American Idol season 8: Difference between revisions

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I know I haven't gained consensus it's just that I don't want to clutter the talk page... i have made these tables... I think they look good apart from the notes section which needs to be trimmed
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The '''eighth season of ''[[American Idol]]''''' premiered on January 13, 2009 and concluded on May 20, 2009. Judges [[Simon Cowell]], [[Paula Abdul]], and [[Randy Jackson]] continued to judge the show's contestants, along with [[Ryan Seacrest]] as host. The season introduced [[Kara DioGuardi]] as the fourth judge on the ''Idol'' panel.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-08-25-new-idol-juidge_N.htm Songwriter Kara DioGuardi joins 'American Idol' panel]</ref> [[Kris Allen]] was announced the winner of the competition on May 20, 2009, defeating runner-up [[Adam Lambert]] after nearly 100 million votes, the highest recorded vote total in the history of the show.
The '''eighth season of ''[[American Idol]]''''' premiered on January 13, 2009 and concluded on May 20, 2009. Judges [[Simon Cowell]], [[Paula Abdul]], and [[Randy Jackson]] continued to judge the show's contestants, along with [[Ryan Seacrest]] as host. The season introduced [[Kara DioGuardi]] as the fourth judge on the ''Idol'' panel.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2008-08-25-new-idol-juidge_N.htm Songwriter Kara DioGuardi joins 'American Idol' panel]</ref> [[Kris Allen]] was announced the winner of the competition on May 20, 2009, defeating runner-up [[Adam Lambert]] after nearly 100 million votes, the highest recorded vote total in the history of the show.

The eighth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 36 semi-finalists instead of 24, and thirteen finalists instead of twelve, nine contestants chosen by the public and four by the judges. Another addition was the "save," which was used on the top seven results show to veto [[Matt Giraud]]'s elimination.
The eighth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 36 semi-finalists instead of 24, and thirteen finalists instead of twelve, nine contestants chosen by the public and four by the judges. Another addition was the "save," which was used on the top seven results show to veto [[Matt Giraud]]'s elimination.

==Changes from Season 7==
==Changes from Season 7==
Several changes were planned for season 8. Fox Entertainment president [[Kevin Reilly]] stated that ''Idol'' would feature fewer "[[William Hung]]-like" contestants and "funny auditions," and would quickly move its focus to the potential singers during the earlier stages of the competition, thus moving the season at a faster pace.<ref>[http://www.okmagazine.com/posts/view/7849/ OK! Magazine - First for Celebrity News - Less is More for Next Season of American Idol<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Mike Darnell]], president of Fox's alternative programming, said the contestants would be more emotional and that viewers would learn more about them and their pasts than they had in the [[American Idol (season 7)|previous season]].<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28002633/ ‘Idol's’ emotional focus will highlight Abdul]</ref>
Several changes were planned for season 8. Fox Entertainment president [[Kevin Reilly]] stated that ''Idol'' would feature fewer "[[William Hung]]-like" contestants and "funny auditions," and would quickly move its focus to the potential singers during the earlier stages of the competition, thus moving the season at a faster pace.<ref>[http://www.okmagazine.com/posts/view/7849/ OK! Magazine - First for Celebrity News - Less is More for Next Season of American Idol<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Mike Darnell]], president of Fox's alternative programming, said the contestants would be more emotional and that viewers would learn more about them and their pasts than they had in the [[American Idol (season 7)|previous season]].<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28002633/ ‘Idol's’ emotional focus will highlight Abdul]</ref>
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''[[Idol Gives Back]]'' was canceled for season 8, as the [[Global financial crisis of 2008-2009|ongoing economic crisis and recession]], left ''Idol'' officials uncomfortable asking financially struggling viewers to donate.<ref>[http://tv.yahoo.com/american-idol/show/34934/news/urn:newsml:tv.tvguide.com:20081213:d5c5e51c579d7928219e77d2c2ae5681__ER:1 American Idol Shelves "Give Back" Show for 2009 Season]</ref>
''[[Idol Gives Back]]'' was canceled for season 8, as the [[Global financial crisis of 2008-2009|ongoing economic crisis and recession]], left ''Idol'' officials uncomfortable asking financially struggling viewers to donate.<ref>[http://tv.yahoo.com/american-idol/show/34934/news/urn:newsml:tv.tvguide.com:20081213:d5c5e51c579d7928219e77d2c2ae5681__ER:1 American Idol Shelves "Give Back" Show for 2009 Season]</ref>
The semifinals saw the biggest change as the wild card round returned for the first time since the [[American Idol (season 3)|third season]]. After voters picked three finalists from each of three groups of 12 semi-finalists, the judges selected eight of the previously eliminated 27 semifinalists to return and perform a song on the March 5, 2009, show. They were judged by the panel, instead of a vote by the viewers, with four advancing to the finals.<ref name="Reality TV World">[http://realitytvworld.com/news/fox-releases-american-idol-schedule-confirms-format-changes-8158.php Fox releases 'American Idol' schedule, confirms format changes]</ref><ref name="How Will The Wild-Card Round Work On 'America Idol'"> [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605830/20090225/story.jhtml MTV How WIll The Wild-Card Round Work On 'American Idol']</ref> Although the finals had been billed from the beginning of the season as a set of 12 contestants, the judges announced at the last minute that they would be advancing a thirteenth contestant, [[Anoop Desai]], as well.
The semifinals saw the biggest change as the wild card round returned for the first time since the [[American Idol (season 3)|third season]]. After voters picked three finalists from each of three groups of 12 semi-finalists, the judges selected eight of the previously eliminated 27 semifinalists to return and perform a song on the March 5, 2009, show. They were judged by the panel, instead of a vote by the viewers, with four advancing to the finals.<ref name="Reality TV World">[http://realitytvworld.com/news/fox-releases-american-idol-schedule-confirms-format-changes-8158.php Fox releases 'American Idol' schedule, confirms format changes]</ref><ref name="How Will The Wild-Card Round Work On 'America Idol'"> [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605830/20090225/story.jhtml MTV How WIll The Wild-Card Round Work On 'American Idol']</ref> Although the finals had been billed from the beginning of the season as a set of 12 contestants, the judges announced at the last minute that they would be advancing a thirteenth contestant, [[Anoop Desai]], as well.

Another change in the ''Idol'' format, which was revealed on March 11, 2009, is that the judges are eligible to exercise a veto power on one eliminated contestant at any given point of the competition and spare them from elimination for that particular week. This can only be invoked up until the Final 5. The following week two contestants will be eliminated if the save is used because nobody is eliminated on the week that the save is used. The save can only be used once and it must be unanimous.
Another change in the ''Idol'' format, which was revealed on March 11, 2009, is that the judges are eligible to exercise a veto power on one eliminated contestant at any given point of the competition and spare them from elimination for that particular week. This can only be invoked up until the Final 5. The following week two contestants will be eliminated if the save is used because nobody is eliminated on the week that the save is used. The save can only be used once and it must be unanimous.

In practice, the eighth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 36 semi-finalists instead of 24, and thirteen finalists instead of twelve, as, after nine contestants were voted into the finals and three wild card contestants had been advanced, the judges decided to advance a fourth wild card contestant, [[Anoop Desai]].
In practice, the eighth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 36 semi-finalists instead of 24, and thirteen finalists instead of twelve, as, after nine contestants were voted into the finals and three wild card contestants had been advanced, the judges decided to advance a fourth wild card contestant, [[Anoop Desai]].

==Early process==
==Early process==
===Regional auditions phase===
===Regional auditions phase===
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|}
|}
Contestants are required to be between the ages 16 and 28 on July 15, 2008 and eligible to work in the [[United States]]. Contestants are ineligible if they were part of the top 40 from previous seasons (exception being for those who reached the top 50 from season 7), if they hold recording or management contracts or if they are not U.S. citizens or landed immigrants (i.e. temporary residents).
Contestants are required to be between the ages 16 and 28 on July 15, 2008 and eligible to work in the [[United States]]. Contestants are ineligible if they were part of the top 40 from previous seasons (exception being for those who reached the top 50 from season 7), if they hold recording or management contracts or if they are not U.S. citizens or landed immigrants (i.e. temporary residents).

===Hollywood phase===
===Hollywood phase===
For this season, the Hollywood round moved to the [[Kodak Theatre]], which was previously used for the season finale from seasons 1 and 3&ndash;6, from the [[Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles)|Orpheum Theatre]]. In addition, the Hollywood round was extended to two weeks.
For this season, the Hollywood round moved to the [[Kodak Theatre]], which was previously used for the season finale from seasons 1 and 3&ndash;6, from the [[Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles)|Orpheum Theatre]]. In addition, the Hollywood round was extended to two weeks.

In the first round, the 147 contestants each sang a short solo a cappella performance of any song. The next round had the remaining 107 contestants performing in groups of three or four. The 72 contestants that passed group day performed one more solo song, this time accompanied by a band, before being narrowed down to 54. The final 54 then went to the "judges' mansion" in Los Angeles for the final results, and the Top 36 were announced. Some contestants had a sing-off to determine who would enter the top 36.
In the first round, the 147 contestants each sang a short solo a cappella performance of any song. The next round had the remaining 107 contestants performing in groups of three or four. The 72 contestants that passed group day performed one more solo song, this time accompanied by a band, before being narrowed down to 54. The final 54 then went to the "judges' mansion" in Los Angeles for the final results, and the Top 36 were announced. Some contestants had a sing-off to determine who would enter the top 36.

==Semi-finals==
==Semi-finals==
The top 36 were announced in a special two-hour broadcast on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.<ref>[http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/1564 Top 36 Revealed!]</ref><br />
The top 36 were announced in a special two-hour broadcast on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.<ref>[http://www.americanidol.com/news/view/pid/1564 Top 36 Revealed!]</ref><br />
All 36 contestants, performing in three groups of twelve, sang songs that were '''[[Billboard Hot 100]] Hits'''.
All 36 contestants, performing in three groups of twelve, sang songs that were '''[[Billboard Hot 100]] Hits'''.

Below are the three semi-final groups with contestants listed in their performance order. In each group, three people advanced to the next round, based on votes by the viewers. The top male and female recipient advanced, along with the next highest vote recipient of the remaining ten contestants in each group. Following those nine singers advancing, eight of the remaining 27 semi-finalists were selected by the judges to compete in the Wild Card round. Following another performance by each Wild Card contender, the judges selected four contestants to advance to the final group of 13.
Below are the three semi-final groups with contestants listed in their performance order. In each group, three people advanced to the next round, based on votes by the viewers. The top male and female recipient advanced, along with the next highest vote recipient of the remaining ten contestants in each group. Following those nine singers advancing, eight of the remaining 27 semi-finalists were selected by the judges to compete in the Wild Card round. Following another performance by each Wild Card contender, the judges selected four contestants to advance to the final group of 13.

===Semi-Final Group 1 - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
===Semi-Final Group 1 - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
{| class="wikitable"
*[[Jackie Tohn]] - "[[A Little Less Conversation]]" ([[Elvis Presley]])
!Order
*Ricky Braddy - "[[A Song for You]]" ([[Donny Hathaway]])
!Performer
*Alexis Grace - "[[I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)]]" ([[Aretha Franklin]])
!Song
*Brent Keith - "[[Hicktown]]" ([[Jason Aldean]])
!Artist
*Stevie Wright - "[[You Belong with Me]]" ([[Taylor Swift]])
!Result
*[[Anoop Desai]] - "[[Angel of Mine]]" ([[Monica (singer)|Monica]])
!Notes
* Casey Carlson - "[[Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic|Every Little Thing He Does Is Magic]]" ([[The Police]])
|-
*[[Michael Sarver]] - "[[I Don't Want to Be]]" ([[Gavin DeGraw]])
|1
*Ann Marie Boskovich - "[[(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman]]" (Aretha Franklin)
|[[Jackie Tohn]]
*Stephen Fowler - "[[Rock with You (Michael Jackson song)|Rock with You]]" ([[Michael Jackson]])
|"[[A Little Less Conversation]]"
*Tatiana Del Toro - "[[Saving All My Love for You]]" ([[Whitney Houston]])
|[[Elvis Presley]]
*[[Danny Gokey]] - "[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]" ([[Mariah Carey]])
|'''Eliminated'''

|
'''Advancing to the Top 13: Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, and Danny Gokey'''<br />
|-
'''Wild Card Contenders: Ricky Braddy, Tatiana Del Toro, and Anoop Desai'''
|2

|Ricky Braddy
|"[[A Song for You]]"
|[[Donny Hathaway]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|Chosen for Wild Card
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|3
|Alexis Grace
|"[[I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)]]"
|[[Aretha Franklin]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Highest Voted Female
|-
|4
|Brent Keith
|"[[Hicktown]]"
|[[Jason Aldean]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|5
|Stevie Wright
|"[[You Belong with Me]]"
|[[Taylor Swift]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|6
|[[Anoop Desai]]
|"[[Angel of Mine]]"
|[[Monica (singer)|Monica]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|Chosen For Wild Card
|-
|7
|Casey Carlson
|"[[Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic]]"
|[[The Police]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|8
|[[Michael Sarver]]
|"[[I Don't Want to Be]]"
|[[Gavin DeGraw]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Top 2 Voted Male
|-
|9
|Ann Marie Boskovich
|"[[(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman]]"
|Aretha Franklin
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|10
|Stephen Fowler
|"[[Rock with You (Michael Jackson song)|Rock with You]]"
|[[Michael Jackson]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|11
|Tatiana Del Toro
|"[[Saving All My Love for You]]"
|[[Whitney Houston]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|Chosen for Wild Card
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|12
|[[Danny Gokey]]
|"[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]"
|[[Mariah Carey]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Top 2 Votes Male
|}
===Semi-Final Group 2 - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
===Semi-Final Group 2 - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Jasmine Murray]] - "[[Love Song (Sara Bareilles song)|Love Song]]" ([[Sara Bareilles]])
!Order
* [[Matt Giraud]] - "[[Viva la Vida]]" ([[Coldplay]])
!Performer
*Jeanine Vailes - "[[This Love (Maroon 5 song)|This Love]]" ([[Maroon 5]])
!Song
*Nick Mitchell/"Norman Gentle" - "[[And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going]]" ([[Jennifer Holliday]])
!Artist
*[[Allison Iraheta]] - "[[Alone (Heart song)|Alone]]" ([[Heart (band)|Heart]])
!Result
*[[Kris Allen]] - "[[Man in the Mirror]]" ([[Michael Jackson]])
!Notes
*[[Megan Joy]] - "[[Put Your Records On]]" ([[Corinne Bailey Rae]])
|-
*Matt Breitzke - "[[If You Could Only See]]" ([[Tonic (band)|Tonic]])
|1
*Jesse Langseth - "[[Bette Davis Eyes]]" ([[Kim Carnes]])
|[[Jasmine Murray]]
*Kai Kalama - "[[What Becomes of the Brokenhearted]]" ([[Jimmy Ruffin]])
|"[[Love Song (Sara Bareilles song)|Love Song]]"
*Mishavonna Henson - "[[Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)]]" ([[Train (band)|Train]])
|[[Sara Bareilles]]
*[[Adam Lambert]] - "[[(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction]]" ([[The Rolling Stones]])
|'''Eliminated'''

|Chosen for Wild Card
'''Advancing to the Top 13: Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen, and Adam Lambert'''<br />
|-
'''Wild Card Contenders: Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Jesse Langseth, and Jasmine Murray'''
|2

|[[Matt Giraud]]
|"[[Viva la Vida|Viva La Vida]]
|[[Coldplay]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|Chosen for Wild Card
|-
|3
|Jeanine Vailes
|"[[This Love (Maroon 5 song)|This Love]]"
|[[Maroon 5]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|4
|Nick Mitchell
|"[[And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going]]"
|[[Jennifer Holliday]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|5
|[[Allison Iraheta]]
|"[[Alone (Heart song)|Alone]]"
|[[Heart (band)|Heart]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Highest Voted Female
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|6
|[[Kris Allen]]
|"[[Man in the Mirror]]"
|[[Michael Jackson]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Top 2 Voted Male
|-
|7
|[[Megan Joy]]
|"[[Put Your Records On]]"
|[[Corinne Bailey Rae]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|Chosen for Wild Card
|-
|8
|Matt Breitzke
|"[[If You Could Only See]]"
|[[Tonic (band)|Tonic]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|9
|Jesse Langseth
|"[[Bette Davis Eyes]]"
|[[Kim Carnes]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|Chosen for Wild Card
|-
|10
|Kai Kalama
|"[[What Becomes of the Brokenhearted]]"
|[[Jimmy Ruffin]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|11
|Mishavonna Henson
|"[[Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)]]"
|[[Train (band)|Train]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|12
|[[Adam Lambert]]
|"[[(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction]]"
|[[The Rolling Stones]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Top 2 Voted Male
|}
===Semi-Final Group 3 - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
===Semi-Final Group 3 - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
{| class="wikitable"
* [[Von Smith]] - "[[You're All I Need to Get By]]" ([[Marvin Gaye]] & [[Tammi Terrell]])
!Order
*Taylor Vaifanua - "[[If I Ain't Got You]]" ([[Alicia Keys]])
!Performed
*Alex Wagner-Trugman - "[[I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues]]" ([[Elton John]])
!Song
*Arianna Afsar - "[[The Winner Takes It All]]" ([[ABBA]])
!Artist
*Ju'Not Joyner - "[[Hey There Delilah]]" ([[Plain White T's]])
!Result
*Kristen McNamara - "[[Give Me One Reason]]" ([[Tracy Chapman]])
!Notes
*Nathaniel Marshall - "[[I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)]]" ([[Meat Loaf]])
|-
*Felicia Barton - "[[No One (Alicia Keys song)|No One]]" (Alicia Keys)
|1
*[[Scott MacIntyre]] - "[[Mandolin Rain]]" ([[Bruce Hornsby and the Range]])
|[[Von Smith]]
*Kendall Beard - "[[This One's for the Girls]]" ([[Martina McBride]])
|"[[You're All I Need to Get By]]"
*[[Jorge Núñez (singer)|Jorge Núñez]] - "[[Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me]]" (Elton John)
|[[Marvin Gaye]]/[[Tammi Terrell]]
*[[Lil Rounds]] - "[[Be Without You]]" ([[Mary J. Blige]])
|'''Eliminated'''

|Chosen for Wild Card
'''Advancing to the Top 13: Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre, and Jorge Núñez'''<br />
|-
'''Wild Card Contender: Von Smith'''
|2

|{{nowrap|Taylor Vaifanua}}
|"[[If I Ain't Got You]]"
|[[Alicia Keys]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|3
|{{nowrap|Alex Wagner-Trugman}}
|{{nowrap|"[[I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues]]"}
|[[Elton John]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|4
|Arianna Afsar
|"[[The Winner Takes It All]]"
|[[ABBA]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|5
|Ju'Not Joyner
|"[[Hey There Delilah]]"
|[[Plain White T's]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|6
|{{nowrap|Kristen McNamara}}
|"[[Give Me One Reason]]"
|[[Tracy Chapman]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|7
|{{nowrap|Nathaniel Marshall}}
|{{nowrap|"[[I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)]]"}}
|[[Meat Loaf]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|8
|Felicia Barton<sup>1</sup>
|"[[No One (Alicia Keys song)|No One]]"
|Alicia Keys
|'''Eliminated'''
|{{nowrap|Joanna Pacitti's Replacement}}
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|9
|{{nowrap|[[Scott MacIntyre]]}}
|"[[Mandolin Rain]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Bruce Hornsby and the Range]]}}
|'''Advanced'''
|Top 2 Voted Male
|-
|10
|Kendall Beard
|"[[This One's for the Girls]]"
|[[Martina McBride]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|11
|[[Jorge Núñez (singer)|Jorge Núñez]]
|{{nowrap|"[[Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me]]"}}
|Elton John
|'''Advanced'''
|Top 2 Voted Male
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|12
|[[Lil Rounds]]
|"[[Be Without You]]"
|[[Mary J. Blige]]
|'''Advanced'''
|Highest Voted Female
|}
*Note 1: Barton was initially eliminated prior to the semifinals. But due to [[Joanna Pacitti]]'s disquolification, she called back.
===Wild Card Round - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
===Wild Card Round - [[Billboard Hot 100]] hits===
{| class="wikitable"
*Jesse Langseth - "[[Tell Me Something Good]]" ([[Rufus and Chaka Khan]])
!Order
*Matt Giraud - "[[Who's Lovin' You]]" ([[The Jackson 5]])
!Performer
*Megan Joy - "[[Black Horse and the Cherry Tree]]" ([[KT Tunstall]])
!Song
*Von Smith - "[[Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word]]" ([[Elton John]])
!Artist
*Jasmine Murray - "[[Reflection (song)|Reflection]]" ([[Christina Aguilera]])
!Result
*Ricky Braddy - "[[Superstition (song)|Superstition]]" ([[Stevie Wonder]])
!Notes
*Tatiana Del Toro - "[[Saving All My Love for You]]" ([[Whitney Houston]])
|-
*Anoop Desai - "[[My Prerogative]]" ([[Bobby Brown]])
|1
'''Advancing to the Top 13: Jasmine Murray, Megan Joy, Matt Giraud, and Anoop Desai'''
|Jesse Langseth

|"[[Tell Me Something Good]]"
|[[Rufus and Chaka Khan]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|2
|Matt Giraud
|"[[Who's Lovin' You]]"
|[[The Jackson 5]]
|'''Advanced'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|3
|Megan Joy
|"[[Black Horse and the Cherry Tree]]"
|[[KT Tunstall]]
|'''Advanced'''
|
|-
|4
|Von Smith
|"[[Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word]]"
|[[Elton John]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|5
|Jasmine Murray
|"[[Reflection (song)|Reflection]]"
|[[Christina Aguilera]]
|'''Advanced'''
|
|-
|6
|Ricky Braddy
|"[[Superstition (song)|Superstition]]"
|[[Stevie Wonder]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|7
|Tatiana Del Toro
|"[[Saving All My Love for You]]"
|[[Whitney Houston]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|-
|-bgcolor="cyan"
|8
|Anoop Desai
|"[[My Perogative]]"
|[[Bobby Brown]]
|'''Advanced'''
|<sup>1</sup>
|}
*Note 1: After Simon Cowell announced that Matt Giraud was selected, Desai was about to leave the stage. However, Simon told him, "Hold on Anoop. We decided, recently, we're gonna make it a Top 13".
==Finalists==
==Finalists==
[[File:Kris Allen in New York City.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Kris Allen]]
[[File:Kris Allen in New York City.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Kris Allen]]

*'''[[Kris Allen]]''' (born June 21, 1985 in [[Jacksonville, Arkansas|Jacksonville]], [[Arkansas]]) is a 23-year-old from [[Conway, Arkansas|Conway]], [[Arkansas]] who auditioned in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Kentucky]]. Allen's interest in music began at an early age; he taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 13, as well as numerous other instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAqJG2HjB9s#t=1m0s|title=Top 13 - Secret Talents|accessdate=2009-03-13}}</ref> Prior to ''Idol'', he worked as a worship leader at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas, and is a member of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Central Arkansas, where he is a business major. Allen was announced the winner of the eighth season of American Idol on [[May 20]], [[2009]].<ref name="americanidol1"> [http://www.americanidol.com/ American Idol]</ref>
*'''[[Kris Allen]]''' (born June 21, 1985 in [[Jacksonville, Arkansas|Jacksonville]], [[Arkansas]]) is a 23-year-old from [[Conway, Arkansas|Conway]], [[Arkansas]] who auditioned in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Kentucky]]. Allen's interest in music began at an early age; he taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 13, as well as numerous other instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAqJG2HjB9s#t=1m0s|title=Top 13 - Secret Talents|accessdate=2009-03-13}}</ref> Prior to ''Idol'', he worked as a worship leader at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas, and is a member of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Central Arkansas, where he is a business major. Allen was announced the winner of the eighth season of American Idol on [[May 20]], [[2009]].<ref name="americanidol1"> [http://www.americanidol.com/ American Idol]</ref>

{{clear}}
{{clear}}
[[File:Adam Lambert.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Adam Lambert]]
[[File:Adam Lambert.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Adam Lambert]]

*'''[[Adam Lambert]]''' (born January 29, 1982 in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]) is a 27-year-old from [[San Diego]], [[California]] who auditioned in [[San Francisco]], [[California]]. Lambert grew up in [[Rancho Peñasquitos, San Diego, California]] and attended Deer Canyon Elementary School, [[Mesa Verde Middle School]], and [[Mt. Carmel High School]], where he was in theater, choir, and also performed with the school's jazz band.<ref name="penasquitos">{{cite news |author=San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer |title=‘Idol’ hopeful banks on theatrics to snag a spot |url=http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2009/02/24/adam-lambert-interview-with-sign-on-san-diego/ |date=24 February 2009 |accessdate=11 March 2009}}</ref> Lambert has been a stage actor since the age of ten, performing in such productions as [[You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown]], and [[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Rocchio |title=Adam Lambert dishes on making 'American Idol's Top 12 finals |url=http://realitytvworld.com/news/adam-lambert-dishes-on-making-american-idol-top-12-finals-8535.php |work=Reality TV World |date=2 March 2009 |accessdate=6 March 2009}}</ref> Lambert has become a roommate of Kris Allen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dannygokeyfansite.com/2009/03/21/more-american-idol-mansion-peek-us-weekly-issue/|title=Idols move into the Idol Mansion.|accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref> Lambert was announced as the runner-up for the eighth season of American Idol on May 20, 2009.<ref name="americanidol1"/>
*'''[[Adam Lambert]]''' (born January 29, 1982 in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]) is a 27-year-old from [[San Diego]], [[California]] who auditioned in [[San Francisco]], [[California]]. Lambert grew up in [[Rancho Peñasquitos, San Diego, California]] and attended Deer Canyon Elementary School, [[Mesa Verde Middle School]], and [[Mt. Carmel High School]], where he was in theater, choir, and also performed with the school's jazz band.<ref name="penasquitos">{{cite news |author=San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer |title=‘Idol’ hopeful banks on theatrics to snag a spot |url=http://www.joesplaceblog.com/2009/02/24/adam-lambert-interview-with-sign-on-san-diego/ |date=24 February 2009 |accessdate=11 March 2009}}</ref> Lambert has been a stage actor since the age of ten, performing in such productions as [[You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown]], and [[Wicked (musical)|Wicked]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Rocchio |title=Adam Lambert dishes on making 'American Idol's Top 12 finals |url=http://realitytvworld.com/news/adam-lambert-dishes-on-making-american-idol-top-12-finals-8535.php |work=Reality TV World |date=2 March 2009 |accessdate=6 March 2009}}</ref> Lambert has become a roommate of Kris Allen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dannygokeyfansite.com/2009/03/21/more-american-idol-mansion-peek-us-weekly-issue/|title=Idols move into the Idol Mansion.|accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref> Lambert was announced as the runner-up for the eighth season of American Idol on May 20, 2009.<ref name="americanidol1"/>

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[[File:Danny Gokey.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Danny Gokey]]
[[File:Danny Gokey.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Danny Gokey]]

*'''[[Danny Gokey]]''' (born April 24, 1980) is a 29-year-old from [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Gokey first began singing in church with his family, and has been a worship leader for his church in Milwaukee, Faith Builders International Ministries, for several years.<ref> [http://www.wnct.com/nct/lifestyles/faith_values/article/american_idol_finalists_are_church_worship_leaders/32095/ "American Idol finalists are church worship leaders"] Associated Press via WNCT, February 20, 2009.</ref> Four weeks before Gokey auditioned for American Idol, in July 2008, his wife Sophia underwent surgery due to [[congenital heart disease]]. She later died from complications regarding the extensive surgery.<ref name="MJS"> [http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/tvradio/39602397.html "Milwaukee man says he's prepared to give his all to make 'Idol' finals"] by Tim Cuprisin, Feb. 13, 2009, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.</ref><ref> [http://uk.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUKTRE51I7LZ20090219 "'Idol's grieving Danny Gokey hopes to lighten up"] Jill Serjeant, Feb 19, 2009, Reuters. </ref> He was eliminated from the Top 3 on May 13, 2009.<ref name="americanidol1"/>
*'''[[Danny Gokey]]''' (born April 24, 1980) is a 29-year-old from [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]], [[Wisconsin]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Gokey first began singing in church with his family, and has been a worship leader for his church in Milwaukee, Faith Builders International Ministries, for several years.<ref> [http://www.wnct.com/nct/lifestyles/faith_values/article/american_idol_finalists_are_church_worship_leaders/32095/ "American Idol finalists are church worship leaders"] Associated Press via WNCT, February 20, 2009.</ref> Four weeks before Gokey auditioned for American Idol, in July 2008, his wife Sophia underwent surgery due to [[congenital heart disease]]. She later died from complications regarding the extensive surgery.<ref name="MJS"> [http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/tvradio/39602397.html "Milwaukee man says he's prepared to give his all to make 'Idol' finals"] by Tim Cuprisin, Feb. 13, 2009, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.</ref><ref> [http://uk.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUKTRE51I7LZ20090219 "'Idol's grieving Danny Gokey hopes to lighten up"] Jill Serjeant, Feb 19, 2009, Reuters. </ref> He was eliminated from the Top 3 on May 13, 2009.<ref name="americanidol1"/>

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*'''[[Allison Iraheta]]''' (born April 27, 1992 in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]) is a 17-year-old from [[Los Angeles]] who auditioned in [[San Francisco]], [[California]]. Iraheta began singing at an early age, performing at small venues for her family and friends.<ref>{{cite episode |title= Semi-finals 2 Wednesday |series=American Idol |serieslink=American Idol |credits=[[Simon Cowell]]&[[Randy Jackson]]|network=[[Fox Broadcasting Company]] |city=[[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California]] |airdate=2009-02-27 |season=8}}</ref> In 2006, Iraheta won the [[Telemundo]] television series ''Quinceañera'', where she won $50,000 and a recording contract, which was never granted.<ref>http://www.laprensagrafica.com/index.php/fama/espectaculos/20202.html/</ref> She was eliminated from the Top 4 on May 6, 2009. She has been the youngest finalist as a 16 year-old turning 17 during Top 5 week.
*'''[[Allison Iraheta]]''' (born April 27, 1992 in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]) is a 17-year-old from [[Los Angeles]] who auditioned in [[San Francisco]], [[California]]. Iraheta began singing at an early age, performing at small venues for her family and friends.<ref>{{cite episode |title= Semi-finals 2 Wednesday |series=American Idol |serieslink=American Idol |credits=[[Simon Cowell]]&[[Randy Jackson]]|network=[[Fox Broadcasting Company]] |city=[[Hollywood, Los Angeles, California]] |airdate=2009-02-27 |season=8}}</ref> In 2006, Iraheta won the [[Telemundo]] television series ''Quinceañera'', where she won $50,000 and a recording contract, which was never granted.<ref>http://www.laprensagrafica.com/index.php/fama/espectaculos/20202.html/</ref> She was eliminated from the Top 4 on May 6, 2009. She has been the youngest finalist as a 16 year-old turning 17 during Top 5 week.

[[File:Matt Giraud in Kalamazoo, Michigan.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Matt Giraud]]
[[File:Matt Giraud in Kalamazoo, Michigan.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Matt Giraud]]

*'''[[Matt Giraud]]''' (born May 11, 1985 in [[Dearborn, Michigan|Dearborn]], [[Michigan]]) is a 23-year-old from [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]], [[Michigan]] who auditioned in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Kentucky]]. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Giraud was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. Similarly, Giraud was eliminated during the Top 7, but was saved by the judges. Giraud grew up in [[Ypsilanti, Michigan|Ypsilanti]], [[Michigan]], where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 2003.<ref>http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-32/123459063858410.xml&coll=7</ref><ref name="albums">{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/02/the-contende-28.html|title=The Contenders: Meet Matt Giraud|accessdate=2009-03-14|author=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> He released an album called ''Perspective'' in 2003 and another in 2006 called ''Mind Body and Soul''.<ref name="albums"/>
*'''[[Matt Giraud]]''' (born May 11, 1985 in [[Dearborn, Michigan|Dearborn]], [[Michigan]]) is a 23-year-old from [[Kalamazoo, Michigan|Kalamazoo]], [[Michigan]] who auditioned in [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]], [[Kentucky]]. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Giraud was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. Similarly, Giraud was eliminated during the Top 7, but was saved by the judges. Giraud grew up in [[Ypsilanti, Michigan|Ypsilanti]], [[Michigan]], where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 2003.<ref>http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-32/123459063858410.xml&coll=7</ref><ref name="albums">{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/02/the-contende-28.html|title=The Contenders: Meet Matt Giraud|accessdate=2009-03-14|author=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> He released an album called ''Perspective'' in 2003 and another in 2006 called ''Mind Body and Soul''.<ref name="albums"/>

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*'''[[Anoop Desai]]''' (born December 20, 1986 in [[Cary, North Carolina|Cary]], [[North Carolina]]) is a 22-year-old from [[Chapel Hill, North Carolina|Chapel Hill]], [[North Carolina]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Desai is an [[only child]],<ref>http://fulleres.wcpss.net/prinpage.htm</ref> whose father was born in [[India]] and mother was born in [[South Africa]].<ref>http://movies.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/19anoop-desai-in-american-idol-top-10.htm</ref> Beginning his career as an actor for the television station [[WRAL-TV]] in [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]] in a local television series entitled "''CentralXpress.com''", and played the character "Raj."<ref>[http://www.wral.com/entertainment/blogpost/4811492/ Anoop Before Idol]</ref> Desai attended [[Carnage Middle School]] and [[Phillips Middle School]], then later went on to attend [[East Chapel Hill High School]], graduating in 2004.<ref>[http://www.clefhangers.com/news.asp The UNC Clef Hangers News]</ref> Desai’s performance as a soloist on the song “She Has No Time” was recognized with the BOCA 2007 (Best of College A Cappella).<ref>[http://www.clefhangers.com/albums.asp UNC Clef Hangers Album Details]</ref> Desai has credited his decision to audition for ''American Idol'' to the death of a friend, [[Murder of Eve Carson|Eve Carson]],<ref name="americanidol2">http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/anoop_desai</ref> who was murdered.<ref name="americanidol2"/> Initially eliminated from the Top 13, he was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. His advancement to the finals made ''American Idol'' history, making it a top 13.
*'''[[Anoop Desai]]''' (born December 20, 1986 in [[Cary, North Carolina|Cary]], [[North Carolina]]) is a 22-year-old from [[Chapel Hill, North Carolina|Chapel Hill]], [[North Carolina]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Desai is an [[only child]],<ref>http://fulleres.wcpss.net/prinpage.htm</ref> whose father was born in [[India]] and mother was born in [[South Africa]].<ref>http://movies.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/19anoop-desai-in-american-idol-top-10.htm</ref> Beginning his career as an actor for the television station [[WRAL-TV]] in [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]] in a local television series entitled "''CentralXpress.com''", and played the character "Raj."<ref>[http://www.wral.com/entertainment/blogpost/4811492/ Anoop Before Idol]</ref> Desai attended [[Carnage Middle School]] and [[Phillips Middle School]], then later went on to attend [[East Chapel Hill High School]], graduating in 2004.<ref>[http://www.clefhangers.com/news.asp The UNC Clef Hangers News]</ref> Desai’s performance as a soloist on the song “She Has No Time” was recognized with the BOCA 2007 (Best of College A Cappella).<ref>[http://www.clefhangers.com/albums.asp UNC Clef Hangers Album Details]</ref> Desai has credited his decision to audition for ''American Idol'' to the death of a friend, [[Murder of Eve Carson|Eve Carson]],<ref name="americanidol2">http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/anoop_desai</ref> who was murdered.<ref name="americanidol2"/> Initially eliminated from the Top 13, he was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. His advancement to the finals made ''American Idol'' history, making it a top 13.

[[File:Lil Rounds.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Lil Rounds]]
[[File:Lil Rounds.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Lil Rounds]]

*'''[[Lil Rounds]]''' (born October 20, 1984) is a 24-year-old from [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Shortly before her audition on ''Idol'', a [[tornado]] [[2008 Super Tuesday tornado outbreak#Memphis area tornado|hit Memphis]], forcing Rounds to temporarilly live in a [[motel]].<ref>http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/lil_rounds_makes_us_feel_great.html</ref><ref>http://blogs.augusta.com/node/2384</ref> Her grandfather once worked with the music legend [[B.B. King]].<ref>http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/03/71473/</ref>
*'''[[Lil Rounds]]''' (born October 20, 1984) is a 24-year-old from [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Shortly before her audition on ''Idol'', a [[tornado]] [[2008 Super Tuesday tornado outbreak#Memphis area tornado|hit Memphis]], forcing Rounds to temporarilly live in a [[motel]].<ref>http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/lil_rounds_makes_us_feel_great.html</ref><ref>http://blogs.augusta.com/node/2384</ref> Her grandfather once worked with the music legend [[B.B. King]].<ref>http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/03/71473/</ref>

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*'''[[Scott MacIntyre]]''' (born June 22, 1985) is a 23-year-old from [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]], [[Arizona]] who auditioned in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. MacIntyre is the first legally blind person to audition for American Idol.<ref name=shares>{{cite news |title=Tempe woman shares unusual part of 'Idol' singer's success |first=Randy |last=Cordova |work=The Arizona Republic |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2009/03/02/20090302idolscott0303.html }}</ref> MacIntyre began practicing music at the age of six.<ref name=evt>{{cite news |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/40164 |work=East Valley Tribune |title=At 19, nearly sightless pianist is used to breaking musical barriers |first=Erin |last=Concros |date=April 24, 2005 }}</ref> Home-schooled until the age of fourteen,<ref>{{cite web |title=Homeschooler Among Top Contestants on TV Show |work=Home School Legal Defense Association |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/hslda/2009030320090.asp }}</ref> he later attended Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College and [[Herberger College of the Arts]] soon afterwards.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCOTT MACINTYRE, a 2004 AYAC Winner and an American Idol Finalist!|work=Herberger Theater Center |date=March 8, 2009 |url=http://www.herbergertheater.org/}}</ref> In 2005, ''USA Today'' named him one of its twenty College Academic All-Stars.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2005-02-16-college-2005-first-team_x.htm |title=2005 College Academic All-Stars First Team |work=USA Today |date=February 16, 2005 }}</ref> He obtained his masters degree at [[Royal Holloway]], [[University of London]] and the [[Royal College of Music]], where he studied on a [[Marshall Scholarship]]. MacIntyre produced his first CD when he was eleven, and has recorded five more CDs since then. He recently has been accepted to both [[Oxford University]] and [[Cambridge University]] for further graduate-level education.
*'''[[Scott MacIntyre]]''' (born June 22, 1985) is a 23-year-old from [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]], [[Arizona]] who auditioned in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. MacIntyre is the first legally blind person to audition for American Idol.<ref name=shares>{{cite news |title=Tempe woman shares unusual part of 'Idol' singer's success |first=Randy |last=Cordova |work=The Arizona Republic |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2009/03/02/20090302idolscott0303.html }}</ref> MacIntyre began practicing music at the age of six.<ref name=evt>{{cite news |url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/40164 |work=East Valley Tribune |title=At 19, nearly sightless pianist is used to breaking musical barriers |first=Erin |last=Concros |date=April 24, 2005 }}</ref> Home-schooled until the age of fourteen,<ref>{{cite web |title=Homeschooler Among Top Contestants on TV Show |work=Home School Legal Defense Association |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/hslda/2009030320090.asp }}</ref> he later attended Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College and [[Herberger College of the Arts]] soon afterwards.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCOTT MACINTYRE, a 2004 AYAC Winner and an American Idol Finalist!|work=Herberger Theater Center |date=March 8, 2009 |url=http://www.herbergertheater.org/}}</ref> In 2005, ''USA Today'' named him one of its twenty College Academic All-Stars.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2005-02-16-college-2005-first-team_x.htm |title=2005 College Academic All-Stars First Team |work=USA Today |date=February 16, 2005 }}</ref> He obtained his masters degree at [[Royal Holloway]], [[University of London]] and the [[Royal College of Music]], where he studied on a [[Marshall Scholarship]]. MacIntyre produced his first CD when he was eleven, and has recorded five more CDs since then. He recently has been accepted to both [[Oxford University]] and [[Cambridge University]] for further graduate-level education.

*'''[[Megan Joy]]''' (born August 5, 1985) is a 23-year-old from [[Sandy, Utah|Sandy]], [[Utah]] who auditioned in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]]. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Joy was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. In high school, Joy unsuccessfully tried out for numerous performance groups, including [[choir]], and never had any singing lessons before her audition on ''Idol''.<ref>http://www.accesshollywood.com/dish-of-salt-inside-idol-with-kara-dioguardi_video_1081481</ref> Joy graduated from [[Taylorsville High School]] in [[Taylorsville, Utah|Taylorsville]], [[Utah]] in 2003. She has one son named Ryder.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2009/03/megan-joy-dumps.html?csp=34/ |author=Brian Mansfield |title=Megan Joy dumps the Corkrey |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=March 9, 2009}} (Idol Chatter blog)</ref>
*'''[[Megan Joy]]''' (born August 5, 1985) is a 23-year-old from [[Sandy, Utah|Sandy]], [[Utah]] who auditioned in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]]. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Joy was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. In high school, Joy unsuccessfully tried out for numerous performance groups, including [[choir]], and never had any singing lessons before her audition on ''Idol''.<ref>http://www.accesshollywood.com/dish-of-salt-inside-idol-with-kara-dioguardi_video_1081481</ref> Joy graduated from [[Taylorsville High School]] in [[Taylorsville, Utah|Taylorsville]], [[Utah]] in 2003. She has one son named Ryder.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/idolchatter/2009/03/megan-joy-dumps.html?csp=34/ |author=Brian Mansfield |title=Megan Joy dumps the Corkrey |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=March 9, 2009}} (Idol Chatter blog)</ref>

*'''[[Michael Sarver]]''' (born March 28, 1981 in [[Sulphur, Louisiana|Sulphur]], [[Louisiana]]) is a 28-year-old from [[Jasper, Texas|Jasper]], [[Texas]] who auditioned in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. Sarver, an [[oil rig]] worker, began sing since the age of twelve, having written over 890 songs for himself since that time.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iwXD4BoO2HF6nbttn2FU7Cw_ZtowD976MPGG0 | title = Michael Sarver isn't ready to go back to oil rig | agency = Associated Press | accessdate = 2009-03-28 | author = Marjorie Szaroleta}} </ref> Sarver graduated from [[Sulphur High School]] in 1998.<ref>http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9983879&nav=menu66_2_8</ref> Sarver is married to his wife Tiffany, and has two children.
*'''[[Michael Sarver]]''' (born March 28, 1981 in [[Sulphur, Louisiana|Sulphur]], [[Louisiana]]) is a 28-year-old from [[Jasper, Texas|Jasper]], [[Texas]] who auditioned in [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Arizona]]. Sarver, an [[oil rig]] worker, began sing since the age of twelve, having written over 890 songs for himself since that time.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iwXD4BoO2HF6nbttn2FU7Cw_ZtowD976MPGG0 | title = Michael Sarver isn't ready to go back to oil rig | agency = Associated Press | accessdate = 2009-03-28 | author = Marjorie Szaroleta}} </ref> Sarver graduated from [[Sulphur High School]] in 1998.<ref>http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9983879&nav=menu66_2_8</ref> Sarver is married to his wife Tiffany, and has two children.

[[File:Alexis Grace.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Alexis Grace]]
[[File:Alexis Grace.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Alexis Grace]]

*'''Alexis Grace''' (born June 9, 1987) is a 21-year-old from [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Grace began singing at an early age.<ref>http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/american-idol-8-to-premiere-ja-24278.aspx</ref>
*'''Alexis Grace''' (born June 9, 1987) is a 21-year-old from [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] who auditioned in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]]. Grace began singing at an early age.<ref>http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/american-idol-8-to-premiere-ja-24278.aspx</ref>

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*'''[[Jorge Núñez (singer)|Jorge Núñez]]''' (born October 1, 1987 in [[Cidra, Puerto Rico|Cidra]], [[Puerto Rico]]) is a 21-year-old from [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]], [[Puerto Rico]] who auditioned in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]]. Núñez speaks three languages fluently, English, Spanish and French.<ref>http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/jorge_nunez.html</ref> He was the eliminated from the Top 13 in the first week of the finals, along with [[Jasmine Murray]].<ref>http://www.americanidol.com</ref>
*'''[[Jorge Núñez (singer)|Jorge Núñez]]''' (born October 1, 1987 in [[Cidra, Puerto Rico|Cidra]], [[Puerto Rico]]) is a 21-year-old from [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]], [[Puerto Rico]] who auditioned in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]], [[Puerto Rico]]. Núñez speaks three languages fluently, English, Spanish and French.<ref>http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/jorge_nunez.html</ref> He was the eliminated from the Top 13 in the first week of the finals, along with [[Jasmine Murray]].<ref>http://www.americanidol.com</ref>

*'''[[Jasmine Murray]]''' (born March 14, 1992 in [[Columbus, Mississippi|Columbus]], [[Mississippi]]) is a 17-year-old from [[Starkville, Mississippi|Starkville]], [[Mississippi]] who auditioned in [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], [[Florida]]. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Murray was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. In addition to competing on ''Idol'', she also competed in the [[Miss America's Outstanding Teen]] pageant in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Daily Leader|title=MSA student in 'Idol' Top 36|url=http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20261333&BRD=1377&PAG=461&dept_id=172922&rfi=6|date=2009-02-12|first=Therese|last=Apel|date=2009-03-06}}</ref><ref name="star">{{cite news|title=A star in the making? 3 Miss. cities happily lay claim to 'Idol' contestant Murray|publisher=Clarion Ledger|date=2009-02-24|first=Billy|last=Watkins|url=http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902240347|accessdate=2009-03-06}}</ref> She was eliminated from the Top 13 in the first week of the finals, along with [[Jorge Núñez]].
*'''[[Jasmine Murray]]''' (born March 14, 1992 in [[Columbus, Mississippi|Columbus]], [[Mississippi]]) is a 17-year-old from [[Starkville, Mississippi|Starkville]], [[Mississippi]] who auditioned in [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], [[Florida]]. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Murray was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. In addition to competing on ''Idol'', she also competed in the [[Miss America's Outstanding Teen]] pageant in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Daily Leader|title=MSA student in 'Idol' Top 36|url=http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20261333&BRD=1377&PAG=461&dept_id=172922&rfi=6|date=2009-02-12|first=Therese|last=Apel|date=2009-03-06}}</ref><ref name="star">{{cite news|title=A star in the making? 3 Miss. cities happily lay claim to 'Idol' contestant Murray|publisher=Clarion Ledger|date=2009-02-24|first=Billy|last=Watkins|url=http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902240347|accessdate=2009-03-06}}</ref> She was eliminated from the Top 13 in the first week of the finals, along with [[Jorge Núñez]].

== Finals ==
== Finals ==
=== Top 13 - [[Michael Jackson]] ===
=== Top 13 - [[Michael Jackson]] ===
{| class="wikitable"
*Lil Rounds - "[[The Way You Make Me Feel]]" (Michael Jackson)
!Order
*Scott MacIntyre - "[[Dangerous (album)|Keep the Faith]]" (Michael Jackson)
!Performer
*Danny Gokey - "[[P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)]]" (Michael Jackson)
!Song
*Michael Sarver - "[[You Are Not Alone]]" (Michael Jackson)
!Result
*Jasmine Murray - "[[I'll Be There]]" ([[The Jackson 5]])
!Notes
*Kris Allen - "[[Remember the Time]]" (Michael Jackson)
|-
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Give In to Me]]" (Michael Jackson)
|1
*Anoop Desai - "[[Beat It]]" (Michael Jackson)
|Lil Rounds
*Jorge Núñez - "[[Never Can Say Goodbye]]" (The Jackson 5)
|"[[The Way You Make Me Feel]]"
*Megan Joy - "[[Rockin' Robin (song)|Rockin' Robin]]" (Michael Jackson)
|'''Safe'''
*Adam Lambert - "[[Black or White]]" (Michael Jackson)
|
*Matt Giraud - "[[Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)|Human Nature]]" (Michael Jackson)
|-
*Alexis Grace - "[[Dirty Diana]]" (Michael Jackson)
|2

|Scott MacIntyre
'''''Eliminated: Jasmine Murray and Jorge Núñez'''''
|"Keep the Faith"

|'''Safe'''
The judges chose not to save either Jasmine or Jorge.
|

|-
|3
|Danny Gokey
|"[[P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|4
|Michael Sarver
|"[[You Are Not Alone]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|5
|Jasmine Murray
|"[[I'll Be There]]"
|'''1st Eliminated'''
|The judges chose not not save Jasmine
|-
|6
|Kris Allen
|"[[Remember the Time]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|7
|Allison Iraheta
|"[[Give In to Me]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|8
|Anoop Desai
|"[[Beat It]]"
|'''Safe'''
|{{nowrap|Anoop was brought to the stage with Jorge}}
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|9
|Jorge Núñez
|"[[Never Can Say Goodbye]]"
|'''2nd Eliminated'''
|The judges chose not to save Jorge
|-
|10
|Megan Joy
|"[[Rockin' Robin (song)|Rockin' Robin]]"
|'''Safe'''
|{{nowrap|Megan was brought to the stage with Jasmine}}
|-
|11
|Adam Lambert
|"[[Black or White]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|12
|Matt Giraud
|"[[Human Nature (Michael Jackson song)|Human Nature]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|13
|Alexis Grace
|"[[Dirty Diana]]"
|'''Safe'''
|
|}
=== Top 11 - [[Grand Ole Opry]] ===
=== Top 11 - [[Grand Ole Opry]] ===
Mentor: [[Randy Travis]]
Mentor: [[Randy Travis]]
{| class="wikitable"
*Michael Sarver - "[[Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)]]" ([[Garth Brooks]])
!Order
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Blame It on Your Heart]]" ([[Patty Loveless]])
!Performer
*Kris Allen - "[[Make You Feel My Love|To Make You Feel My Love]]" (Garth Brooks)<!--Bob Dylan was not a member of the Grand Ole Opry, so listing him does not make sense given the theme. Garth Brooks is a member of the Grand Ole Opry. On that note, Garth's version of the song added "To" in front of the original title, and so it should remain that way.-->
!Song
*Lil Rounds - "[[Independence Day (song)|Independence Day]]" ([[Martina McBride]])
!Artist
*Adam Lambert - "[[Ring of Fire (song)|Ring of Fire]]" ([[Johnny Cash]])
!Result
*Scott MacIntyre - "[[Wild Angels (song)|Wild Angels]]" (Martina McBride)
!Notes
*Alexis Grace - "[[Jolene (song)|Jolene]]" ([[Dolly Parton]])
|-
*Danny Gokey - "[[Jesus, Take the Wheel]]" ([[Carrie Underwood]])
|1
*Anoop Desai - "[[Always on My Mind]]" ([[Brenda Lee]])
|Michael Sarver
*Megan Joy - "[[Walkin' After Midnight]]" ([[Patsy Cline]])
|"[[Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)]]"
*Matt Giraud - "[[So Small]]" (Carrie Underwood)
|[[Garth Brooks]]

|'''Bottom 2'''
'''Bottom 3: Allison Iraheta, Michael Sarver, and Alexis Grace'''
|

|-
'''Bottom 2: Michael Sarver and Alexis Grace'''
|2

|Allison Iraheta
'''''Eliminated: Alexis Grace'''''
|"[[Blame It on Your Heart]]"

|[[Patty Loveless]]
The judges chose not to use their save on Alexis.
|'''Bottom 3'''

|
|-
|3
|Kris Allen
|"[[Make You Feel My Love]]"
|Garth Brooks
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|4
|Lil Rounds
|"[[Independence Day (song)|Independence Day]]"
|[[Martina McBride]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|5
|Adam Lambert
|"[[Ring of Fire (song)|Ring of Fire]]"
|[[Johnny Cash]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|6
|Scott MacIntyre
|"[[Wild Angels (song)|Wild Angels]]"
|Martina McBride
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|7
|Alexis Grace
|"[[Jolene (song)|Jolene]]"
|[[Dolly Parton]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|{{nowrap|The judges decided not to save Alexis}}
|-
|8
|Danny Gokey
|"[[Jesus, Take the Wheel]]
|[[Carrie Underwood]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|9
|Anoop Desai
|"[[Always on My Mind]]"
|[[Brenda Lee]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|10
|Megan Joy
|"[[Walkin' After Midnight]]"
|[[Patsy Cline]]
|'''Safe'''
|Megan was suffering from influenza B
|-
|11
|Matt Giraud
|"[[So Small]]"
|Carrie Underwood
|'''Safe'''
|
|}
===Top 10 - [[Motown]]===
===Top 10 - [[Motown]]===
Mentor: [[Smokey Robinson]]
Mentor: [[Smokey Robinson]]
{| class="wikitable"
*Matt Giraud - "[[Let's Get It On]]" ([[Marvin Gaye]])
!Order
*Kris Allen - "[[How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)]]" (Marvin Gaye)
!Performer
*Scott MacIntyre - "[[You Can't Hurry Love]]" ([[The Supremes]])
!Song
*Megan Joy - "[[For Once in My Life]]" ([[Stevie Wonder]])
!Artist
*Anoop Desai - "[[Ooo Baby Baby]]" ([[The Miracles]])
!Result
*Michael Sarver - "[[Ain't Too Proud to Beg]]" ([[The Temptations]])
!Notes
*Lil Rounds - "[[(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave]]" ([[Martha and the Vandellas]])
|-
*Adam Lambert - "[[The Tracks of My Tears]]" (The Miracles)
|1
*Danny Gokey - "[[Get Ready (The Temptations song)|Get Ready]]" (The Temptations)
|Matt Giraud
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Papa Was a Rollin' Stone]]" (The Temptations)
|"[[Let's Get It On]]"

|[[Marvin Gaye]]
'''Bottom 3: Matt Giraud, Michael Sarver, and Scott MacIntyre'''
|'''Bottom 2'''

|
'''Bottom 2: Matt Giraud and Michael Sarver'''
|-

|2
'''''Eliminated: Michael Sarver'''''
|Kris Allen

|{{nowrap|"[[How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)]]"}}
The judges chose not to save Michael.
|Marvin Gaye

|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|3
|{{nowrap|Scott MacIntyre}}
|"[[You Can't Hurry Love]]"
|[[The Supremes]]
|'''Bottom 3'''
|
|-
|4
|Megan Joy
|"[[For Once in My Life]]"
|[[Stevie Wonder]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|5
|Anoop Desai
|"[[Ooo Baby Baby]]"
|[[The Miracles]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|6
|Michael Sarver
|"[[Ain't Too Proud to Beg]]"
|[[The Temptations]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|{{nowrap|The judges decided not to save Michael}}
|-
|7
|Lil Rounds
|"[[(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Martha and the Vandellas]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|8
|Adam Lambert
|"[[The Tracks of My Tears]]"
|The Miracles
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|9
|Danny Gokey
|"[[Get Ready (The Temptations song)|Get Ready]]"
|The Temptations
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|10
|Allison Iraheta
|"[[Papa Was a Rollin' Stone]]"
|The Temptations
|'''Safe'''
|
|}
===Top 9 - Popular iTunes Downloads ===
===Top 9 - Popular iTunes Downloads ===
{| class="wikitable"
*Anoop Desai - "[[Caught Up (Usher song)|Caught Up]]" ([[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]])
!Order
*Megan Joy - "[[Turn Your Lights Down Low]]" ([[Bob Marley]])
!Performer
*Danny Gokey - "[[What Hurts the Most]]" ([[Rascal Flatts]])
!Song
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Don't Speak]]" ([[No Doubt]])
!Artist
*Scott MacIntyre - "[[Just the Way You Are]]" ([[Billy Joel]])
!Result
*Matt Giraud - "[[You Found Me (song)|You Found Me]]" ([[The Fray]])
!Notes
*Lil Rounds - "[[A New Day Has Come#Track listing|I Surrender]]" ([[Celine Dion]])
|-
*Adam Lambert - "[[Play That Funky Music]]" ([[Wild Cherry (band)|Wild Cherry]])
|1
*Kris Allen - "[[Ain't No Sunshine]]" ([[Bill Withers]])
|Anoop Desai

|"[[Caught Up (Usher song)|Caught Up]]"
'''Bottom 3: Megan Joy, Allison Iraheta, and Anoop Desai'''
|[[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]

'''Bottom 2: Megan Joy and Anoop Desai'''
|'''Bottom 2'''
|

|-
'''''Eliminated: Megan Joy'''''
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"

|2
Simon made it clear that the judges would not even consider using the save on Megan.
|Megan Joy

|"[[Turn Your Lights Down Low]]"
|[[Lauryn Hill]]/[[Bob Marley]]
|'''Eliminated'''
|The judges decided not to save Megan
|-
|3
|Danny Gokey
|"[[What Hurts the Most]]"
|[[Rascal Flatts]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|4
|Allison Iraheta
|"[[Don't Speak]]"
|[[No Doubt]]
|'''Bottom 3'''
|
|-
|5
|Scott MacIntyre
|"[[Just the Way You Are]]"
|[[Billy Joel]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|6
|Matt Giraud
|"[[You Found Me (song)|You Found Me]]"
|[[The Fray]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|7
|Lil Rounds
|"I Surrender"
|[[Celine Dion]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|8
|Adam Lambert
|"[[Play That Funky Music]]"
|[[Wild Cherry (band)|Wild Cherry]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|9
|Kris Allen
|"[[Ain't No Sunshine]]"
|[[Bill Withers]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|}
===Top 8 - Year They Were Born ===
===Top 8 - Year They Were Born ===
{| class="wikitable"
*Danny Gokey - "[[Stand by Me (song)|Stand by Me]]" ([[Ben E. King]])
!Order
*Kris Allen - "[[All She Wants to Do Is Dance]]" ([[Don Henley]])
!Performer
*Lil Rounds - "[[What's Love Got to Do with It (song)|What's Love Got to Do With It]]" ([[Tina Turner]])
!Song
*Anoop Desai - "[[True Colors (song)|True Colors]]" ([[Cyndi Lauper]])
!Artist
*Scott MacIntyre - "[[The Search Is Over]]" ([[Survivor (band)|Survivor]])
!Year
*Allison Iraheta - "[[I Can't Make You Love Me]]" ([[Bonnie Raitt]])
!Result
*Matt Giraud - "[[Part-Time Lover]]" ([[Stevie Wonder]])
!Notes
*Adam Lambert - "[[Mad World]]" ([[Tears for Fears]])
|-

|1
'''Bottom 3: Anoop Desai, Scott MacIntyre, and Lil Rounds'''
|Danny Gokey

|"[[Stand by Me (song)|Stand By Me]]"
'''Bottom 2: Anoop Desai and Scott MacIntyre'''
|{{nowrap|[[Ben E. King]]}}

|1980
'''''Eliminated: Scott MacIntyre'''''
|'''Safe'''

|
Paula and Kara wanted to save Scott, but Simon and Randy did not.<ref name="Top 8 Results Show Wrap Up">{{cite web|url=http://mjsbigblog.com/top-8-results-show-wrap-up-where-do-the-contestants-stand.htm|title=judgesplit|accessdate=2009-04-12}}</ref> Since the judges must be unanimous for the save to be used, the save was not used on Scott.
|-

|2
|Kris Allen
|{{nowrap|"[[All She Wants to Do Is Dance]]"}}
|[[Don Henley]]
|1985
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|3
|Lil Rounds
|{{nowrap|"[[What's Love Got to Do with It (song)|What's Love Got to Do With It]]"}}
|[[Tina Turner]]
|1984
|'''Bottom 3'''
|
|-
|4
|Anoop Desai
|"[[True Colors (song)|True Colors]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Cyndi Lauper]]}}
|1986
|'''Bottom 2'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|5
|{{nowrap|Scott MacIntyre}}
|"[[The Search Is Over]]"
|[[Survivor (band)|Survivor]]
|1985
|'''Eliminated'''
|The judges did not save Scott
|-
|6
|Allison Iraheta
|{{nowrap|"[[I Can't Make You Love Me]]"}}
|{{nowrap|[[Bonnie Raitt]]}}
|1992
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|7
|Matt Giraud
|"[[Part-Time Lover]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Stevie Wonder]]}}
|1985
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|8
|Adam Lambert
|"[[Mad World]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Tears For Fears]]}}
|1982
|'''Safe'''
|{{nowrap|The show ran overtime so some people missed Adam's song}}
|}
===Top 7 (first week) - Idol at the Movies===
===Top 7 (first week) - Idol at the Movies===
Mentor: [[Quentin Tarantino]]
Mentor: [[Quentin Tarantino]]
{| class="wikitable"
*Allison Iraheta - "[[I Don't Want to Miss a Thing]]" ([[Aerosmith]]) from ''[[Armageddon (1998 film)|Armageddon]]''
!Order
*Anoop Desai - "[[(Everything I Do) I Do It for You]]" ([[Bryan Adams]]) from ''[[Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves]]''
!Performer
*Adam Lambert - "[[Born to Be Wild]]" ([[Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]]) from ''[[Easy Rider]]''
!Song
*Matt Giraud - "[[Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?]]" (Bryan Adams) from ''[[Don Juan DeMarco]]''
!Movie
*Danny Gokey - "[[Endless Love (song)|Endless Love]]" ([[Lionel Richie]] and [[Diana Ross]]) from ''[[Endless Love (film)|Endless Love]]''
!Artist
*Kris Allen - "[[Falling Slowly]]" ([[Glen Hansard]] and [[Markéta Irglová]]) from ''[[Once (film)|Once]]''
!Result
*Lil Rounds - "[[The Rose (song)|The Rose]]" ([[Bette Midler]]) from ''[[The Rose (film)|The Rose]]''
!Notes

|-
'''Bottom 3: Anoop Desai, Lil Rounds, and Matt Giraud'''
|1

|{{nowrap|Allison Iraheta}}
'''Bottom 2: Matt Giraud and Lil Rounds'''
|"[[I Don't Want to Miss a Thing]]"

|"''[[Armageddon (1998 film)|Armageddon]]''"
'''Lowest Voted: Matt Giraud'''
|[[Aerosmith]]

'''''Eliminated: None*'''''
|'''Safe'''
|-

|2
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Matt Giraud received the lowest number of votes but the judges decided to use their save and Matt was not eliminated.
|Anoop Desai

|{{nowrap|"[[(Everything I Do) I Do It for You]]"}}
|{{nowrap|"''[[Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves]]''"}}
|[[Bryan Adams]]
|'''Bottom 3'''
|
|-
|3
|{{nowrap|Adam Lambert}}
|"[[Born to Be Wild]]"
|"''[[Easy Rider]]''"
|[[Steppenwolf (band)|Steppenwolf]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|-bgcolor="Gold"
|4
|Matt Giraud
|{{nowrap|"[[Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?]]"}}
|"''[[Don Juan DeMarco]]''"
|Bryan Adams
|{{nowrap|'''Lowest Voted'''}}
|{{nowrap|The judges decided to save Matt}}
|-
|5
|Danny Gokey
|"[[Endless Love (song)|Endless Love]]"
|"''[[Endless Love (film)|Endless Love]]''"
|{{nowrap|[[Lionel Richie]]/[[Diana Ross]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|6
|Kris Allen
|"[[Falling Slowly]]"
|"''[[Once (film)|Once]]''"
|{{nowrap|[[Glen Hansard]]/[[Markéta Irglová]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|7
|Lil Rounds
|"[[The Rose (song)|The Rose]]"
|"''[[The Rose (film)|The Rose]]''"
|[[Bette Midler]]
|'''Bottom 2'''
|
|}
===Top 7 (second week) - Disco===
===Top 7 (second week) - Disco===
{| class="wikitable"
*Lil Rounds - "[[I'm Every Woman]]" ([[Chaka Khan]])
!Order
*Kris Allen - "[[She Works Hard for the Money (song)|She Works Hard for the Money]]" ([[Donna Summer]])
!Performer
*Danny Gokey - "[[September (song)|September]]" ([[Earth, Wind & Fire]])
!Song
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Hot Stuff (Donna Summer song)|Hot Stuff]]" (Donna Summer)
!Artist
*Adam Lambert - "[[If I Can't Have You]]" ([[Yvonne Elliman]])
!Result
*Matt Giraud - "[[Stayin' Alive]]" ([[Bee Gees]])
!Notes
*Anoop Desai - "[[Dim All the Lights]]" (Donna Summer)
|-

|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
'''Bottom 3: Anoop Desai, Allison Iraheta, and Lil Rounds'''
|1

'''''Eliminated: Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai'''''
|{{nowrap|Lil Rounds}}
|"[[I'm Every Woman]]"

|{{nowrap|[[Chaka Khan]]}}
With no elimination the previous week, there was a second "Top 7" week and two people were eliminated.
|{{nowrap|'''1st Eliminated'''}}

|Ryan never said that Lil was the lowest voted
|-
|2
|{{nowrap|Kris Allen}}
|{{nowrap|"[[She Works Hard for the Money (song)|She Works Hard for the Money]]"}}
|{{nowrap|[[Donna Summer]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|3
|{{nowrap|Danny Gokey}}
|"[[September (song)|September]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Earth, Wind & Fire]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|4
|{{nowrap|Allison Iraheta}}
|"[[Hot Stuff (Donna Summer song)|Hot Stuff]]"
|{{nowrap|Donna Summer}}
|'''Bottom 3'''
|
|-
|5
|{{nowrap|Adam Lambert}}
|{{nowrap|"[[If I Can't Have You]]"}}
|{{nowrap|[[Yvonne Elliman]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|6
|{{nowrap|Matt Giraud}}
|"[[Stayin' Alive]]"
|[[Bee Gees]]
|'''Safe'''
|{{nowrap|Because Matt was saved, 2 contestants were eliminated}}
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|7
|{{nowrap|Anoop Desai}}
|"[[Dim All the Lights]]"
|{{nowrap|Donna Summer}}
|{{nowrap|'''2nd Eliminated'''}}
|Ryan never announced that Anoop was the lowest voted
|}
===Top 5 - [[Rat Pack]] [[Standard (music)|Standards]]===
===Top 5 - [[Rat Pack]] [[Standard (music)|Standards]]===
Mentor: [[Jamie Foxx]]
Mentor: [[Jamie Foxx]]
{| class="wikitable"
*Kris Allen - "[[The Way You Look Tonight]]"
!Order
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Someone to Watch Over Me (song)|Someone to Watch Over Me]] "
!Performer
*Matt Giraud - "[[My Funny Valentine]]"
!Song
*Danny Gokey - "[[Come Rain or Come Shine]]"
!Result
*Adam Lambert - "[[Feeling Good]]"
!Notes

|-
'''Bottom 3: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen, and Matt Giraud'''
|1

|Kris Allen
'''Bottom 2: Adam Lambert and Matt Giraud'''
|"[[The Way You Look Tonight]]"

'''''Eliminated: Matt Giraud'''''
|'''Bottom 3'''
|Kris was saved first

|-
|2
|Allison Iraheta
|"[[Someone to Watch Over Me (song)|Someone to Watch Over Me]]"
|'''Safe'''
|Top 2
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|3
|Matt Giraud
|"[[My Funny Valentine]]"
|'''Eliminated'''
|This was Matt's 3rd elimination
|-
|4
|Danny Gokey
|"[[Come Rain or Come Shine]]"
|'''Safe'''
|Top 2
|-
|5
|Adam Lambert
|"[[Feeling Good]]"
|'''Bottom 2'''
|Ryan never explicitly said that Adam was the bottom 2
|}
===Top 4 - [[Rock music]] ===
===Top 4 - [[Rock music]] ===
Mentor: [[Slash (musician)|Slash]]<br/>
Mentor: [[Slash (musician)|Slash]]<br/>
Each contestant sang one solo and one duet with a fellow contestant.
Each contestant sang one solo and one duet with a fellow contestant.
{| class="wikitable"

!Order
*Adam Lambert - "[[Whole Lotta Love]]" ([[Led Zeppelin]])
!Performer(s)
*Allison Iraheta - "[[Cry Baby (song)|Cry Baby]]" ([[Janis Joplin]])
!Song
*Kris Allen & Danny Gokey - "[[Renegade (Styx song)|Renegade]]" ([[Styx (band)|Styx]])
!Artist
*Kris Allen - "[[Come Together]]" ([[The Beatles]])
!Result
*Danny Gokey - "[[Dream On (Aerosmith song)|Dream On]]" ([[Aerosmith]])
!Notes
*Allison Iraheta & Adam Lambert - "[[Slow Ride]]" ([[Foghat]])
|-

|1
'''''Eliminated: Allison Iraheta'''''
|Adam Lambert

|{{nowrap|"[[Whole Lotta Love]]"}}
===Top 3 - Judge's choice / Contestant's choice===
|{{nowrap|[[Led Zeppelin]]}}

|'''Safe'''
|The bottom 2 were not announced
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|2
|Allison Iraheta
|"[[Cry Baby (song)|Cry Baby]]"
|{{nowrap|[[Janis Joplin]]}}
|'''Eliminated'''
|
|-
|3
|{{nowrap|Kris Allen/Danny Gokey}}
|"[[Renegade (Styx song)|Renegade]]"
|[[Styx (band)|Styx]]
|
|The duets were instead of a 2nd song
|-
|4
|Kris Allen
|{{nowrap|"[[Come Together]]"}}
|{{nowrap|[[The Beatles]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|The bottom 2 were not announced
|-
|5
|Danny Gokey
|{{nowrap|"[[Dream On (Aerosmith song)|Dream On]]"}}
|[[Aerosmith]]
|'''Safe'''
|{{nowrap|The bottom 2 were not announced but Danny was left standing with Allison}}
|-
|6
|{{nowrap|Allison Iraheta/Adam Lambert}}
|"[[Slow Ride]]"
|[[Foghat]]
|
|The judges favoured this duet
|}
===Top 3===
Each contestant sang two songs.<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/confessionsofanidoladdict/2009198169_format_special_guests_set_for.html Format, special guests set for next week]</ref>
Each contestant sang two songs.<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/confessionsofanidoladdict/2009198169_format_special_guests_set_for.html Format, special guests set for next week]</ref>
====Judges' Choice====

{| class="wikitable"
*Danny Gokey - "[[Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby|Dance Little Sister]]" ([[Terence Trent D'Arby]]) (Paula Abdul's choice)
!Order
*Kris Allen - "[[Apologize (song)|Apologize]]" ([[OneRepublic]]) (Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi's choice)
!Performer
*Adam Lambert - "[[One (U2 song)|One]]" ([[U2]]) (Simon Cowell's choice)
!Judge(s)
*Danny Gokey - "[[You Are So Beautiful]]" ([[Joe Cocker]])
!Song
*Kris Allen - "[[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]" ([[Kanye West]])
!Artist
*Adam Lambert - "[[Cryin']]" ([[Aerosmith]])
!Result

!Notes
'''''Eliminated: Danny Gokey'''''
|-

|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|1
|{{nowrap|Danny Gokey}}
|{{nowrap|Paula Abdul}}
|{{nowrap|"Dance Little Sister"}}
|{{nowrap|[[Terence Trent D'Arby]]}}
|'''Eliminated'''
|{{nowrap|Danny was eliminated as the only contestant remaining not to be in the bottom 2/3}}
|-
|2
|{{nowrap|Kris Allen}}
|{{nowrap|Randy Jackson/Kara DioGuardi}}
|{{nowrap|"[[Apologize (song)|Apologize]]"}}
|[[OneRepublic]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|3
|{{nowrap|Adam Lambert}}
|{{nowrap|Simon Cowell}}
|"[[One (U2 song)|One]]"
|[[U2]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|}
====Contestant's Choice====
{| class="wikitable"
!Order
!Performer
!Song
!Artist
!Status
|-
|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
|4
|{{nowrap|Danny Gokey}}
|{{nowrap|"[[You Are So Beautiful]]"}}
|{{nowrap|[[Joe Cocker]]}}
|'''Eliminated'''
||{{nowrap|Danny was eliminated as the only contestant remaining not to be in the bottom 2/3}}
|-
|5
|{{nowrap|Kris Allen}}
|{{nowrap|"[[Heartless (Kanye West song)|Heartless]]"}}
|{{nowrap|[[Kanye West]]}}
|'''Safe'''
|
|-
|6
|{{nowrap|Adam Lambert}}
|"[[Cryin']]"
|[[Aerosmith]]
|'''Safe'''
|
|}
===Top 2 - The contestant’s favorite / [[Simon Fuller]]’s choice / The winner’s single===
===Top 2 - The contestant’s favorite / [[Simon Fuller]]’s choice / The winner’s single===
Each contestant sang three songs. Allen won the coin toss, which allows that contestant to choose whether to perform last or first, and he chose to perform last.
Each contestant sang three songs. Allen won the coin toss, which allows that contestant to choose whether to perform last or first, and he chose to perform last.
{| class="wikitable"

!Orders
*Adam Lambert - "Mad World" (Tears for Fears) - ''Contestant's favorite''
!Performer
*Kris Allen - "Ain't No Sunshine" (Bill Withers) - ''Contestant's favorite''
!Themes
*Adam Lambert - "[[A Change Is Gonna Come (song)|A Change Is Gonna Come]]" ([[Sam Cooke]]) - ''Simon Fuller's choice''
!Songs
*Kris Allen - "[[What's Going On (song)|What's Going On]]" ([[Marvin Gaye]]) - ''Simon Fuller's choice''
!Artists
*Adam Lambert - "[[No Boundaries (song)|No Boundaries]]" - ''Winner's single''
!Status
*Kris Allen - "No Boundaries" - ''Winner's single''
|-

|-bgcolor="#FF7448"
'''''Winner: Kris Allen'''''
|1<br>3<br>5

'''''Runner-Up: Adam Lambert'''''
|Adam Lambert
|Favorite<br>Simon Fuller's Choice<br>Idol Single

|"Mad World"<br>"[[A Change Is Gonna Come (song)|A Change is Gonna Come]]"<br>"[[No Boundaries (song)|No Boundaries]]"
|Tears For Fears<br>[[Sam Cooke]]<br>Adam Lambert
|Runner-Up
|-
|-bgcolor="lime"
|2<br>4<br>6
|Kris Allen
|Favorite<br>Simon Fuller's Choice<br>Idol Single
|"Ain't No Sunshine"<br>"[[What's Going On (song)|What's Going On]]"<br>"No Boundaries"
|Bill Withers<br>[[Marvin Gaye]]<br>Kris Allen
|'''WINNER'''
|}
==Other performances==
==Other performances==
===Group song===
===Group song===
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*Top 3: The Top 3 did not perform a group routine.
*Top 3: The Top 3 did not perform a group routine.
*Top 2: "[[So What (song)|So What]]" by [[Pink (singer)|Pink]] (whole Top 13 performed)
*Top 2: "[[So What (song)|So What]]" by [[Pink (singer)|Pink]] (whole Top 13 performed)

=== Guest performances ===
=== Guest performances ===
In addition, songs are played during the elimination night to promote an artist, single, album, or the show itself. Included is a list of those songs with their ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] and [[Hot Digital Songs]] reactions.
In addition, songs are played during the elimination night to promote an artist, single, album, or the show itself. Included is a list of those songs with their ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] and [[Hot Digital Songs]] reactions.

{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="font-size:90%;"
{| class="wikitable" border="1" style="font-size:90%;"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
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| Finale ||colspan="2"| See [[Grand Finale (American Idol 8)]] for other performances || NA || NA ||
| Finale ||colspan="2"| See [[Grand Finale (American Idol 8)]] for other performances || NA || NA ||
|}
|}

==Elimination chart==
==Elimination chart==
<center>
<center>
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| style="background:lime;" width="15%" | Winner
| style="background:lime;" width="15%" | Winner
|}
|}

{| border="2" style="border:1px solid gray; border-collapse:collapse;"
{| border="2" style="border:1px solid gray; border-collapse:collapse;"
| style="background:white;" width="20%" | <center>Safe</center>
| style="background:white;" width="20%" | <center>Safe</center>
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| style="background:gold;" width="20%"| <center>Judges' Save</center>
| style="background:gold;" width="20%"| <center>Judges' Save</center>
|}
|}

{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
|colspan=2 align="right"|''Stage:''
|colspan=2 align="right"|''Stage:''
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|
|
|
|
|bgcolor="bright green" fontcolor"white" |Top 2
|
|
|
|bgcolor="#FFF558" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|bgcolor="#FFF558" align="center"|'''Elim'''
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|
|
|bgcolor="#FFFFCC" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}
|bgcolor="#FFFFCC" align="center"|{{nowrap|Btm 3}}
|bgcolor="bright green" fontcolor="white" |Top 2
|
|bgcolor="#FFF558" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|bgcolor="#FFF558" align="center"|'''Elim'''
|colspan="2" bgcolor="666666"|
|colspan="2" bgcolor="666666"|
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|}<br clear="all">
|}<br clear="all">
</center>
</center>

<small><sup>1</sup> Due to the [[Barack Obama speech to joint session of Congress, 2009|2009 Speech to the Joint Session of the United States Congress]] on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, the performance show was moved to Wednesday, February 25 and the results show was moved to Thursday, February 26.<br />
<small><sup>1</sup> Due to the [[Barack Obama speech to joint session of Congress, 2009|2009 Speech to the Joint Session of the United States Congress]] on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, the performance show was moved to Wednesday, February 25 and the results show was moved to Thursday, February 26.<br />
<sup>2</sup> Ryan never specifically said who the bottom three or four was, but Megan Joy was brought up with Jasmine Murray and Anoop Desai with Jorge Nuñez for dramatic effect. Jasmine Murray was announced as the first to leave, followed by Jorge Nuñez.<br />
<sup>2</sup> Ryan never specifically said who the bottom three or four was, but Megan Joy was brought up with Jasmine Murray and Anoop Desai with Jorge Nuñez for dramatic effect. Jasmine Murray was announced as the first to leave, followed by Jorge Nuñez.<br />
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<sup>5</sup> The bottom two were eliminated on April 22. It was never announced who received the lowest number of votes, although Lil Rounds was announced as the first to leave, followed by Anoop Desai.<br />
<sup>5</sup> The bottom two were eliminated on April 22. It was never announced who received the lowest number of votes, although Lil Rounds was announced as the first to leave, followed by Anoop Desai.<br />
<sup>6</sup> It was only announced that [[Allison Iraheta]] received the lowest number of votes this week. The other member(s) of the bottom two or three were never revealed, and the safe contestants were announced in random order.</small>
<sup>6</sup> It was only announced that [[Allison Iraheta]] received the lowest number of votes this week. The other member(s) of the bottom two or three were never revealed, and the safe contestants were announced in random order.</small>

==Finale==
==Finale==
{{main|Grand Finale (American Idol 8)}}
{{main|Grand Finale (American Idol 8)}}
The finale took place at the [[L.A. Live#Nokia Theatre|Nokia Theatre]] on May 20, 2009.
The finale took place at the [[L.A. Live#Nokia Theatre|Nokia Theatre]] on May 20, 2009.

==Controversies==
==Controversies==
===Joanna Pacitti===
===Joanna Pacitti===
[[Joanna Pacitti]], who was originally selected as a semi-finalist, created controversy due to her being previously signed to A&M and Geffen Records. Later, she was found to have been having a "private relationship" with 19 Management. She was later disqualified, and replaced by Felicia Barton.<ref name="Joanna">{{cite news |title=Joanna Pacitti Disqualified From "American Idol" |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=February 12, 2009 |first=Lynn |last=Elber |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/12/joanna-pacitti-disqualifi_n_166379.html }}</ref>
[[Joanna Pacitti]], who was originally selected as a semi-finalist, created controversy due to her being previously signed to A&M and Geffen Records. Later, she was found to have been having a "private relationship" with 19 Management. She was later disqualified, and replaced by Felicia Barton.<ref name="Joanna">{{cite news |title=Joanna Pacitti Disqualified From "American Idol" |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=February 12, 2009 |first=Lynn |last=Elber |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/12/joanna-pacitti-disqualifi_n_166379.html }}</ref>

===Telephone number===
===Telephone number===
In the Top 13, the expected phone number for Alexis Grace, 866-IDOLS-13, was not owned by American Idol, but by a company called Intimate Encounters, who used it as a sex line. Although host Ryan Seacrest mentioned the replacement phone number, 866-IDOLS-36, several times, some commentators feared that the phone number confusion could lead to Grace being inadvertently voted off the show.<ref name="sexline">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606780/20090311/story.jhtml |title=Will 'Idol' Phone Snafu Sink Alexis Grace? |first=James |last=Montgomery |date=March 11, 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=American Idol can't use 'nasty' 1-866-IDOLS-13 number |work=[[Newsday]] |first=Jamshid |last=Mousavinezhad |date=March 10, 2009 |url=http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/american_idol_cant_use_nasty_1.html }}</ref> Grace was not voted off that week.
In the Top 13, the expected phone number for Alexis Grace, 866-IDOLS-13, was not owned by American Idol, but by a company called Intimate Encounters, who used it as a sex line. Although host Ryan Seacrest mentioned the replacement phone number, 866-IDOLS-36, several times, some commentators feared that the phone number confusion could lead to Grace being inadvertently voted off the show.<ref name="sexline">{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606780/20090311/story.jhtml |title=Will 'Idol' Phone Snafu Sink Alexis Grace? |first=James |last=Montgomery |date=March 11, 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=American Idol can't use 'nasty' 1-866-IDOLS-13 number |work=[[Newsday]] |first=Jamshid |last=Mousavinezhad |date=March 10, 2009 |url=http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/american_idol_cant_use_nasty_1.html }}</ref> Grace was not voted off that week.

===Overtime Broadcast===
===Overtime Broadcast===
On the April 7 (Top 8) performance episode, ''Idol'' ended 4 minutes past its set ending time, such that viewers who recorded the program completely missed the final performance, Adam Lambert's performance of ''Mad World'' which received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.
On the April 7 (Top 8) performance episode, ''Idol'' ended 4 minutes past its set ending time, such that viewers who recorded the program completely missed the final performance, Adam Lambert's performance of ''Mad World'' which received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.

===Lip-syncing===
===Lip-syncing===
After the Top 11 program, [[Justin Guarini]], while hosting ''[[Idol Wrap]]'' on TV Guide channel, asserted that the show's group performances were being [[lip-sync]]ed.<ref name=nyt>{{cite news |title=‘Idol’ Group Numbers: Not So Live After All |work=The New York Times |date=Mrch 25, 2009 |first=Edward |last=Wyatt |page=C1 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/arts/television/26idol.html?_r=1 }}</ref> Soon after Guarini's assertion was aired, a spokesperson for the producers of ''American Idol'' said, "The Idols don't lip-sync, period."<ref name=nyt/> The following day, the same spokesperson said that "due to extensive choreography and to balance their voices with open mics against a screaming audience, the Idols do sing along to their own prerecorded vocal track during the group performances only."<ref name=nyt/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607786/20090326/story.jhtml |title='American Idol' Producers Admit Group Sing-Alongs Are Lip-Synched |work=MTV |first=Gil |last=Kaufman |date=March 26, 2009 }}</ref> The spokesperson maintained that the performers sing their solo songs live, but their performances available to download through [[iTunes]] are recorded prior to airing.<ref name=nyt/>
After the Top 11 program, [[Justin Guarini]], while hosting ''[[Idol Wrap]]'' on TV Guide channel, asserted that the show's group performances were being [[lip-sync]]ed.<ref name=nyt>{{cite news |title=‘Idol’ Group Numbers: Not So Live After All |work=The New York Times |date=Mrch 25, 2009 |first=Edward |last=Wyatt |page=C1 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/arts/television/26idol.html?_r=1 }}</ref> Soon after Guarini's assertion was aired, a spokesperson for the producers of ''American Idol'' said, "The Idols don't lip-sync, period."<ref name=nyt/> The following day, the same spokesperson said that "due to extensive choreography and to balance their voices with open mics against a screaming audience, the Idols do sing along to their own prerecorded vocal track during the group performances only."<ref name=nyt/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607786/20090326/story.jhtml |title='American Idol' Producers Admit Group Sing-Alongs Are Lip-Synched |work=MTV |first=Gil |last=Kaufman |date=March 26, 2009 }}</ref> The spokesperson maintained that the performers sing their solo songs live, but their performances available to download through [[iTunes]] are recorded prior to airing.<ref name=nyt/>
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===Finale vote===
===Finale vote===
Kris Allen's win over Adam Lambert resulted in speculation about [[cheating|voter manipulation]], a [[Christian]] voting bloc, and as many as "38 million" votes coming from [[Arkansas]], Kris's home state<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8060846.stm American Idol winner is crowned]</ref><ref>[http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/05/kris-allen-le-1.html Kris Allen: How can you not love the new American Idol?]</ref>, a state with only 2.8 million people. There were also allegations that [[AT&T]] may have influenced the results.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/media/27idol.html?ref=media</ref> [[Fox Network|Fox]] had previously denied these claims as baseless stating that the network has no preference on who the winner might be.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/arts/television/25idol.html?_r=1&ref=television</ref> AT&T meanwhile said in a statement that the vote tally above was based on incorrect information and apologized by saying that "AT&T does not divulge or confirm how many votes were cast in any state."<ref>http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Conway-reacts-to-Kris-win/sv8BNSsGY0G8GRZWSr0fRw.cspx</ref> On May 27, 2009, the producers of the show stated that they "stand by the outcome" and are "absolutely certain" that "without a doubt Kris Allen is the American Idol".<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/business/media/28idol.html?ref=business</ref><ref>http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/05/american-idol-a.html</ref><ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/27/ent.american.idol.voting/index.html</ref>
Kris Allen's win over Adam Lambert resulted in speculation about [[cheating|voter manipulation]], a [[Christian]] voting bloc, and as many as "38 million" votes coming from [[Arkansas]], Kris's home state<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8060846.stm American Idol winner is crowned]</ref><ref>[http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/05/kris-allen-le-1.html Kris Allen: How can you not love the new American Idol?]</ref>, a state with only 2.8 million people. There were also allegations that [[AT&T]] may have influenced the results.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/media/27idol.html?ref=media</ref> [[Fox Network|Fox]] had previously denied these claims as baseless stating that the network has no preference on who the winner might be.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/arts/television/25idol.html?_r=1&ref=television</ref> AT&T meanwhile said in a statement that the vote tally above was based on incorrect information and apologized by saying that "AT&T does not divulge or confirm how many votes were cast in any state."<ref>http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Conway-reacts-to-Kris-win/sv8BNSsGY0G8GRZWSr0fRw.cspx</ref> On May 27, 2009, the producers of the show stated that they "stand by the outcome" and are "absolutely certain" that "without a doubt Kris Allen is the American Idol".<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/business/media/28idol.html?ref=business</ref><ref>http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/05/american-idol-a.html</ref><ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/27/ent.american.idol.voting/index.html</ref>

==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of American Idol episodes#Season 8: 2009|List of American Idol episodes: Season 8]]
*[[List of American Idol episodes#Season 8: 2009|List of American Idol episodes: Season 8]]

==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.americanidol.com/ American Idol Official Website]
*[http://www.americanidol.com/ American Idol Official Website]
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{{succession box|title=''[[American Idol]]''|before=[[American Idol (season 7)|Season 7 (2008)]]|after=''[[American Idol (season 9)|Season 9 (2010)]]''|years='''''Season 8 (2009)'''''}}
{{succession box|title=''[[American Idol]]''|before=[[American Idol (season 7)|Season 7 (2008)]]|after=''[[American Idol (season 9)|Season 9 (2010)]]''|years='''''Season 8 (2009)'''''}}
{{end box}}
{{end box}}

{{American Idol 8}}
{{American Idol 8}}
{{American Idol}}
{{American Idol}}

[[Category:American Idol seasons]]
[[Category:American Idol seasons]]
[[Category:2009 in television]]
[[Category:2009 in television]]
[[Category:2009 in the United States]]
[[Category:2009 in the United States]]

[[ja:アメリカン・アイドル (シーズン8)]]
[[ja:アメリカン・アイドル (シーズン8)]]
[[vi:American Idol (Mùa 8)]]
[[vi:American Idol (Mùa 8)]]

Revision as of 15:32, 7 June 2009

Template:Infobox reality music competition The eighth season of American Idol premiered on January 13, 2009 and concluded on May 20, 2009. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson continued to judge the show's contestants, along with Ryan Seacrest as host. The season introduced Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge on the Idol panel.[1] Kris Allen was announced the winner of the competition on May 20, 2009, defeating runner-up Adam Lambert after nearly 100 million votes, the highest recorded vote total in the history of the show. The eighth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 36 semi-finalists instead of 24, and thirteen finalists instead of twelve, nine contestants chosen by the public and four by the judges. Another addition was the "save," which was used on the top seven results show to veto Matt Giraud's elimination.

Changes from Season 7

Several changes were planned for season 8. Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly stated that Idol would feature fewer "William Hung-like" contestants and "funny auditions," and would quickly move its focus to the potential singers during the earlier stages of the competition, thus moving the season at a faster pace.[2] Mike Darnell, president of Fox's alternative programming, said the contestants would be more emotional and that viewers would learn more about them and their pasts than they had in the previous season.[3] Songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi was added as a permanent fourth judge on the panel. She had previously collaborated with Celine Dion, Hilary Duff, Enrique Iglesias, Leona Lewis and Christina Aguilera, and produced several Top 40 hits. As a songwriter, she had already worked with several American Idol alumni and winners, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, David Archuleta and David Cook.[4] Meanwhile, Ken Warwick became the new executive producer, as Nigel Lythgoe had left the show to focus on So You Think You Can Dance and his new show with Simon Fuller, Superstars of Dance.[5] Idol Gives Back was canceled for season 8, as the ongoing economic crisis and recession, left Idol officials uncomfortable asking financially struggling viewers to donate.[6] The semifinals saw the biggest change as the wild card round returned for the first time since the third season. After voters picked three finalists from each of three groups of 12 semi-finalists, the judges selected eight of the previously eliminated 27 semifinalists to return and perform a song on the March 5, 2009, show. They were judged by the panel, instead of a vote by the viewers, with four advancing to the finals.[7][8] Although the finals had been billed from the beginning of the season as a set of 12 contestants, the judges announced at the last minute that they would be advancing a thirteenth contestant, Anoop Desai, as well. Another change in the Idol format, which was revealed on March 11, 2009, is that the judges are eligible to exercise a veto power on one eliminated contestant at any given point of the competition and spare them from elimination for that particular week. This can only be invoked up until the Final 5. The following week two contestants will be eliminated if the save is used because nobody is eliminated on the week that the save is used. The save can only be used once and it must be unanimous. In practice, the eighth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 36 semi-finalists instead of 24, and thirteen finalists instead of twelve, as, after nine contestants were voted into the finals and three wild card contestants had been advanced, the judges decided to advance a fourth wild card contestant, Anoop Desai.

Early process

Regional auditions phase

Locations

Auditions were held in the following cities:[9]

Audition City Date Audition Venue
San Francisco, California[10] July 17, 2008 Cow Palace
Louisville, Kentucky[11] July 21, 2008 Freedom Hall
Glendale, Arizona[12] July 25, 2008 Jobing.com Arena
Salt Lake City, Utah July 29, 2008 EnergySolutions Arena
San Juan, Puerto Rico August 2, 2008 Coliseo de Puerto Rico
Kansas City, Missouri August 8, 2008 Kemper Arena
Jacksonville, Florida August 13, 2008 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
East Rutherford, New Jersey August 19, 2008 Izod Center

Contestants are required to be between the ages 16 and 28 on July 15, 2008 and eligible to work in the United States. Contestants are ineligible if they were part of the top 40 from previous seasons (exception being for those who reached the top 50 from season 7), if they hold recording or management contracts or if they are not U.S. citizens or landed immigrants (i.e. temporary residents).

Hollywood phase

For this season, the Hollywood round moved to the Kodak Theatre, which was previously used for the season finale from seasons 1 and 3–6, from the Orpheum Theatre. In addition, the Hollywood round was extended to two weeks. In the first round, the 147 contestants each sang a short solo a cappella performance of any song. The next round had the remaining 107 contestants performing in groups of three or four. The 72 contestants that passed group day performed one more solo song, this time accompanied by a band, before being narrowed down to 54. The final 54 then went to the "judges' mansion" in Los Angeles for the final results, and the Top 36 were announced. Some contestants had a sing-off to determine who would enter the top 36.

Semi-finals

The top 36 were announced in a special two-hour broadcast on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.[13]
All 36 contestants, performing in three groups of twelve, sang songs that were Billboard Hot 100 Hits. Below are the three semi-final groups with contestants listed in their performance order. In each group, three people advanced to the next round, based on votes by the viewers. The top male and female recipient advanced, along with the next highest vote recipient of the remaining ten contestants in each group. Following those nine singers advancing, eight of the remaining 27 semi-finalists were selected by the judges to compete in the Wild Card round. Following another performance by each Wild Card contender, the judges selected four contestants to advance to the final group of 13.

Semi-Final Group 1 - Billboard Hot 100 hits

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Jackie Tohn "A Little Less Conversation" Elvis Presley Eliminated
2 Ricky Braddy "A Song for You" Donny Hathaway Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
3 Alexis Grace "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" Aretha Franklin Advanced Highest Voted Female
4 Brent Keith "Hicktown" Jason Aldean Eliminated
5 Stevie Wright "You Belong with Me" Taylor Swift Eliminated
6 Anoop Desai "Angel of Mine" Monica Eliminated Chosen For Wild Card
7 Casey Carlson "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" The Police Eliminated
8 Michael Sarver "I Don't Want to Be" Gavin DeGraw Advanced Top 2 Voted Male
9 Ann Marie Boskovich "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" Aretha Franklin Eliminated
10 Stephen Fowler "Rock with You" Michael Jackson Eliminated
11 Tatiana Del Toro "Saving All My Love for You" Whitney Houston Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
12 Danny Gokey "Hero" Mariah Carey Advanced Top 2 Votes Male

Semi-Final Group 2 - Billboard Hot 100 hits

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Jasmine Murray "Love Song" Sara Bareilles Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
2 Matt Giraud "Viva La Vida Coldplay Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
3 Jeanine Vailes "This Love" Maroon 5 Eliminated
4 Nick Mitchell "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" Jennifer Holliday Eliminated
5 Allison Iraheta "Alone" Heart Advanced Highest Voted Female
6 Kris Allen "Man in the Mirror" Michael Jackson Advanced Top 2 Voted Male
7 Megan Joy "Put Your Records On" Corinne Bailey Rae Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
8 Matt Breitzke "If You Could Only See" Tonic Eliminated
9 Jesse Langseth "Bette Davis Eyes" Kim Carnes Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
10 Kai Kalama "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" Jimmy Ruffin Eliminated
11 Mishavonna Henson "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" Train Eliminated
12 Adam Lambert "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" The Rolling Stones Advanced Top 2 Voted Male

Semi-Final Group 3 - Billboard Hot 100 hits

Order Performed Song Artist Result Notes
1 Von Smith "You're All I Need to Get By" Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell Eliminated Chosen for Wild Card
2 Taylor Vaifanua "If I Ain't Got You" Alicia Keys Eliminated
3 Alex Wagner-Trugman "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"} Elton John Eliminated
4 Arianna Afsar "The Winner Takes It All" ABBA Eliminated
5 Ju'Not Joyner "Hey There Delilah" Plain White T's Eliminated
6 Kristen McNamara "Give Me One Reason" Tracy Chapman Eliminated
7 Nathaniel Marshall "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" Meat Loaf Eliminated
8 Felicia Barton1 "No One" Alicia Keys Eliminated Joanna Pacitti's Replacement
9 Scott MacIntyre "Mandolin Rain" Bruce Hornsby and the Range Advanced Top 2 Voted Male
10 Kendall Beard "This One's for the Girls" Martina McBride Eliminated
11 Jorge Núñez "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" Elton John Advanced Top 2 Voted Male
12 Lil Rounds "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige Advanced Highest Voted Female
  • Note 1: Barton was initially eliminated prior to the semifinals. But due to Joanna Pacitti's disquolification, she called back.

Wild Card Round - Billboard Hot 100 hits

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Jesse Langseth "Tell Me Something Good" Rufus and Chaka Khan Eliminated
2 Matt Giraud "Who's Lovin' You" The Jackson 5 Advanced
3 Megan Joy "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" KT Tunstall Advanced
4 Von Smith "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word" Elton John Eliminated
5 Jasmine Murray "Reflection" Christina Aguilera Advanced
6 Ricky Braddy "Superstition" Stevie Wonder Eliminated
7 Tatiana Del Toro "Saving All My Love for You" Whitney Houston Eliminated
8 Anoop Desai "My Perogative" Bobby Brown Advanced 1
  • Note 1: After Simon Cowell announced that Matt Giraud was selected, Desai was about to leave the stage. However, Simon told him, "Hold on Anoop. We decided, recently, we're gonna make it a Top 13".

Finalists

Kris Allen
  • Kris Allen (born June 21, 1985 in Jacksonville, Arkansas) is a 23-year-old from Conway, Arkansas who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. Allen's interest in music began at an early age; he taught himself how to play guitar at the age of 13, as well as numerous other instruments.[14] Prior to Idol, he worked as a worship leader at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas, and is a member of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Central Arkansas, where he is a business major. Allen was announced the winner of the eighth season of American Idol on May 20, 2009.[15]
Adam Lambert
Danny Gokey
  • Danny Gokey (born April 24, 1980) is a 29-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri. Gokey first began singing in church with his family, and has been a worship leader for his church in Milwaukee, Faith Builders International Ministries, for several years.[19] Four weeks before Gokey auditioned for American Idol, in July 2008, his wife Sophia underwent surgery due to congenital heart disease. She later died from complications regarding the extensive surgery.[20][21] He was eliminated from the Top 3 on May 13, 2009.[15]
  • Allison Iraheta (born April 27, 1992 in Los Angeles, California) is a 17-year-old from Los Angeles who auditioned in San Francisco, California. Iraheta began singing at an early age, performing at small venues for her family and friends.[22] In 2006, Iraheta won the Telemundo television series Quinceañera, where she won $50,000 and a recording contract, which was never granted.[23] She was eliminated from the Top 4 on May 6, 2009. She has been the youngest finalist as a 16 year-old turning 17 during Top 5 week.
Matt Giraud
  • Matt Giraud (born May 11, 1985 in Dearborn, Michigan) is a 23-year-old from Kalamazoo, Michigan who auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. Initially eliminated from the Top 13, Giraud was chosen by the judges to rejoin the competition during the Wild Card round. Similarly, Giraud was eliminated during the Top 7, but was saved by the judges. Giraud grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 2003.[24][25] He released an album called Perspective in 2003 and another in 2006 called Mind Body and Soul.[25]
Lil Rounds
Alexis Grace

Finals

Top 13 - Michael Jackson

Order Performer Song Result Notes
1 Lil Rounds "The Way You Make Me Feel" Safe
2 Scott MacIntyre "Keep the Faith" Safe
3 Danny Gokey "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" Safe
4 Michael Sarver "You Are Not Alone" Safe
5 Jasmine Murray "I'll Be There" 1st Eliminated The judges chose not not save Jasmine
6 Kris Allen "Remember the Time" Safe
7 Allison Iraheta "Give In to Me" Safe
8 Anoop Desai "Beat It" Safe Anoop was brought to the stage with Jorge
9 Jorge Núñez "Never Can Say Goodbye" 2nd Eliminated The judges chose not to save Jorge
10 Megan Joy "Rockin' Robin" Safe Megan was brought to the stage with Jasmine
11 Adam Lambert "Black or White" Safe
12 Matt Giraud "Human Nature" Safe
13 Alexis Grace "Dirty Diana" Safe

Top 11 - Grand Ole Opry

Mentor: Randy Travis

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Michael Sarver "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)" Garth Brooks Bottom 2
2 Allison Iraheta "Blame It on Your Heart" Patty Loveless Bottom 3
3 Kris Allen "Make You Feel My Love" Garth Brooks Safe
4 Lil Rounds "Independence Day" Martina McBride Safe
5 Adam Lambert "Ring of Fire" Johnny Cash Safe
6 Scott MacIntyre "Wild Angels" Martina McBride Safe
7 Alexis Grace "Jolene" Dolly Parton Eliminated The judges decided not to save Alexis
8 Danny Gokey "Jesus, Take the Wheel Carrie Underwood Safe
9 Anoop Desai "Always on My Mind" Brenda Lee Safe
10 Megan Joy "Walkin' After Midnight" Patsy Cline Safe Megan was suffering from influenza B
11 Matt Giraud "So Small" Carrie Underwood Safe

Top 10 - Motown

Mentor: Smokey Robinson

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Matt Giraud "Let's Get It On" Marvin Gaye Bottom 2
2 Kris Allen "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" Marvin Gaye Safe
3 Scott MacIntyre "You Can't Hurry Love" The Supremes Bottom 3
4 Megan Joy "For Once in My Life" Stevie Wonder Safe
5 Anoop Desai "Ooo Baby Baby" The Miracles Safe
6 Michael Sarver "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" The Temptations Eliminated The judges decided not to save Michael
7 Lil Rounds "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave" Martha and the Vandellas Safe
8 Adam Lambert "The Tracks of My Tears" The Miracles Safe
9 Danny Gokey "Get Ready" The Temptations Safe
10 Allison Iraheta "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" The Temptations Safe

Top 9 - Popular iTunes Downloads

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Anoop Desai "Caught Up" Usher Bottom 2
2 Megan Joy "Turn Your Lights Down Low" Lauryn Hill/Bob Marley Eliminated The judges decided not to save Megan
3 Danny Gokey "What Hurts the Most" Rascal Flatts Safe
4 Allison Iraheta "Don't Speak" No Doubt Bottom 3
5 Scott MacIntyre "Just the Way You Are" Billy Joel Safe
6 Matt Giraud "You Found Me" The Fray Safe
7 Lil Rounds "I Surrender" Celine Dion Safe
8 Adam Lambert "Play That Funky Music" Wild Cherry Safe
9 Kris Allen "Ain't No Sunshine" Bill Withers Safe

Top 8 - Year They Were Born

Order Performer Song Artist Year Result Notes
1 Danny Gokey "Stand By Me" Ben E. King 1980 Safe
2 Kris Allen "All She Wants to Do Is Dance" Don Henley 1985 Safe
3 Lil Rounds "What's Love Got to Do With It" Tina Turner 1984 Bottom 3
4 Anoop Desai "True Colors" Cyndi Lauper 1986 Bottom 2
5 Scott MacIntyre "The Search Is Over" Survivor 1985 Eliminated The judges did not save Scott
6 Allison Iraheta "I Can't Make You Love Me" Bonnie Raitt 1992 Safe
7 Matt Giraud "Part-Time Lover" Stevie Wonder 1985 Safe
8 Adam Lambert "Mad World" Tears For Fears 1982 Safe The show ran overtime so some people missed Adam's song

Top 7 (first week) - Idol at the Movies

Mentor: Quentin Tarantino

Order Performer Song Movie Artist Result Notes
1 Allison Iraheta "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" "Armageddon" Aerosmith Safe
2 Anoop Desai "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" Bryan Adams Bottom 3
3 Adam Lambert "Born to Be Wild" "Easy Rider" Steppenwolf Safe
4 Matt Giraud "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" "Don Juan DeMarco" Bryan Adams Lowest Voted The judges decided to save Matt
5 Danny Gokey "Endless Love" "Endless Love" Lionel Richie/Diana Ross Safe
6 Kris Allen "Falling Slowly" "Once" Glen Hansard/Markéta Irglová Safe
7 Lil Rounds "The Rose" "The Rose" Bette Midler Bottom 2

Top 7 (second week) - Disco

Order Performer Song Artist Result Notes
1 Lil Rounds "I'm Every Woman" Chaka Khan 1st Eliminated Ryan never said that Lil was the lowest voted
2 Kris Allen "She Works Hard for the Money" Donna Summer Safe
3 Danny Gokey "September" Earth, Wind & Fire Safe
4 Allison Iraheta "Hot Stuff" Donna Summer Bottom 3
5 Adam Lambert "If I Can't Have You" Yvonne Elliman Safe
6 Matt Giraud "Stayin' Alive" Bee Gees Safe Because Matt was saved, 2 contestants were eliminated
7 Anoop Desai "Dim All the Lights" Donna Summer 2nd Eliminated Ryan never announced that Anoop was the lowest voted

Top 5 - Rat Pack Standards

Mentor: Jamie Foxx

Order Performer Song Result Notes
1 Kris Allen "The Way You Look Tonight" Bottom 3 Kris was saved first
2 Allison Iraheta "Someone to Watch Over Me" Safe Top 2
3 Matt Giraud "My Funny Valentine" Eliminated This was Matt's 3rd elimination
4 Danny Gokey "Come Rain or Come Shine" Safe Top 2
5 Adam Lambert "Feeling Good" Bottom 2 Ryan never explicitly said that Adam was the bottom 2

Top 4 - Rock music

Mentor: Slash
Each contestant sang one solo and one duet with a fellow contestant.

Order Performer(s) Song Artist Result Notes
1 Adam Lambert "Whole Lotta Love" Led Zeppelin Safe The bottom 2 were not announced
2 Allison Iraheta "Cry Baby" Janis Joplin Eliminated
3 Kris Allen/Danny Gokey "Renegade" Styx The duets were instead of a 2nd song
4 Kris Allen "Come Together" The Beatles Safe The bottom 2 were not announced
5 Danny Gokey "Dream On" Aerosmith Safe The bottom 2 were not announced but Danny was left standing with Allison
6 Allison Iraheta/Adam Lambert "Slow Ride" Foghat The judges favoured this duet

Top 3

Each contestant sang two songs.[49]

Judges' Choice

Order Performer Judge(s) Song Artist Result Notes
1 Danny Gokey Paula Abdul "Dance Little Sister" Terence Trent D'Arby Eliminated Danny was eliminated as the only contestant remaining not to be in the bottom 2/3
2 Kris Allen Randy Jackson/Kara DioGuardi "Apologize" OneRepublic Safe
3 Adam Lambert Simon Cowell "One" U2 Safe

Contestant's Choice

Order Performer Song Artist Status
4 Danny Gokey "You Are So Beautiful" Joe Cocker Eliminated Danny was eliminated as the only contestant remaining not to be in the bottom 2/3
5 Kris Allen "Heartless" Kanye West Safe
6 Adam Lambert "Cryin'" Aerosmith Safe

Top 2 - The contestant’s favorite / Simon Fuller’s choice / The winner’s single

Each contestant sang three songs. Allen won the coin toss, which allows that contestant to choose whether to perform last or first, and he chose to perform last.

Orders Performer Themes Songs Artists Status
1
3
5 		Adam Lambert Favorite
Simon Fuller's Choice
Idol Single 		"Mad World"
"A Change is Gonna Come"
"No Boundaries" 		Tears For Fears
Sam Cooke
Adam Lambert 		Runner-Up
2
4
6 		Kris Allen Favorite
Simon Fuller's Choice
Idol Single 		"Ain't No Sunshine"
"What's Going On"
"No Boundaries" 		Bill Withers
Marvin Gaye
Kris Allen 		WINNER

Other performances

Group song

Guest performances

In addition, songs are played during the elimination night to promote an artist, single, album, or the show itself. Included is a list of those songs with their Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Digital Songs reactions.

Week Performer(s) Title Hot 100
Reaction		 Hot Digital Songs
Reaction		 Notes
Top 36/
Group 1		 Carly Smithson
Michael Johns		 "The Letter" Ineligible to chart
(No legal digital release)		 live performance
Top 36/
Group 2		 Brooke White "Hold Up My Heart" 47 (debut) 27 (51,171 +999%) live performance
Top 36/
Group 3		 No performer
Top 13 Kanye West "Heartless" 7 (+1) 13 (95,223 +18%) pre-recorded[50]
Kelly Clarkson "My Life Would Suck Without You" 5 (+4) 6 (141,167 +38%) live performance
Top 11 Brad Paisley "Then" 35 (debut) 18 (64,127 +999%) live performance
Carrie Underwood
Randy Travis		 "I Told You So" 9 (+48) 4 (125,806 +701%) pre-recorded[51]
Top 10 Ruben Studdard "Together" did not debut N/A pre-recorded[52]
Smokey Robinson
Joss Stone		 "You’re the One for Me" did not debut N/A live performance
Stevie Wonder "My Chérie Amour"/"Superstition"/
"Overjoyed"/"All About the Love Again"		 ineligible to re-enter N/A live performance
Top 9 David Cook "Come Back to Me" 63 (debut) 40 (39,430 +498%) pre-recorded
Lady GaGa "Poker Face" 2 (-1) 2 (228,799 +11%) live performance
Top 8 Frankie Avalon "Venus" N/A N/A live performance
Flo Rida "Right Round" 3 (=) 4 (179,913 +9%) live performance
Kellie Pickler "Best Days of Your Life" 50 (+53) 34 (46,825 +257%) live performance
Top 7
(week 1)		 Jennifer Hudson "If This Isn't Love" 63 (+23) 86 (19,112 +172%) live performance
Miley Cyrus "The Climb" 4 (+4) 2 (189,566 +0%) pre-recorded
Top 7
(week 2)		 David Archuleta "Touch My Hand"[53] did not debut 107 (12,875 +558%) live performance

Freda Payne
Thelma Houston
KC		 Medley of
"Band of Gold"
"Don't Leave Me This Way"
"Get Down Tonight."		 ineligible to re-enter N/A live performance
Top 5 Natalie Cole "Something's Gotta Give" did not debut N/A live performance
Taylor Hicks "Seven Mile Breakdown" did not debut N/A live performance
Jamie Foxx "Blame It" 2 (+2) 4(+6) live performance
Top 4 Paula Abdul "I'm Just Here for the Music" 87 (debut) 61(24,615 +999%) live performance
No Doubt "Just a Girl" ineligible to re-enter TBA pre-recorded
Daughtry "No Surprise" 15 (debut) 7 (103,593 +999%) live performance
Top 3 Noah Mushimiyimana "World's Greatest" NA NA live performance
Jordin Sparks "Battlefield" 32 (debut) 12 (75,007 +999%) live performance
Katy Perry "Waking Up in Vegas" 13 (+38) 5 (103,921) +180% live performance
Top 2 Carrie Underwood "Home Sweet Home" 79 (re-entry) TBA live performance on May 19, 2009
Finale See Grand Finale (American Idol 8) for other performances NA NA

Elimination chart

Legend
Did Not Perform Female Male Top 36 Wild Card Top 13 Winner
Safe
Bottom 3
Bottom 2
Eliminated
Judges' Save
Stage: Semi-Finals Wild
Card 		Finals
Week:
2/18
2/261
3/4
3/5
3/112
3/18
3/263
4/1
4/8
4/154
4/225
4/29
5/66
5/13
 5/20
Place Contestant Result
1 Kris Allen Top 13 Btm 3 Winner
2 Adam Lambert Top 13 Btm 2 Runner-up
3 Danny Gokey Top 13 Top 2 Elim
4 Allison Iraheta Top 13 Btm 3 Btm 3 Btm 3 Top 2 Elim
5 Matt Giraud Elim Top 13 Btm 2 Saved Elim
6 - 7 Anoop Desai Elim Top 13 Btm 2 Btm 2 Btm 3 Elim
Lil Rounds Top 13 Btm 3 Btm 2
8 Scott MacIntyre Top 13 Btm 3 Elim
9 Megan Joy Elim Top 13 Elim
10 Michael Sarver Top 13 Btm 2 Elim
11 Alexis Grace Top 13 Elim
12 - 13 Jorge Núñez Top 13 Elim
Jasmine Murray Elim Top 13
Wild
Card 		Ricky Braddy Elim Elim
Tatiana Del Toro Elim
Jesse Langseth Elim
Von Smith Elim
Semi-
Final 3 		Arianna Afsar Elim
Felicia Barton
Kendall Beard
Ju'Not Joyner
Nathaniel Marshall
Kristen McNamara
Taylor Vaifanua
Alex Wagner-Trugman
Semi-
Final 2 		Matt Breitzke Elim
Mishavonna Henson
Kai Kalama
Nick Mitchell
Jeanine Vailes
Semi-
Final 1 		Ann Marie Boskovich Elim
Casey Carlson
Stephen Fowler
Brent Keith
Jackie Tohn
Stevie Wright

1 Due to the 2009 Speech to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, the performance show was moved to Wednesday, February 25 and the results show was moved to Thursday, February 26.
2 Ryan never specifically said who the bottom three or four was, but Megan Joy was brought up with Jasmine Murray and Anoop Desai with Jorge Nuñez for dramatic effect. Jasmine Murray was announced as the first to leave, followed by Jorge Nuñez.
3 Due to the White House Press Conference on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, the performance show was moved to Wednesday, March 25 and the results show was moved to Thursday, March 26.
4 Due to the judges using their one save, in order to save Matt Giraud, the Top 7 remained intact for another week.
5 The bottom two were eliminated on April 22. It was never announced who received the lowest number of votes, although Lil Rounds was announced as the first to leave, followed by Anoop Desai.
6 It was only announced that Allison Iraheta received the lowest number of votes this week. The other member(s) of the bottom two or three were never revealed, and the safe contestants were announced in random order.

Finale

Main article: Grand Finale (American Idol 8)

The finale took place at the Nokia Theatre on May 20, 2009.

Controversies

Joanna Pacitti

Joanna Pacitti, who was originally selected as a semi-finalist, created controversy due to her being previously signed to A&M and Geffen Records. Later, she was found to have been having a "private relationship" with 19 Management. She was later disqualified, and replaced by Felicia Barton.[54]

Telephone number

In the Top 13, the expected phone number for Alexis Grace, 866-IDOLS-13, was not owned by American Idol, but by a company called Intimate Encounters, who used it as a sex line. Although host Ryan Seacrest mentioned the replacement phone number, 866-IDOLS-36, several times, some commentators feared that the phone number confusion could lead to Grace being inadvertently voted off the show.[55][56] Grace was not voted off that week.

Overtime Broadcast

On the April 7 (Top 8) performance episode, Idol ended 4 minutes past its set ending time, such that viewers who recorded the program completely missed the final performance, Adam Lambert's performance of Mad World which received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.

Lip-syncing

After the Top 11 program, Justin Guarini, while hosting Idol Wrap on TV Guide channel, asserted that the show's group performances were being lip-synced.[57] Soon after Guarini's assertion was aired, a spokesperson for the producers of American Idol said, "The Idols don't lip-sync, period."[57] The following day, the same spokesperson said that "due to extensive choreography and to balance their voices with open mics against a screaming audience, the Idols do sing along to their own prerecorded vocal track during the group performances only."[57][58] The spokesperson maintained that the performers sing their solo songs live, but their performances available to download through iTunes are recorded prior to airing.[57]

Finale vote

Kris Allen's win over Adam Lambert resulted in speculation about voter manipulation, a Christian voting bloc, and as many as "38 million" votes coming from Arkansas, Kris's home state[59][60], a state with only 2.8 million people. There were also allegations that AT&T may have influenced the results.[61] Fox had previously denied these claims as baseless stating that the network has no preference on who the winner might be.[62] AT&T meanwhile said in a statement that the vote tally above was based on incorrect information and apologized by saying that "AT&T does not divulge or confirm how many votes were cast in any state."[63] On May 27, 2009, the producers of the show stated that they "stand by the outcome" and are "absolutely certain" that "without a doubt Kris Allen is the American Idol".[64][65][66]

References

  1. ^ Songwriter Kara DioGuardi joins 'American Idol' panel
  2. ^ OK! Magazine - First for Celebrity News - Less is More for Next Season of American Idol
  3. ^ ‘Idol's’ emotional focus will highlight Abdul
  4. ^ Associated Press
  5. ^ Lythgoe Leaving 'American Idol'
  6. ^ American Idol Shelves "Give Back" Show for 2009 Season
  7. ^ Fox releases 'American Idol' schedule, confirms format changes
  8. ^ MTV How WIll The Wild-Card Round Work On 'American Idol'
  9. ^ Who Will Be The Next Singing Superstar? - American Idol News
  10. ^ Release says San Francisco; arena is actually in Daly City, though part of its property is in San Francisco.
  11. ^ http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/01/22/american-idol-finds-a-major-label-burnout-kentucky-derby-hats-at-louisville-auditions/ The filmed session before the judges was actually at Churchill Downs.
  12. ^ Release says Phoenix; arena is actually in Glendale.
  13. ^ Top 36 Revealed!
  14. ^ "Top 13 - Secret Talents". Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  15. ^ a b c American Idol
  16. ^ San Diego Union-Tribune Staff Writer (24 February 2009). "'Idol' hopeful banks on theatrics to snag a spot". Retrieved 11 March 2009.
  17. ^ Rocchio, Christopher (2 March 2009). "Adam Lambert dishes on making 'American Idol's Top 12 finals". Reality TV World. Retrieved 6 March 2009.
  18. ^ "Idols move into the Idol Mansion". Retrieved 2009-03-30.
  19. ^ "American Idol finalists are church worship leaders" Associated Press via WNCT, February 20, 2009.
  20. ^ "Milwaukee man says he's prepared to give his all to make 'Idol' finals" by Tim Cuprisin, Feb. 13, 2009, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  21. ^ "'Idol's grieving Danny Gokey hopes to lighten up" Jill Serjeant, Feb 19, 2009, Reuters.
  22. ^ Simon Cowell&Randy Jackson (2009-02-27). "Semi-finals 2 Wednesday". American Idol. Season 8. Fox Broadcasting Company. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |city= ignored (|location= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ http://www.laprensagrafica.com/index.php/fama/espectaculos/20202.html/
  24. ^ http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-32/123459063858410.xml&coll=7
  25. ^ a b Los Angeles Times. "The Contenders: Meet Matt Giraud". Retrieved 2009-03-14.
  26. ^ http://fulleres.wcpss.net/prinpage.htm
  27. ^ http://movies.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/19anoop-desai-in-american-idol-top-10.htm
  28. ^ Anoop Before Idol
  29. ^ The UNC Clef Hangers News
  30. ^ UNC Clef Hangers Album Details
  31. ^ a b http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/anoop_desai
  32. ^ http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/lil_rounds_makes_us_feel_great.html
  33. ^ http://blogs.augusta.com/node/2384
  34. ^ http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/03/71473/
  35. ^ Cordova, Randy (March 3, 2009). "Tempe woman shares unusual part of 'Idol' singer's success". The Arizona Republic.
  36. ^ Concros, Erin (April 24, 2005). "At 19, nearly sightless pianist is used to breaking musical barriers". East Valley Tribune.
  37. ^ "Homeschooler Among Top Contestants on TV Show". Home School Legal Defense Association. March 3, 2009.
  38. ^ "SCOTT MACINTYRE, a 2004 AYAC Winner and an American Idol Finalist!". Herberger Theater Center. March 8, 2009.
  39. ^ "2005 College Academic All-Stars First Team". USA Today. February 16, 2005.
  40. ^ http://www.accesshollywood.com/dish-of-salt-inside-idol-with-kara-dioguardi_video_1081481
  41. ^ Brian Mansfield (March 9, 2009). "Megan Joy dumps the Corkrey". USA Today. (Idol Chatter blog)
  42. ^ Marjorie Szaroleta. "Michael Sarver isn't ready to go back to oil rig". Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-03-28.
  43. ^ http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9983879&nav=menu66_2_8
  44. ^ http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/american-idol-8-to-premiere-ja-24278.aspx
  45. ^ http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/03/jorge_nunez.html
  46. ^ http://www.americanidol.com
  47. ^ Apel, Therese (2009-03-06). "MSA student in 'Idol' Top 36". The Daily Leader.
  48. ^ Watkins, Billy (2009-02-24). "A star in the making? 3 Miss. cities happily lay claim to 'Idol' contestant Murray". Clarion Ledger. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
  49. ^ Format, special guests set for next week
  50. ^ Borzillo-Vrenna, Carrie (March 11, 2009). "American Idol: What You Didn't See". E!. Retrieved March 12, 2009.
  51. ^ Vary, Adam B. (March 18, 2009). "American Idol: On the scene at the Top 11 performance night—special appearance by Carrie Underwood!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
  52. ^ Pastorek, Whitney (March 26, 2009). "American Idol: On the scene for Top 10 performance night". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 26, 2009.
  53. ^ http://weblogs.newsday.com/entertainment/music/idol/blog/2009/04/david_archuleta_grins_his_way.html
  54. ^ Elber, Lynn (February 12, 2009). "Joanna Pacitti Disqualified From "American Idol"". The Huffington Post.
  55. ^ Montgomery, James (March 11, 2009). "Will 'Idol' Phone Snafu Sink Alexis Grace?". Retrieved 2009-03-15.
  56. ^ Mousavinezhad, Jamshid (March 10, 2009). "American Idol can't use 'nasty' 1-866-IDOLS-13 number". Newsday.
  57. ^ a b c d Wyatt, Edward (Mrch 25, 2009). "'Idol' Group Numbers: Not So Live After All". The New York Times. p. C1. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ^ Kaufman, Gil (March 26, 2009). "'American Idol' Producers Admit Group Sing-Alongs Are Lip-Synched". MTV.
  59. ^ American Idol winner is crowned
  60. ^ Kris Allen: How can you not love the new American Idol?
  61. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/media/27idol.html?ref=media
  62. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/arts/television/25idol.html?_r=1&ref=television
  63. ^ http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story/Conway-reacts-to-Kris-win/sv8BNSsGY0G8GRZWSr0fRw.cspx
  64. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/business/media/28idol.html?ref=business
  65. ^ http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/05/american-idol-a.html
  66. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/27/ent.american.idol.voting/index.html

See also

External links

Preceded by American Idol
Season 8 (2009) 		Succeeded by
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