i loved susans singing,and her songs!!!she blew me away. omg-what a treat,i love all kinds of music ,and found hers so soothing , how can anyone not love it!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes Adam is just like Susan Boyle, but not because they're the real winners, but because they're over-hyped and over-rated.

As to "Adam obviously had greater artistic chops than Kris Allen", I say that's BS!! Are you f**king kidding me? You call his theatrical screaming "artistic chops"?? Don't make me laugh!! The real contestant who showed real artistic chops throughout the whole competition is Kris Allen, who made each song unique and current by changing it up with his own arrangements. He can write music and play several instruemnts. He's also the only contestant who actually picked contemporary songs like "falling slowly" or "heartless" instead of some cheesy oldies that nobody would want to hear on the radio now. Whoever wrote this stupid article obviously had the music taste of a 60 year old. You are sounding like a sore loser who can't get over yourself and can't deal with the fact that people just perfer Kris's music over some screechy drag queen who likes to use his sexuality to get attention and exposure. Get a clue!

"In Lambert's case, he obviously had greater artistic chops than Kris Allen." Really, Tom O'Neil? Really? Well, Tom, this Tom thinks the opposite. I like Adam, but I can't understand all of these simpletons who think a bigger voice equals greater artistry. Honestly, I prefer a multi-instrumentalist over a multi-octave voice. Mariah Carey can sing circles around most people with her dog-whistle trills, but does that automatically mean she's a greater artist than say Sheryl Crow, who has a less acrobatic voice but who is an amazing songwriter and instrumentalist? Of course not, so why is everyone so determined to push this idiotic meme? Sheryl Crow's voice can express more in a verse than Mariah Carey gets across in a whole CD. Kris Allen's voice is similar. American Idol is about the whole package. Kris Allen's artistry is more subtle than Adam Lambert's, but to say his chops are lesser because he can't catapult across octaves is simply ridiculous. He plays a number of instruments, writes some pretty great music (check out YouTube), has a quiet but magnetic stage presence and a great, expressive voice. What Kris Allen did with Heartless on-stage with only his guitar surpassed any of Adam's elaborate stage-directed extravaganzas. And again, I really like Adam, but Kris connected on a subtler and deeper artistic level. You need to expand your concept of artistry, O'Neil.

This article is way off base to me. First of all, I don't know how you can assume Boyle's career will be alive and kicking in five years. Second, in what world is "frumpiness" as much of a possible turn-off to voters as Adam's lifestyle was to conservatives? And despite that, I think it's clear Adam lost simply because potential fans who could have brought him to victory aren't likely to watch Idol, in which balladeers are usually more favored than rockers. Honestly, it probably is that simple.

Meanwhile Susan had much more hype and perhaps less satisfying performances and that probably caused her loss. I was rooting for Adam and I'm totally fine with him taking second place. Susan Boyle on the other hand was much more overrated, period.

Kris Allen and Adam Lambert were my two favorites this year on American Idol, but when it came down to the finale, I honestly did choose Kris Allen for the win due to musical reasons. Kris has to be the most underappreciated winner and he really does deserve to be respected for his music. Kris has that extra something in that he can stay true to himself and make it his own, like a legend just starting out in the beginning of his career. I liked the final musical product that Kris has to offer better in the end. Adam has my analytical admiration, but Kris snuck in and stole my heart musically. I have to disagree with Adam being clearly superior and find the word cleary to be an unnecessary word because if it was clear, then it would not need to be said. Both Kris and Adam have something musically special, but to overlook the beauty of Kris because of bitterness over a reality show title, this is everyone's loss. Kris and Adam are fans of each other and the music world is big enough for both of them.

"In Lambert's case, he obviously had greater artistic chops than Kris Allen"

Ugh, FAIL. Lambert lost because he grew stale over the course of the competition, while Kris was on an upward trajectory.

I can understand an argument about how Adam might be the stronger vocalist, but Kris has shown a bigger knack for innovation.

Adam Lambert "obviously has greater artisitic chops than Kris Allen." Really?

The arrogance and perceived superiority of Lambert supporters is unbelievable.

And this column is a perfect example.

Adam will be free of A I contract and can get on with his awesome career. I thought he was the best singer but am glad he came in second so he is not tied down with contract for one year. HE ROCKS big time. He is beautiful inside and out for sure.

I agree that Adam Lambert was the best singer and SHOULD HAVE won by a landslide. However, to say that it would NEVER happen in England is ever so funny given the Susan Boyle finale.

People should be ashamed of themselves if they are homophobic...who would Jesus hate?

all i can say is:

ADAM MITCHELL LAMBERT IS THE BEST PERSON TO HAVE GRACED THE IDOL STAGE AND WILL BE A WORLD ICON. EVERYONE LOVES HIM, OR SHOULD LOVE HIM. HIS VOICE IS RIDICULOUSLY GREAT AND HE HAS A FUN AND LOVING PERSONALITY. HIS STYLE IS SO UNIQUE AND OUT THERE, IT JUST BLOWS EVERONE AWAY, WITH HIS BLACK NAIL POLISH AND GUYLINER, PLUS THE BLACK, BLUE AND GREEN HAIR!!!
ADAM IS THE REAL STAR AND THE ONLY REASON WHY HE LOST WAS OF THE DANNY FANS SO RIGIDLY VOTNG AGAINST HIM.

GO ADAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <333 XD

Stephie,

If you think Adam's personality was manufactured and his look contrived, I suggest you go to YouTube and look at the many videos of his work over the last few years in various places in LA - the Zodiac Theater, Upright Cabaret, etc. He didn't change for Idol. He was probably the only contestant who knew who he was from day 1, and never changed. And his voice - isn't this a singing competition? I've seen Kris performing live at various venues since Idol ended, and he's just not as good. I realize that everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to music, but if you're talking pure singing ability and talent, Adam wins hands down. There was never much competition. Maybe Danny at the beginning, but his voice got worn out as the season progressed. That's probably why Kris went ahead at the end. And remember, your gay neighbors don't have to like Adam just because he's gay.... that was really not relevant.

Russ M. I could have not said it better! I agree with you 100%!

Pam

Diversity were amazing - a joy to watch - Susan has a voice that I don't actually like the tone of - but that's just my personal preference - I think the pressure got to her in the end (as it would anybody in her situation) but she is a great talent and will do well. As for ADAM - listen to him singing "Brigadoon" or "Is anybody listening" from The Ten Commandments justifies the title SUPERSTAR!