Kris Allen becomes media headline soon after being crowned as the winner of "American Idol" season eight on May 20 and beating down judges' favorite Adam Lambert. Following his victory in the reality singing competition, he is expected to be signed to 19 Entertainment/Jive Records, which have always been the home for the Idol winners, to release a solo studio album.
Prior to hitting studio for his solo debut effort, Kris has a winning song called "No Boundaries". The single has been available for digital purchase one day after the Idol finale result show and has climbed to number 11 on Billboard Hot 100.
While many acclaimed producers such as Howard Benson and Lauren Christy have stepped out offering which direction Kris should take for his new record, Kris himself explains that the only thing he wants to do "is just be respected in the music industry." He also hopes to "turn [his Idol win] into a good thing: Pressure to make good music and get out there and work hard."
Tracing back his journey in the Idol, Kris is one of the finalists who received the least screen time. His appearance during the audition week was shown only for about several seconds. His Hollywood week solo performances were even not televised.
Though so, Kris is one of those receiving many compliments from the Idol judges throughout the reality singing competition. He was praised due to his folks-inspired interpretations of modern pop songs. In one of the show's episodes, he was called "engaging and kinda adorable/sexy" by judge Paula Abdul.
Kris was not always poured with positive words as his several performances failed to satisfy the judges. One of the unfavorable comments came from Randy Jackson who claimed that Kris got "pitchy from note one" when singing "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova during Top 7 episode. He was also criticized by Simon Cowell who labeled his performance on Top 5 episode as "a little bit wet."
Post Idol, Kris visited several popular TV shows including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "Live with Regis and Kelly", for interviews and live appearances. As for the next project, he will hit the road for Top 10 "American Idol" summer tour which will be kicked off at Rose Garden in Portland on July 5.
 |   Bad Romance Lady GaGa |
 | Fireflies Owl City |
 | Empire State of Mind Jay-Z |
 | Tik Tok Ke$ha |
 | 3 Britney Spears |
 | Meet Me Halfway Black Eyed Peas |
 | Down Jay Sean |
 | Party in the U.S.A Miley Cyrus |
 | Paparazzi Lady GaGa |
 | Whatcha Say Jason Derulo |
Post Your Comments
Kris is no passing fad. His music is the type that grows into you. And his character is so strong that I want to be like him. I've been listening to his iTunes songs and I'm simply inspired. I hope the songwriters and Kris can come up with an awesome album. He's a soulful singer, they sould focus on that.
BFD i would rather listen to someone who doesn't sound like last season's Jason Castro personally... that typical college student playing the guitar is so over-rated, give me something with substance please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kris won simply because he has a voice that is marketable, he is sexy yet humble, not to mention he has a beautiful voice and is artistic. He won, because majority of people in the US like him better than Adam. People voted folks! I bought all his music the day after the Idol finale and have been listening to him since and every time I love his music more. And I am in my mid 40s, so it is not only the teenagers that love his voice. Wish him the best!
I've always felt like Kris winning AI took an act of God to accomplish, which gives me hope for his album being pretty successful too.
I agree with most of the comments above in that Kris is a pretty decent little singer. I wish him well.
Well I think that Kris is a passing fad and there are already many Kris' in the industry. I'm interested in following his career though because being an underdog isn't going to help him much now.
Nice to see Kris getting the acknowledgment that he deserves. I think his album is going to do very well.
I believe this article is about Kris. People let it go. Kris won fair and square and he is amazing in his abilities. But if you insist on including Adam in everything Kris does, I personally do not like Adam’s screaming on every song. Adam is not World Idol, there would have to be a contest and people voting, and Adam to get the most votes for him to be named World Idol. Just because a few people over the world may like him does not make him World Idol. Nor will he be Artist of the Decade. He does not appeal to a majority of America and his theatrical singing is not what is in style. He could make a good living on Broadway, which is where he should be more comfortable. Adam is a passing fad and will go the way of all fads unless he changes his style of performing. Just keeping it real folks.
Kris is one if the very few original songwriter type of artist to have been crowned. We'll see great things from him. Freakin' love his voice
Glad for Kris he is a nice person! Good luck! Just waiting for Adam to become artist of the decade!
Kris is very current and marketable. One thing about Kris he is very laid back and doesn't care about being rich and famous. Kris is a true artist and cares more about the music. That is why Kris is the true essence of American Idol
Kris has a very current sound, instead of the 'stuck in the 80's' sound of the other finalists. His ablility to take old songs and give them a 21st century sound, helped him stand out from the crowd. He has a beautiful silky smooth voice.
Self acclaimed World Idol World did not vote... ehhhheheh
I wish you had mentioned that Simon Cowell had said that he thought Kris's rendition of "Falling Slowly" was "brilliant". Randy was so offbase that night. I personally think Kris has a lovely voice, very unique and "real". He's very artistic and contemporary, more so than any of the other contestants. The fact that what he wants most is to be respected in the music industry says alot about his dedication and integrity. I think he'll be very successful.
Adam is world idol
Kudo to peen (above) Gold will always shine. Kris's success has "No Boundaries." The more I listen to this song; the more I love this song.
I am a huge Adam Lambert fan and Adam is my American Idol. But, I wish good luck to Kris.
Kris is a real underdog story. Kris is a very shy quiet and sweet humble person. Good Luck Kris
Thanks for a great review of Kris's big start.
Hey about time, a nice article on the boy next door nice guy Kris. I like him strumming his guitar. Glad there are real people like him in the world who are open minded and can be real friends without judging others. That is classy and shows how great he was raised. Not sure which I like more his guitar or piano. What are the other two instruments he plays?
I hope this is not a passing fad for Kris. Did anyone predicted that Kris will be in the top2 at the very beginning? Nope.. But he kept on improving each week. He'll probably needs some grooming though. As compared to Adam who has been performing on stage for more than half of his life. Im not from the US but Kris' style appeals to me. I love Kris' way of rearranging and delivering each song. I fully believe that he will make good music. I've been listening to his songs and never grow tired and bored of listening. I just love Jamie Foxx's comments on Kris when he was interviewed on Ellen's. And I agree with you Jackson, i do hope that people should just let it go. No one's better than the other, their styles are just too different. It's not the end of the world for Adam. If he is really is a "world idol" as some says then he will do great in the future. No need to justify or prove anything.