"American Idol" champ Kris Allen is DEAD WRONG ... the show has life in it yet ... at least according to Season 5 champ Taylor Hicks -- and his own shining success is proof.

As we reported, Kris Allen thinks it's about time "Idol" producers pulled the plug on the operation -- after this season's finale put up the lowest ratings in the show's history.

But Taylor tells TMZ, "American Idol is a juggernaut ... Because of my American Idol win, I am able to do the thing that I love most, which is to be an entertainer."

Taylor adds, "The fact that I am headlining Vegas 6 years after auditioning there and then ultimately winning AI is testament to the incredible platform the show continues to provide for me."

Taylor won "Idol" in 2006 and was signed to Arista Records. Arista dropped Taylor in 2008.

Stick a fork in "American Idol" ... it's done -- at least according to former champ Kris Allen, who strongly insinuated the show has run its course.

Kris -- who beat out Adam Lambert to win Season 8 -- was in LA yesterday when we asked if he caught the "Idol" finale Wednesday night. But like millions of former "Idol" fans across the country, Kris said he did NOT.

In fact, Kris said it might be time to pull the plug on "Idol" ... for good.

But it could be a case of "Bitter, party of one." Kris' latest album is only projected to sell a measly 15-20k in its first week ... and there are rumblings that he will be dropped from his record label.

So we gotta ask ... 

"American Idol" winner Kris Allen doesn't have to worry about anyone judging his body too harshly.



The married 24-year-old showed off his buff and mostly smooth torso while on vacation in the Bahamas this weekend.

This is how an Idol gives back.

Kris Allen didn't just open for Lady Antebellum last night at the Wiltern in L.A. ... he also opened his fly for the entire audience.


After getting through his first set without any hardware malfunctions, the "American Idol" champ returned to the stage at the end of the show to perform "Hey Jude" -- with his zipper down.

Check out his reaction when someone in the audience tells him to XYZ -- priceless.

That "angel pink mesh" thong on Kris Allen's wedding registry -- consider it a surprise from his wifey, because he had no idea it was even on there.

The "American Idol" winner talked about the saucy unmentionables on 104.3 MYfm today -- but the best part... his politically correct, but completely insincere answer about Kara DioGuardi's heinous finale song.

Just listen "between the lines."

Sources at "American Idol" tell us the margin between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert "wasn't even close" -- and the biggest factor in Allen's win was Danny Gokey.

Here's what we know. The "lion's share" of Gokey's votes went to Kris Allen. The extent of the lopsidedness surprised a lot of the big wigs at "A.I." We were not told the exact votes but our sources say the AT&T scandal had no impact on the outcome -- the spread was that wide.

Major controversy has erupted over the results of this year's "American Idol." AT&T has just admitted to giving Kris Allen fans in Arkansas -- his home state -- an unfair voting advantage ... but the company doesn't think it mattered enough to affect the final outcome.



Here's the statement released by AT&T: "In Arkansas a few local AT&T employees were invited to attend two local watch parties organized by the community ... they brought a small number of demo phones with them and provided texting tutorials to those who were interested. That said, it's quite a leap to suggest that a few individuals could have impacted the final results."

The brass at "American Idol" don't think it's a big deal either, by saying "Kris Allen is, without a doubt, the American Idol... In no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition."

Tell that to Adam Lambert.

In the shocking finale last night, Kris Allen beat out Adam Glambert for "American Idol" -- and according to Randy Jackson, "America gets it right every time, dawg."


Just ask Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino and Ruben Studdard ... who were all eventually dropped from their labels.

Here's adorably boring "American Idol" winner Kris Allen (left) -- and "Six Feet Under" and "Ugly Betty" star Freddy Rodriguez (right).



Chances are, one of them will eventually be dropped by a record label.

We're just sayin'.

In 2003 Ruben Studdard was crowned "American Idol" -- but six years later the Velvet Teddybear says the show that made millions off him and many other wannabeens wouldn't even fork over a few bones for his flight to the finale!


Sure gives Kris Allen and Adam Lambert a lot to look forward to.

"American Idol" wannabe Kris Allen took time out of practicing his karaoke -- and being adorable -- to spend the afternoon with his wife Katy in L.A.



Much to the chagrin of his teen girl and gay fans, the 23-year-old has been married for just over seven months.

Tonight on "Idol," the devout Christian will perform rock songs against Glambert, the chick and that other guy.