(CNN) -- "American Idol" viewers had a clear choice when it came down to the final decision: the low-key but sincere Kris Allen or the flamboyant and powerful Adam Lambert.



"American Idol" winner Kris Allen, left, and runner-up Adam Lambert say they're good friends.



The vote went for Allen, and Lambert told Ryan Seacrest on CNN's "Larry King Live" that the outcome didn't surprise him.



There are no hard feelings, though. Allen, Lambert, Danny Gokey and the other seven finalists spoke of their friendship and camaraderie on "Larry King Live." Here is an edited transcript of the interview.



Ryan Seacrest: I think the first thing you said [after being announced as the winner] was "Adam's great." Actually on the air, you were complimenting him at the moment you should be complimenting yourself.



Kris Allen: I think that's kind of how I am. Seriously, we're really good friends and he's amazing. He's been probably the most consistent performer this year, and just overall probably one of the best performers that's ever been on the "Idol" stage.  Watch Kris Allen heap praise on Adam Lambert »



Seacrest: So aside from getting more votes, why do you think you won?



Allen: I don't know. I think it was a combination of a lot of stuff. It was maybe, probably, a little bit of personality, a little bit of -- hopefully it was about the music, as well. I know that's not always the case on "American Idol." That's what I care about the most: the music and how I portray it.



Seacrest: It's no secret that you're a man of faith, that you referred to the "Christian thing," as it were. You didn't rely on the Christian vote. Do you think that played a part in your win, though?



Allen: I hope it didn't. Because I guess me and Adam were doing an interview before the show: "Kris, do you think you're going to get the Christian vote now that Danny's gone?" And that was rough, that was kind of upsetting, because the show's not about religion. We're not running for president. We are there to do music and there to sing, and hopefully people vote on that.



Seacrest: I've seen the show 300-plus episodes, and I know that you have to develop some sort of strategy. So what was yours?



Allen: I think my strategy throughout the whole thing was, 'don't steer away from what you know how to do.' And that's just go out there and be yourself. I went out there and I played my type of music. And I really wanted to change stuff up a little bit and be kind of bold in my music choices, and just do what I believed in.



Seacrest: You guys have been through it. The question everyone wants an answer to, finally I get to ask you. What kind of guy-liner do you wear?



Adam Lambert: I don't know, whatever the make-up artist puts on me, you know.



Seacrest: In that beat before I [announced the winner], what were you thinking?



Lambert: I kind of figured, OK, it's anyone's game at this point. I knew it was going to be a close race. And actually in my head, believe it or not, I went, that's so Kris, it's so going to be Kris. I felt it.



Seacrest: You're human, so you had to be let down a little bit.



Lambert: You know what? I honestly mentally prepared myself for any possibility. And we kind of kept telling each other, you know, it's such an honor to be here. We had so much fun last night. And tonight we got to sing with Queen. The point is not a title.
Which of the two men won? Who is Kris Allen? Who is the finalist? Who is considered the best performer on the show? Who said he had a feeling about the winner? What does Allen hope he is supported for?
Kris Allen, "American Idol" winner Allen, Lambert, Danny Gokey and the other seven Kris Allen, Lambert We are there to do music and there to sing, and hopefully people vote on that.
question: Which of the two men won?, answer: Kris Allen, | question: Who is Kris Allen?, answer: "American Idol" winner | question: Who is the finalist?, answer: Allen, Lambert, Danny Gokey and the other seven | question: Who is considered the best performer on the show?, answer: Kris Allen, | question: Who said he had a feeling about the winner?, answer: Lambert | question: What does Allen hope he is supported for?, answer: We are there to do music and there to sing, and hopefully people vote on that.