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  3. American Idol Style

American Idol Style

By Instyle
Updated Feb 27, 2015 @ 11:32 am
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Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

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May 19, 2009: Kris Allen

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

The acoustic rocker made a stylish transition from being the boy next door to a sophisticated gentleman.

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April 28, 2009: Kris Allen

Credit: F Micelotta/Getty Images

The singer performed "The Way You Looked Tonight" by Frank Sinatra."You've made this amazing transition from being the adorable boy next door to the ever-so-handsome, sophisticated gentleman," said Paula Abdul. Allen paired his charcoal J. Lindeberg suit suit, with a blue tie from the same designer. He accessorized his look with a Dolce & Gabbana tiebar.

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April 22, 2009: Kris Allen

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

Allen impressed the judges, strumming a soulful rendition of "She Works Hard for the Money" by Donna Summer. "It was original. It was well thought-out. It was a fantastic performance." said Simon Cowell. Allen wore a Calvin Klein fitted white t-shirt, gray Reiss trousers. He finished his look with Converse sneakers and a Tracy Matthews pendant.

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April 14, 2009: Kris Allen

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

The Arizona native sang "Falling Slowly" from the movie Once. Allen wore an Armani Exchange jacket, Monarchy top, Joe’s Jeans, Converse sneakers and Paula Abdul jewelry.

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April 7th: Kris Allen

Credit: M Becker/Getty Images

Allen chose "All She Wants to do is Dance" from 1985, which Simon Cowell called "a stupid song choice." Paula Abdul offered praise, saying, "You're one of the most likeable contestants" that has appeared on Idol.

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March 31st: Kris Allen

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"The first thing Kris said this week is, 'I want to look older,'" said the shows stylist, Miles Siggins, who steered the singer away from that. "He's just not that kind of guy-he's a basic jeans and T-Shirt kind of guy." Allen, who sported a healthy California glow, Jonh Varvatos for Converse shirt and Joe's jeans, played keyboard while singing Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine." "You are so in the zone-that was one of the best performances of the night. I'm loving you," lauded Randy Jackson. Added Paula Abdul, "That could be a first cut from your album."

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March 25th: Kris Allen

Credit: F Micelotta/American Idol 2009/Getty Images

This week's mentor, Smokey Robinson, said "He blew me away," of Allen's rendition of Marvin Gaye's "How Sweet It Is." The Southerner played the guitar again this week, but dressed up his look a bit more with a military-inspired INC shirt, skinny tie and black HampM slacks. "You did everything right," lauded DioGuardi.

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March 17th: Kris Allen

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"I genuinely think you have a shot a doing really well in this competition," Simon Cowell offered after Allen's soft and soulful rendition of Garth Brook's "To Make You Feel My Love." The singer paired down his look for the sensitive sit-down performance, wearing a simple black shirt and gray trousers (both H&M), PF Flyer sneakers and a Bico Australia necklace.

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March 10th: Kris Allen

Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX

"Seeing you with your guitar, you're engaging and-don't take this wrong-kind of adorable-sexy," commented Paula Abdul after Allen's performance. The budding heartthrob performed Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" in a plaid shirt by Ben Sherman, dark jeans by Citizens of Humanity and classic Converse sneakers. "I thought it was a little casual," said stylist Miles Higgins, "but... that's part of his charm."

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Introducing Kris Allen

Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

The 23-year-old's boyish style earned him props from the judges on February 25th after singing Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." "I think the chicks are gonna love you," said Simon Cowell, the panel's toughest fashion critic.

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May 19, 2009: Adam Lambert

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

From bold suits to black-clad ensembles, this glam rocker always dresses the part.

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April 28, 2009: Adam Lambert

Credit: F Micelotta/Getty Images

"You make me feel better than good." said Paula Abdul of Lambert's performance. The L.A. native sang "Feeling Good" by Sammy Davis Jr. wearing a white D&G suit with a black Zara shirt, a white Howe tie and matching black shoes from Shoes For The Stars.

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April 22, 2009: Adam Lambert

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

With his hair in a pompadour, Lambert performed in a Just Cavalli suit, a white tuxedo Kenneth Cole shirt, a Love And Thorns Ring and Astton shoes. "You are ready right now! You have it majorly going on. He is the hot one tonight America!" said Randy Jackson said of Lambert’s emotional, soft rendition of "If I Can’t Have You" from Saturday Night Fever.

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April 14, 2009: Adam Lambert

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"Adam the reason that you're shaking up this whole competition is that you dare to dance in the path of greatness. Fortune rewards the brave and you're one of the bravest contestants I've ever witnessed." said Paula Abdul. Lambert rocked the audience with his performance of "Born to Be Wild" by Mars Bonfire from Easy Rider. Lambert wore a Monarchy leather jacket over a Diesel shirt, Monarchy Jeans and Jump! shoes.

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April 7th: Adam Lambert

Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Even Simon Cowell stood up in appreciation of Lambert's rendition of "Mad World." The rocker wore all white topped with a gray scarf and jacket.

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March 31st: Adam Lambert

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"Every week I cannot wait to see what you're going to do next," said Kara DioGuardi. Lambert took on Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music," wearing a shirt with a bow at the collar, V-neck sweater, Howe jacket and white belt. "Adam's a modern-day David Bowie," said Miles Siggins. "He's playing a new character each week."

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March 25th: Adam Lambert

Credit: F Micelotta/American Idol 2009/Getty Images

Lambert softened his rocker vibe this week, swapping his black nail polish and leather for a Rat Pack-esque suit and shirt from Zara and slicked-back hair. He stole the show with his slow "Tracks of My Tears" melody. Cowell called it the night's "best performance" and Abdul said, "You are exciting; you are it."

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March 17th: Adam Lambert

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"Strange, but I liked it," said Kara DioGuardi of Lambert's unique, Middle Eastern-influenced version of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." The singer stayed true to his edgy style for Grand Ole Opry week, performing in a worn-in Skingraft leather jacket, Versace shirt, Congregation of Forgotten Saints necklace and his own pants and boots. "If you can imagine Nine Inch Nails doing country – that was it," commented Randy Jackson.

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March 10th: Adam Lambert

Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX

"You have an innate ability to know who you are as an artist and marry fashion with music," offered Paula Abdul after Lambert's set. "You've got the whole package going on." The edgy singer performed Michael Jackson's "Black or White" wearing a blue leather Diesel jacket paired with jeans by Monarchy and-from his personal wardrobe-a graphic T-shirt, silver chains and boots.

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Introducing Adam Lambert

Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

The 27-year-old Los Angeles native's gothic-inspired look-black spiky hair, eyeliner, chain necklaces and skinny jeans-perfectly fits with the rock songs he sings.

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April 28, 2009: Danny Gokey

Credit: F Micelotta/Getty Images

Gokey belted out a bluesy rendition of "Come Rain or Come Shine" by Billie Holiday. "What you had tonight was a swagger and a confidence," Simon Cowell said of Gokey's performance. He wore a three-piece navy Howe suit accessorized with a blue Howe tie, a pocket square and matching eye glasses.

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April 22, 2009: Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"I think you have one of the sexiest voices ever. I think woman of all ages will agree." said Paula Abdul of Gokey’s performance. The Wisconsin native belted out "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire. He wore a DDC Lab leather jacket over a Calvin Klein tee, Levi's jeans, a Joseph Brooks necklace, and Rocket Dog boots.

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April 14, 2009: Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

The Wisconsin native performed Lionel Richie's “Endless Love.” Gokey wore a Banana Republic top, a Giancarlo Rossi jacket, Prvcy jeans and Aldo shoes.

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April 7th: Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

Wearing a touch of color-this week was magenta-Gokey belted out "Stand By Me." Of the performance, Kara DioGaurdi said, "You did your own thing and you did it well."

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March 31st: Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"This is where you thrive-you leave me wanting more," said Paula Abdul of Gokey's performance of Rascal Flatts's "What Hurts the Most." "This was your best performance of the competition," Simon Cowelll told Gokey, who wore a Howe suit, Guess tee and Karl Lagerfeld glasses this week. "Danny has an amazing voice and we have yet to define him, which may be a good thing," said Miles Siggins.

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March 25th: Danny Gokey

Credit: F Micelotta/American Idol 2009/Getty Images

"I love the energy and the feeling," said Jackson of Gokey's upbeat performance of The Temptations' "Get Ready." Gokey redeemed himself wardrobe-wise with a black Monarchy shirt with red detailing to match his Jil Sander glasses and dark Joe's jeans.

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March 17th: Danny Gokey

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

After singing Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel," Gokey earned accolades from the show's guest mentor, Randy Travis, who said, "He has a soulfulness that those of us who sing for a living wish we had." But his heart-felt performance didn't save him from Simon Cowell's criticism "My only problem, Danny, is actually what you're wearing," he said. "Matt Giraud said it looks like I'm about to jump out of an airplane," Gokey responded, with a laugh.

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March 10th: Danny Gokey

Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX

"I really, really like you tonight-I think you're terrific," commented Simon Cowell, after watching Gokey perform Michael Jackson's "Pretty Young Thing." The fan favorite-wearing a blazer by Libertine, a red Gucci shirt, dark jeans by Robin and his signature glasses-made it through to the next round the following day.

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Introducing Danny Gokey

Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

28-year-old Gokey is a fan favorite, and we'll likely see a major style evolution in the coming weeks. "I like when people pay attention to what they're wearing," says the show's stylist, Miles Higgins. "I like a guy in a suit."

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April 28, 2009: Allison Iraheta

Credit: F Micelotta/Getty Images

"You've earned some new fans tonight," said Kara DioGuardi to Irehata, who celebrated her 17th birthday this week. The teen performed an emotional "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Ella Fitzgerald wearing a sophisticated black and white Dena Bar-El cocktail dress. She accessorized with silver hoops, a Nicolina Royale bow cuff, a heart-shaped Love and Horns pendant necklace and ruffled Steve Madden t-strap heels.

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April 22, 2009: Allison Iraheta

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"You were always going to be the underdog coming into this week, but that was a brilliant performance." said Simon Cowell of Iraheta’s performance. The teen performed a slow rock version of "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer. Iraheta wore a custom made My Tribe leather jacket over a custom made silver-dagger crystal top and Bebe liquid tights. She accessorized her ensemble with customized Velvet Angels shoes, a Penny Royal necklace and a Hot Topic ring.

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April 14, 2009: Allison Iraheta

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

"What I like about you now is that I think you're believing you've got a chance of winning and I think we could see you all the way through to the end now." said Simon Cowell after Iraheta’s rendition of "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith from Armegeddon. The edgy songstress cinched an Emily Knoelle belt over her Bebe trench and Skelanimals pants. Iraheta accessorized with Romp shoes, a Banana Republic bracelet, Virgin Saints and Angels necklace, Hot Topic flower ring, Hilary London red glass ring and Hot Topic glove.

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April 7th: Allison Iraheta

Credit: Courtesy of Fox

After Iraheta's rendition of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me," Paula Abdul said, "You hear one note and it's undeniably Allison." The teen stuck with her rocker look, opting for all black and chains.

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