Kris Allen was the underdog going into the "American Idol" finale on Wednesday evening. So was it the Christian vote that prevailed in Allen's favor?
The 23-year-old UCA student has been on the worship team at New Life Church for years, but unlike previous winners such as Jordin Sparks and Carrie Underwood who made their faith very well known, Allen consciously refrained from making mention of his virtuous values throughout the competition.
"This is a singing competition, not a church thing," Allen told Fox News earlier this week while Lambert added that the "vote is based on talent and performing, not religion."
Support for Kris most likely surged over the last week when Danny Gokey (who was extremely open about his involvement with the church) was voted off and thus Christians turned their full devotion to Allen.
Allen spent much of the season in the shadow of fellow worship leader Danny Gokey, who many assumed would make it to the finals with Lambert. Gokey's poignant personal story (his wife passed away just four months before he auditioned for the show) and soulful sound helped propel him to the finals.
But Allen proved that his ability to interpret songs and play instruments was a stronger asset than either Gokey's soulful vocals and back story or Lambert's big vocals and theatrical stage persona.
