American Idol (season 8) American Idol (season 8) The eighth season of "American Idol" premiered on January 13, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2009. Judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson continued to judge the show's contestants, along with Ryan Seacrest as host. The season introduced Kara DioGuardi as the fourth judge on the "Idol" panel. It was also Abdul's final season as a judge. Kris Allen, a native of Conway, Arkansas, was announced the winner of the competition on May 20, 2009, defeating runner-up Adam Lambert after nearly 100 million votes. This was the second season where both of the final
American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits is a compilation album that includes hits from several "American Idol" winners and former contestants, celebrating the tenth anniversary of the show. Clay Aiken, Daughtry, and Adam Lambert are the only artists included on the album who have not won the title. The album was released on March 15, 2011 via 19 Recordings and RCA Records. It debuted at number 136 on the "Billboard" 200, selling approximately 4,000 copies in its first week. The album spotlights some of "Idol"'s most successful contestants and multiple "Billboard" chart-topping