Allen: Lambert among best of 'Idol' stars

LOS ANGELES, May 24 (UPI) -- Singer Kris Allen, who defeated Adam Lambert to win the eighth season of "American Idol," says Lambert was one of the U.S. TV series' best contestants ever.

CNN said Saturday that Allen applauded Lambert for his second-place run on the Fox singing competition, crediting his fellow "Idol" finalist with being last season's "most consistent performer."

"He's been probably the most consistent performer this year, and just overall probably one of the best performers that's ever been on the 'Idol' stage," Allen said on CNN's "Larry King Live."

Allen had few concrete answers when asked why he defeated Lambert on Wednesday's "Idol" finale.

"I think it was a combination of a lot of stuff. It was maybe, probably, a little bit of personality, a little bit of -- hopefully it was about the music, as well," Allen suggested.

Meanwhile, Lambert used the "Larry King" appearance to focus more on the "opportunity" offered by the popular TV series than his finals loss.

"The point is not a title. The point is the opportunity," Lambert said. "And I feel like we got that opportunity."