Adam Lambert: Hard at Work on "Eclectic" Album

Just hours after Kris Allen revealed the release date for his debut album, the man he defeated on American Idol is speaking out about his upcoming CD.

Adam Lambert told People that it's been challenging to put songs together this summer, as he's toured the country for weeks with fellow finalists.

"We’re still gathering material and we’re scheduling more recording sessions for when [the tour is] over, so we’re about halfway done," the talented singer said.

Unsurprising to anyone that watched him dominate Idol, Lambert says the album will be “quite eclectic.”

American Idol Power Rankings: Volume III

And then there were eight.

Following the unsurprising ousting of Megan Joy from American Idol last week, the competition heads into tonight's performance show with a lot on the line.

How do our Power Rankinks reflect the status of various contestants? Let's find out...

5. Lil Rounds: This is your last chance, Lil! Drop the outdated looks, abandon the ballads and let loose! We all know you have the vocal chops, but your performances have grown more stale with each passing week.

4. Matt Giraud: Simon Cowell gave his best advice of the season to Giraud last week: you're talented, stop trying to emulate other artists. We didn't appreciate this crooner's attempt to replicate a hit from The Fray a week ago. We hope to see something more original tonight.

3. Kris Allen: Holding steady. Last week's wonderfully arranged "Ain't No Sunshine" was his best routine of the season. Continues to prove that he's more than a pretty face.

2. Danny Gokey: We go back and forth on Gokey each week. Following his most recent performance of "What Hurts the Most," though, we're back to being Gokeheads!

1. Adam Lambert: It's official. He's our favorite American Idol contestant of all-time.

American Idol: A Three-Man Race?

Adam Lambert is going to win American Idol.

The singer is simply too talented and too original to be denied, at least we hope that's the case.

But Lambert - who was his typical, fresh, fun, outstanding self last night during a performance of "Play That Funky Music" - will receive some competition from the two men that also stood out this week. They were:

Danny Gokey sang "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts and Simon said it was his best audition of the season. The crooner borders on cheesy, but give him credit for singing with passion during every rendition.

Kris Allen continues to build momentum. His unique arrangement of "Ain't No Sunshine" earned three words of praise from Kara: "That is artistry!"
Still, the night belonged to Lambert, as always. Don't you agree?