Adam Lambert, The "Almost Idol"

(CBS)  Being number two is still sweet for Adam Lambert, who was voted the runner-up on this year's installment of "American Idol."

Lambert talked about his surprising finish on the show that left even Simon Cowell -- who predicted he would win -- stunned.

"...It was down to two people," Lambert told Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez. "It was going to be a close race. ...It just worked out that way."

Lambert said Kris Allen, who won the competition, earned the top honor.

"Kris is a very talented guy and very deserving of the title," he said.

Rodriguez asked Lambert if he had a theory on why he didn't win. Lambert said he didn't know, but when Rodriguez asked if he thought about changing to becoming more mainstream to perhaps reach more people he may have not struck a chord with, he said he didn't plan to change.

"I like to stick to my guns," he said.

Lambert said one of the best experiences on "Idol" was performing with the rock band Kiss.

"I had so much fun. They were really cool guys," he said. "The minute they came down in their full makeup, it was on. I was like, 'Alright, let's party!" '

Lambert hopes the party will continue with a new album he said will be "a little bit of everything": glam, rock, pop, electro, and funk.

Lambert said he will also tkae part in this summer's "American Idol" tour.

[abcnx]

I agree. I am not ever watching American Idol again. The voting system is so bogus.
I hope that something is done about this and maybe just maybe I will watch AI again one day. And as a AT&T user I am switching over to Verizon.

I don't understand how Fox and AT&T can conspire against Adam with so much hatred.

God Bless America.

[4truth]

The 2 "Idols" have been taking the high road with respect to the voting scandal. I'm sure Fox is telling them to make no big deal out of it. Adam and Kris both gracious, sweet, guys. Adam's my fav and I voted 200 times on land line phone for 2 hours. I might as well have not voted at all. The "voting" system is bogus. One vote per person is the only true measure of who is the most popular contestant - and until Fox cleans this up I'm done with this show. It's unethical.

[nighttender]

The penny just dropped.
I have read two things: STADIUMS full of people were the "parties" AT&T talk about.
They got phones at these parties to text ten messages at a time, in Arkansas.
Fox TV stands by the vote count.
I was calling for Adam til the fourth hour and the lines were busy to the very end.
Maybe we need to remember that Idol is on FOX.
Maybe Idol should consider moving to CBS, a station that does not hate gays ?????

[dseu]

Just like the previous posters said, alot of the votes for Kris were only casted to keep Adam from winning for whatever the reason may be, which is so sad. It seems hate is more powerful than love.



Plus AT&T rigged the votes for Kris. Such a sad world we live in where we can't even have a true victory.

I really truely hope that something is done about this so not only can Adam have justice but the rest of the world too, because we are not stupid we all know who the real American Idol is.

[dorogeevar]

I still can't get over the fact that Adam was the runner-up in Amercian Idol. Considering how America votes for their leaders, I really shouldn't be. Adam Lambert is the most talented performer I have seen in decades. Not only does he possess an incredible amount of talent and the most amazing vocals I probably have ever heard, he has charisma, drop-dead gorgeous looks that will make just about every girl and woman fall in love with him (never mind about gender preference - hot is hot!), and is the most electrifying performer since Elvis. Adam really didn't need to win Idol to further his career - he is going to be one incredible, stellar superstar; but America got it all wrong, and the shame lies in that. Adam - you are going very far- YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!!

[lulymarie]

Adam should have most definately won!
But it doesn't take away from the magic that is Adam Lambert. Not in decades have we seen talent of this caliber. He has the beauty charisma and sex appeal (lol) of Elvis. The vocal ability of Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant and Axl Rose. The showmanship of Prince, Michael Jackson and KISS plus David Bowie's flair for fashion and drama. We are lucky enough to witness the biggest star yet.

[AnnMarion]

For Adam coming in second to Allen may be the luckiest thing that has ever happened to him. Adam does not need the American Idol winner identity pinned to his shirt sleeve to move out and move up into the stratosphere of the recording industry. Perhaps that moniker would have always been a needless footnote to a name that needs no footnotes to proclaim itself. Just say "ADAM" Does anybody in the music industry (or out) not know who that is now? Thank you Adam for the wonderful performances I enjoyed every week on TV. You are now and in the future a part of my life and I wish you continued success as I am sure will be you for many years to come. AnnMarion in NH

[California-belief]

*American Idol is a reality show. ADAM LAMBERT *smartly used it as it should be! A STEPPING STONE to further his Already expanding career! ALLEN-student and talented boy next door NEEDS IDOL to make him a star. ADAM LAMBERT IS ALREADY A STAR! Who really go the better deal? Seems to me Adams a pretty smart cookie.

[tij12345]

Adam said he doesn't mind being number 2. But his fans do!!! Adam's fans did not power vote, did not purchase new phones, did not get free phones, did not get personal training from AT&T staff, did not recruit Filipino voters from the Philippines to put in Black Market votes and did not recruit haters for his competitors. Adam will be able to sleep well every night knowing that his votes are for him and him only and it was not a result of spite against another contestant, not a result of cheating, but downright love votes for Adam because he deserved to win.

Kris on the other hand, unless he does not have conscience will always wonder for the rest of his life if his votes were a result of cheating or to spite another contestant because the hater voters did not want Adam to win the title because he is gay, pimped or whatever other reason.

America did not vote for Kris to win American Idol. America voted to keep Adam from winning American Idol. And that's the truth!!

[Jackieb717]

We all know Adam really won American Idol. AT&T must think we are stupid. When there is only 2 million plus people in Ark, how did 38, Millions calls come from that state. I really think there was cheating going on and something should be done about it. If I was Kris Allen, I would really be upset and I would move out of Arkansas.

Thank you,
Jackie