Folksy singer Kris Allen is the new American Idol, turning judges' favorite Adam Lambert into an also-ran.

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest said on yesterday's finale that nearly 100 million votes were cast for the finalists. The 23-year-old Allen, a student from Conway, Ark., bested the 27-year-old Lambert, a theater actor from San Diego.

The finale included performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Cyndi Lauper, Carlos Santana and Rod Stewart. Lambert performed with Kiss and Allen did a duet with Keith Urban. The two finalists also sang together on "We Are the Champions" with the surviving members of Queen.

Allen gets a record contract with his "Idol" title.

JACKSON POSTPONES HIS LONDON COMEBACK

In a move that raised the specter of previous concert cancellations and no-shows over the past dozen years, Michael Jackson has rescheduled the opening of "This Is It," his 50-show comeback at London's O2 Arena.

Citing challenges presented by a "massive and technically complex show," "This Is It" director Kenny Ortega and Randy Phillips, chief executive of the concerts' producer, AEG Live, said the first of Jackson's concerts will kick off July 13, instead of July 8.

NATALIE COLE GETS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

Ailing Natalie Cole now has a new kidney.

Representatives for the 59-year-old singer say she underwent transplant surgery. Cole will postpone her summer tour as she recovers.

The daughter of the late Nat King Cole had undergone dialysis three times a week since September, but had continued her concert tour in support of her album "Still Unforgettable."

The Grammy-winner's kidneys failed after treatment for hepatitis C and she had since been awaiting a transplant. The kidney came from a deceased donor.

VOICE OF MICKEY MOUSE DIES AT AGE 62

Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey Mouse for more than 30 years, has died at age 62.

Walt Disney Co. says Allwine died Monday of diabetes complications, with Russi Taylor, his wife of 20 years and the voice of Minnie Mouse, by his side.

"Over the last 32 years ... (he) gave so much joy, happiness and comfort to so many around the world by giving voice to our most beloved, iconic character, Mickey Mouse," Disney chief Robert Iger said yesterday. Allwine started in Disney's mail room in 1966, went on to work in the sound effects department and began voicing the company's main mouse in 1977.