The winner of American Idol 2009 is ... KRIS ALLEN.  Surprised?  I pretty much called it.  Sorry for the late post.

As Kris' mouth dropped open for about the fifteenth time this season, Adam pulled him into a bear hug - I think he was genuinely happy for Kris. Adam doesn't need a confetti shower - Simon is right, The future's his, regardless of the vote.

Vocally Adam can go places no man has gone before, but Kris, you touched a helluva lot of people by being genuine, honest, sweet, and talented. You don't have to beat people over the head to make them recognize that.

Ryan presented him with the first ever AI Winner's Trophy - a heavy, hokey silver microphone, then as Adam hugged Kris again - they both laughed, and I have a feeling what Adam whispered to Kris was along the lines of, "Ha, ha dude. YOU have to sing that hot mess of a song again."

So, the nice guy finished FIRST. And, a nice guy finished second and third, too.

It will be interesting to see how their careers play out. This group has a wealth of talent and their futures are bright indeed.

And so that wraps up another season of American Idol. Next: Big Brother!!!  I now return you to your regularly scheduled lives - and as Norman Gentle put it - Peace Out.