Kris Allen, 23 (born June 24, 1985) from Conway, Arkansas – auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. He’s best known for his group performance of “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 during Hollywood week.
1. “Man in the Mirror” (Michael Jackson)

Danny Gokey, 28 (born April 24, 1980) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin – a praise and worship music director who auditioned in Kansas City, Missouri along with best friend Jamar Rogers. Both made it to the Hollywood rounds, but Rogers was eliminated at week’s end. Four weeks before the audition, Gokey’s wife, Sophia, diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, passed away. His wife had motivated him to try out before she died.
1. “Hero” (Mariah Carey)

Alexis Grace, 21 (born June 9, 1987), from Memphis, Tennessee – auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky. Has a young daughter and is engaged to marry the child’s father.
1. “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (Aretha Franklin)

Allison Iraheta, 16 (born April 27, 1992) from Los Angeles, California – auditioned in San Francisco, California. In 2006, she won $50,000 and a recording contract after competing in a Telemundo reality show, Quinceanera.
1. “Alone” (Heart)

Adam Lambert, 27 (born January 29, 1982) from Hollywood, California – auditioned in San Francisco, California. Before auditioning for American Idol, he was in the touring cast of Wicked. His version of “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “Believe” made him a judge favorite.
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (The Rolling Stones)

Michael Sarver, 28 (born February 9, 1981), from Jasper, Texas – an oil rig roughneck worker who auditioned in Phoenix, Arizona. Is married, and has two children.
1. “I Don’t Want to Be” (Gavin DeGraw)