Kris Allen

Kristopher Neil Allen (born June 21, 1985) is an American singer-songwriter from Conway, Arkansas and the winner of the eighth season of American Idol. Prior to Idol, he self-released a 2007 album entitled Brand New Shoes.

In 2007, Kris Allen wrote and self-produced an album entitled Brand New Shoes with college friends and bandmates Michael Holmes (drums) and Chase Erwin (bass). 600 copies were given to friends and family. Songs from the album were widely distributed online during his time on Idol.

Kris Allen auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in Louisville, Kentucky with his brother Daniel, who did not make it to Hollywood. In the early stages of the season, he was among the finalists (along with Allison Iraheta) that received the least amount of screen time. Only several seconds of his first audition (and neither of his Hollywood Week solo performances) were shown, although his group performance with White Chocolate (including fellow finalist Matt Giraud) was aired in its entirety. The judges also asked him to participate in an un-aired sing-off with another contestant before they allowed him to enter the semifinals round.

On May 20, 2009, Kris Allen was declared the winner of the eighth season of American Idol, becoming the first married contestant to claim the title, as well as the seventh winner from the Southern United States. Nearly 100 million votes were cast during the finale, setting a new world record for a televised singing competition. Unlike the previous season, the winning margin was undisclosed. Allen has admitted that the alleged disparity in votes was a "total surprise" to him.

Certain commentators labeled the win as an "upset" since runner-up Adam Lambert had received a significant amount of media attention throughout the season and was widely perceived to be the show's front-runner. Kris Allen victory was seen as highly controversial as viewers and the media speculated about the details of the result. Fox and AT&T have stated that they "stand by the outcome" and are "absolutely certain" that "Kris Allen is the American Idol".

Alexis Grace

Alexis Grace is a daughter of Andrea Perry and Randy Middleton, a former bass player for Ann Peebles. Alexis Grace was born in Memphis, Tennessee with a full name as Alexis Grace Middleton on June 9, 1987.

Alexis Grace is an American singer and a finalist on the eighth season of the television series American Idol.

Alexis Grace graduated from Overton High School in 2005. She has a daughter, Ryan Elizabeth.

Alexis Grace advanced from the first semi-final as the top female vote getter to the final twelve after singing Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)." She cites Ann Peebles as a major musical influence.

Alexis Grace finally made the semi-finals on the eighth season of American Idol after auditioning in Louisville, Kentucky where she sang Aretha Franklin's "Dr. Feelgood."

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in San Francisco, California.

Adam Lambert was the understudy for the part of Fiyero in the touring cast of Wicked(born January 29, 1982) from Los Angeles, California. He is now part of the top 12 finalists for the eighth season of American Idol.

Adam Lambert sing high notes at the end of his song I can't get no satisfaction.

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974) is an Emmy Award-nominated American media personality, television producer and entrepreneur. A longtime broadcaster, Seacrest gained fame as host of the FOX reality show American Idol. While he continues to host that show, Seacrest is also a co-host of the entertainment-news show E! News and of the annual Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on ABC. In addition to television, Seacrest hosts several radio shows: On Air with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM in Los Angeles and on other Premiere Radio Networks throughout the United States, American Top 40 on Premiere Radio Networks, and The Entertainment Edge on The One Network in the United Kingdom.

Melinda Doolittle

Melinda Marie Doolittle (born October 6, 1977) is an American singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season of American Idol. Prior to her appearance on American Idol, Doolittle worked as a professional back-up singer for, among others, Michael McDonald, Kirk Franklin, Aaron Neville, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Alabama, Jonny Lang, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Anointed.

Doolittle first auditioned for American Idol in Memphis, Tennessee. She went down to Memphis with some friends who were auditioning and decided to audition for fun. She sang the song "For Once in My Life", which was popularized by one of her favorite artists, Stevie Wonder. Her audition received positive feedback from all three judges, although they expressed concern about the nerves she had exhibited and told her to believe in herself.