Called "the dark horse" by Kara DioGuardi, Kris Allen surprised us all as he advanced each week throughout the competition. Though many were shocked that Kris beat out Danny Gokey to enter into the Final Two, he proved himself in the finale after singing his own rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine." Even Simon admitted, "I wasn't sure if America made the right decision, but I take that back now." Kris won't have to be the underdog anymore, having been crowned season eight's American Idol.

—Jacki Garfinkel