To my surprise, Kris Allen was voted as American Idol’s Season 8 Winner, defeating Adam Lambert who was seemingly the clear favourite.  Even Katy Perry, who ravaged the stage during a cameo appearance in last week’s episode, displayed support for Adam Lambert wearing a cape with his name sewed on the back.  Simon Cowell was puzzled by the final outcome but his consistent endorsement of the flamboyant star throughout the season will undoubtedly be reflected in a broader exploitation of his talent, taking Adam Lambert’s career to new heights – but hopefully restraining him from singing any higher.  I expected 16 year old Alison Iraheta, who made it to the top four, to receive greater backing from the voting public.  In fact, I had hoped that she would ultimately go head to head with Adam Lambert.  However, such is the nature of American Idol, and the general public, to play it safe: Kris Allen is cute and personable.  Alison Iraheta is arguably neither and Adam Lambert, I think, makes a lot of Americans uncomfortable.  Who’s the best singer?  That’s secondary.