Kris Allen Crowned ' American Idol 2009 ' Pictures

Student Kris Allen has been named the surprise winner of the eighth season of American Idol.

The 23-year-old from Arkansas beat favourite Adam Lambert, 27, to the title in Wednesday's finale.

"I'm sorry, I don't even know what to feel right now. This is crazy," he said after hearing he had won.

Host Ryan Seacrest said nearly 100 million votes had been cast during the show, which featured Keith Urban and Lionel Richie as guest stars.

Allen, who won over audiences with his all-American good looks and by putting a personal spin on popular tunes, appeared shocked as musical theatre actor Lambert embraced him after the announcement.

Kris Allen Crowned ' American Idol 2009 ' Pictures

Celebrities at American Idol 2009


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