11:46 pm
*
“AdamAddict added…
Yes, Kris is a nice guy we all acknowledge that. We’re not being “poor sports”; we’re just stating a fact, that Kris just doesn’t have the charisma Adam does that is required for stardom, period. It’s just a fact. Whether you are an Adam fan or not, anyone can see this clearly.”
That’s only your opinion. Kris has far more staying power than Adam could dream of having. It’s quite apparent that the bitterberts can’t see clearly! They are blinded by all the glitz and sequins.
afan says...
07.1.09 9:50 am
I watched AI’s MJ Tribute last night because it was the only elimination show I missed. It was funny to hear the judges’ comments after knowing the end result. What a hoot! Adam is my fave, but I think Kris is awesome too. It’s nice to see that they are friends, and both quality, upstanding guys. There’s lots of room in the entertainment industry for each of them. As for Gene Simmons’ remarks – chill… he is another of my idols (what can I say, I grew up in the 70s) and he’s entitled to his opinion. Keep the peace, people. Just listen to the music. That’s what it’s all about.
Nancy says...
07.1.09 2:40 pm
I am so tired of people saying that Adam had no business being on A.I. because of his experience! So you admit, he’s already great!? But, seriously folks, did ANYONE outside of L.A. know who Adam Lambert was before American Idol? NO! He WAS a nobody–struggling like so many other artists out there–having his phone turned off becuase he couldn’t pay the bill, etc. C’mon! He had every right to go onto A.I. to show the world his amazing gift.
To those of you who call him the screamer or screecher or whatever…… have you HEARD the studio versions of his performance songs from A.I.? Do yourself a favor and download them!!! His high notes are pure and clear, a far cry from ANYONE who’s ever appeared on the idol stage. He has the potential, if he makes wise choices, to become a megastar—face it.
Kris is really cool–he and Adam are really good friends. They respect one anothers differences and help each other. There’s room for both of them in the industry.
So, when someone comments on how they can’t believe that Kris won over Adam….it’s just an opinion and it’s you who hate Adam that call them sore losers!!
Adam rocks! And so does Kris! Can’t wait to see them on tour!
Karen says...
06.30.09 1:01 pm
I think they left in too much of the judges/comments.
Should’ve had tributes to MJ instead.
Karen says...
07.1.09 9:39 am
I’m with you on this one!
Will anyone remember either of these guys in 10 years?
Doubt it.
Nancy says...
07.1.09 2:53 pm
We’ll see!