Winner
Kris Allen
Runner-Up
Adam Lambert
Episodes
39
Year
2009
Judges
Simon CowellPaula AbdulRandy JacksonKara DioGuardi
Season Highlight
Kris Allen's upset win over fan-favorite Adam Lambert shocked viewers.
About Season 8
American Idol Season 8 aired on Fox in 2009. This was part of the show's original run, which established American Idol as the highest-rated show on American television for multiple consecutive seasons. Kris Allen took home the title, beating out Adam Lambert in the finale. The season featured 39 episodes and was judged by Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi.