... November 24!

Sorry for the tease. We just couldn't help ourselves.

But Adam Lambert's debut album will hit stores exactly one week after that of friend and rival Kris Allen. Responding to the success of his DonorsChoose.org campaign, Lambert Tweeted today:

"Over 86K raised by http://www.donorschoose.org... ! Thank you guys so much! keep it coming! fyi my album drops Nov 24th!"

We speak for fans everywhere, Adam, when we say: FYI, we can't wait!

Meanwhile, Danny Gokey, who finished fourth on season eight of American Idol, has landed a deal with 19 Recordings/RCA Nashville.

Said Sony Music Nashville chairman Joe Galante: "We absolutely love Danny. We haven't had anybody like that (in country) since Ronnie Milsap or T. Graham Brown."

Will you purchase Gokey's first album? Or are you too focused on Lambert's to even concentrate? November 24, people!!!

This gives the aspiring singer a unique perspective into the country's top-rated show, one he used to either exploit for personal gain this week; or speak the truth about how the competition is rigged by producers.

In an online chat with fellow semifinalists such as Felicia Barton and Kendall Beard, Joyner went off on the series.

He declared "it's a fixed thing if I ever saw one," and made the following accusations:

• American Idol producers labeled him a "troublemaker" because he questioned the show's contract (which he referred to as a "slavetract");
• He was cut from the show due to his concerns over this contract;
• The show makes contestants use the same lawyer;
• Producers had it out for him after he refused to let them highlight his background on air: "They wanted me to put that out to the world and expose my personal business for ratings. I wouldn't do it," he said.

Most damning of all, Joyner says the results of American Idol are fixed. He said that Kris Allen is a talented musician, but:

"The producers know who they want and they slant it to reflect that. They fix it in a way that makes you surprised but it's still manipulated. Think about it...ADAM, ADAM, ADAM, then...Kris....SURPRISE SMITHCHES!!!!"

In conclusion, Joyner scoffs at the notion that Idol is a regular talent show, writing in the chat:

"It's a reality show with writers!! We're all actors. All these shows have writers that guide the public opinion. The Hills, Real World. All of them. Do you think a billion-dollar enterprise is subject to the whim of the public?"

The Hollywood Gossip take: Joyner's comments, while seemingly inflammatory and newsworthy, are really not that groundbreaking to anyone that watches American Idol.

It's clear the judges make comments based on which performer they want to see move on, often at the expense of one individual's singing ability for another's marketing potential. It's also obvious the show focuses on interesting backstories, as the constant mentioning of Danny Gokey's wife's tragic passing proved this season.

But so what? This is a TV show. It needs viewers and ratings.

At the end of the day, Allison Iraheta, Allen and Adam Lambert were the three best singers in the competition. Almost every season, there's little to complain about at the end.

Until Joyner can provide some sort of proof that the show is truly rigged, we're chalking his comments up to bitterness over his placement. What do you think?

Just a few days after he and his fellow American Idol tour mates overcame a church-sponsored protest of their concert in San Jose, Adam Lambert led season eight's top 10 artists into L.A.'s Staples Center.

Lambert was often joined in front of the crowd by winner Kris Allen, as well as Danny Gokey, Allison Iraheta and other favorites. His set of songs included:

“Whole Lotta Love, “Starlight," “Mad World,” “Slow Ride” and a medley of David Bowie singles. Below, Lambert and Allen take center stage on the tour stop:

Will you purchase the debut albums of Lambert and Allen? Each will hit stores this fall.

As you ponder those additions to your iPod, click on the following photos of these rising stars in Los Angeles:

[Photos: Getty Images]

Kris Allen completed an incredible journey this week by being named the eighth-ever winner of the most popular show on television.

Overlooked when the competition began - at the outset, Simon Cowell even suggested that Allen should keep his marriage a secret because he would only advance based on his looks - Allen shed his underdog label and overcame Adam Lambert in a tightly-contested finale.

What was Allen's reaction upon winning? He said: "Adam deserves this. I'm sorry." Class act (and we agree!).

Will Kris follow in the successful footsteps of past victors such as Carrie Underwood? Or the anonymous footsteps of champs such as Reuben Studdard?

Only time will tell. For now, let's just wish a hearty congratulations to one of the most unexpected winners in show history!

Did Kris Allen deserve to be named the American Idol winner? Answer the poll and then leave a comment. Let us know!

Take a look back at Allen's American Idol journey. Click on the following photos to enlarge images of the champion:

Our apologies to Alison Iraheta supporters.

While your favorites came close, only two finalists remain, as American Idol heads into its final week: Adam Lambert and Kris Allen.

One is a theatrical, flamboyant crooner; the other is a serene, acoustic guitar specialist. Which will come out on top? You tell us!

Who will win American Idol?

But Danny Gokey isn't too sad over his name being left off that list, following the finalist's elimination last week.

"My whole testimony is overcoming," Gokey told reporters over the weekend. "Overcoming the impossible in my life, and now I want to take that message and tell people, 'If I can do it, you can do it.'"

Specifically, Danny is referring to the sad fact that his wife died just a few weeks before his initial American Idol tryout.

American Idol title or not, Danny Gokey keeps a smile on his face.

During this summer's tour with his fellow top 10 finalists on the show, Gokey plans to take his inspiring message on the road. He'll also continue charity work for Sophia's Heart Foundation, an organization named in honor of his wife.

"I was a nobody, and this show turned me into somebody and I'll always be thankful for the roots that I came out of because I do believe that still the best has yet to come for me," Gokey said. "This is not the end of the road."