Kris Allen is a singer/songwriter from Conway, Arkansas and winner of American Idol: Season 8. Allen auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky, singing Leon Russell's song "A Song For You" and was sent on to Hollywood and then to the top 13.FOX: 'American Idol': Kris Allen Crowned the Winner in Finale Shocker (May 21, 2009)
Allen signed a record deal on June 8, 2009 with 19 Recordings/Jive Records. His first album is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2009.http://www.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUSTRE55473Q20090608
Top 13 Performances
- Week 1: "Remember the Time" by Michael Jackson
- Week 2: "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks
- Week 3: "How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye
- Week 4: "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers
- Week 5: "All She Wants To Do Is Dance" by Don Henley
- Week 6: "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
- Week 7: "She Works Hard For The Money" by Donna Summer
- Week 8: "The Way You Look Tonight"
- Week 9: "Renegade" by Styx duet with Danny Gokey, "Come Together" by The Beatles
- Week 10: "Apologize" by OneRepublic, "Heartless" by Kanye West
- Week 11: "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, "Ain't No Sunshine" reprise, "No Boundaries"
Controversy
On May 26, 2009, The New York Times reported that American Idol's newest winner Allen may have had a little help from AT&T. It seems that AT&T provided for with free text-messaging and even gave lessons in how to power vote. Power voting sends blocks of votes in numbers of 10 or more. These services were provided at two of the parties being held in Arkansas for Allen. No similar attempts were made for runner-up Adam Lambert.NYT: AT&T May Have Swayed ‘Idol’ Results (May 26, 2009)
Quotes
He has a lot of fans out there supporting him, especially from our school, so I’m really excited for him.—University of Central Arkansas student Kiniai GordonArkansas Matters: Arkansan Makes it... (January 26, 2009)
He's a great man of God. That's what he bases in his marriage and his music. He’s an American Idol. It’s going to be great to see him win the whole competition.—Danner Rogers, friendArkansas Matters: Arkansan Makes it... (January 26, 2009)
I’m hoping that he makes to the top ten.—University of Central Arkansas student Emily HartleArkansas Matters: Arkansan Makes it... (January 26, 2009)
Kris Allen Musical Influences
References
Fast Facts
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Name
Kris Allen
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Age
23 years old
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Hometown
Conway, Arkansas
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Audition city
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Audition song
"A Song For You"
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Allen and his brother both auditioned for American Idol
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His brother did not make it to Hollywood
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Has been singing since age 7MySpace: About Kris Allen
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Taught himself to play the guitar at age 13MySpace: About Kris Allen
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Plays multiple instruments including the piano, viola and ukuleleMySpace: About Kris Allen
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