Kris Allen surprised everyone including himself as he took the title of American idol becoming the series’ eighth title winner.

After a historic tally of nearly 100 million votes, the shy 23-year-old singer from Conway, Arkansas, pulled off one of the most surprising wins in the show's nearly decade-long history by taking the crown from the theatrical season-long frontrunner, Adam Lambert.

Despite the flamboyant Lambert appearing to be the favorite, it was never a foregone conclusion he would win the final vote.

Wednesday's outcome echoed last year's contest, which looked like it was going the other way.

American Idol