AceShowbiz -

Kris Allen made a visit to "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" shortly after being crowned "American Idol" winner of season 8. The episode is pre-taped and is scheduled to air on Tuesday, May 26 but an excerpt of his interview has been released.

To Ellen DeGeneres, the Arkansas native said that he owed it to his wife Katy whom he married only late last year. "My wife has been the (best) support ever," he told the host. "I seriously almost gave up a lot, and she was just like, 'You have to keep going.' She believed in me more than I believed in myself."

Regarding the shock value when his name was called as the winner, Kris noted that he has been feeling that week after week. "I was shocked every week I was there. But I think when I did 'Ain't No Sunshine' - I think that was the point where I was just like, ya know, I think I can stay in here for a while," he added.

Ellen then brought up the subject when Simon Cowell said that Kris "shouldn't of played the wife card so early," saying that she disagrees to this. She said, "I thought it was great and you seem like an adorable couple and I think it's important for people to see that you have a wife and how supportive she was." In a response, Kris said, "I care about her a lot so it didn't bother me that she was brought up. I think it bothered her more than it bothered me."

Kris talked a little bit more about his wife, telling Ellen "She is just great and a huge fan of you, by the way." Ellen said that Kris must reward her something for supporting him, which Kris answered with "Vacation, how about that?"