It has barely been a week since Arkansas native Kris Allen was crowned 2009’s American Idol, and controversy already ensues. There’s a theory that AT&T, one of the biggest corporate sponsors of American Idol, rigged the outcome of this year’s competition by providing phones for free text messaging services, and lessons in casting blocks of votes at parties organized by fans of Allen.

According to an article published by The Los Angeles Times, American Idol Representatives of AT&T, whose mobile phone network is the only one that can be used to cast Idol votes, via text message, provided the free text-messaging services at two parties in Arkansas after the final performance episode last week (according to the company and people at the events).

There appears to have been no similar efforts to provide free texting services to supporters of runner-up Adam Lambert. Subsequently, frustrated supporters have flooded online chat boards with messages claiming irregularities in the competition’s voting, and have circulated petitions in support of their preferred idol, not to force Allen out of the title, but to urge Fox to “be honest” about the situation.

This is way too much drama for one TV show, especially since it’s not happening in the show, but around it. I don’t think Fox is to blame however, I do suspect Kanye West. That’s right, karma’s a b–ch, and Kanye has taken his revenge on America for laughing at him on South Park. Remember the “Gay Fish Sticks” episode? We all thought Mr. West took it in stride but guess who’s got the last laugh? He’s probably sitting in a diamond encrusted tower somewhere in space looking down on us Earthlings, twiddling his thumbs laughing hysterically and maniacally plotting his next attempt at world domination. Idol was only the beginning. You didn’t think it was a coincidence that Allen remade “Heartless,” did you?

OK, you’re right. I made up that whole scenario but you have to admit, it was a good one. I don’t think voting for Idol is 100% fair in the sense that some people in certain areas probably have a better chance at getting their choices through than others, but I’m not mad that Allen won. It isn’t cool that AT&T allegedly didn’t provide equal opportunity in Lambert’s hometown, but it’s not that serious. At least Kris Allen is justifyably talented.

Kris Allen is officially the eighth American Idol, and seemed shocked that it wasn’t his opponent, Adam Lambert. I think it was Allen’s rendition of Kanye West’s “Heartless” that got America because it was an unusual song choice for him but he performed it the way it initially should have been sung, and showed his talent (and marketability) in a new light. Speaking of unusual, before winners were announced, viewers were treated (or not) to musical mash-ups between Idol castoffs and musical icons. Allison Iraheta performed with Cyndi Lauper (and sounded really good), Danny Gokey and Lionel Richie performed a Richie medley (it was OK), and my favorite was Queen Latifah and Lil Rounds singing “Cue the Rain.” There were times when they seemed a little out of sync, but it was good overall. Both women looked really good too, especially Brick House Latifah. See for yourself:

Though I like him, I didn’t expect to see Kris Allen in the final two of American Idol.

I assumed Pink 2.0 or the Michael McDonald remix would be battling the second coming of glam rock Adam Lambert in the finale.

But I underestimated the power of the J-14 crew who no doubt helped propel Kris all the way to the finals.

Both he and Adam were pitted against each other in three rounds of performances last night.

Adam kicked off the show with a performance that was very much him: energetic and captivating. Yet for once he almost seemed a bit restrained (for him anyway), which gave us the opportunity to pay closer attention to his voice than his theatrics (minus his costume coat).

The always-restrained Kris gave a good effort in the first round as well, but in the second round he seemed to be a bit too blasé during his rendition of “What’s Going On?”

If we were all sitting around a camp fire with the Full House gang, perhaps I would’ve enjoyed it more.

Paula Abdul and think-a-like judge Kara DioGuardi loved it, however. I’ll call them DJ and Stephanie from this day forward.

Adam continued to make me feel like the ’80s will never die in his last performance of the night. He can certainly sing and is quite the performer, but as Randy Jackson once put it, he’s a bit too theatrical for me.

On the other hand, Simon was right in pointing out that Adam is one of the most original contestants in AI history. He possesses a certain oomph that previous contestants took years to develop.

Judging from the thunderous applause from the audience at the end, many seem to see it. Still, Kris has his fans, too, so your guess is as good as mine as to who will win tonight.

Who do you think will be crowned the next American Idol?

In last night’s episode of Americal Idol, “the three amigos” vocally sparred, singing two songs each. In seasons past, the top three were allowed nine individual performances but where the music was scarce last night, the judges picked up the slack with excess banter. By the way, if I hear one more “dawg” from Randy Jackson, my head is going to explode, but I digress.

Danny Gokey performed “Dance Little Sister” and “You Are So Beautiful,” Adam Lambert performed U2’s “One” and “Cryin,” and lastly, Kris Allen sang “I Apologize” and “Heartless.” Yes, “Heartless” a la Kanye West. It sounds like an odd cover when you think of Kanye’s non-singing Auto-Tune version but Allen’s version was the highlight of my night. He added a rock spin and used his natural voice. He strummed the heck (for lack of a better word) out of his guitar and sang the song the way it should have been sung. Sorry Kanye, but you should have just played the writer/producer role with this one and passed it to someone else from the start.

Allen got love from all of the judges and for the first time this season, I paid attention to someone other than Lil Rounds. Tonight, we find out who will be in the final two. My money is on Kris Allen and Adam Lambert.

What do you think?