Kris Allen - Arkansas Idol

Kris Biography:

Kris Allen is a singer/songwriter from Conway, Arkansas. His passion for music began when he taught himself to play the guitar at age 13, and he has since learned the piano, viola and ukulele. His talents and soulful voice have given him the opportunity to perform at numerous music venues as well as the chance to share his gifts and faith with many of the under privileged and oppressed people of the world. His travels to Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Burma, Mozambique and South Africa have influenced his music and inspired him to share it with others. Kris debuted his first full-length CD, "Brand New Shoes", in September 2007. The album spotlights his musical capabilities in songwriting, guitar, piano and vocals. Kris is known for his laidback and unassuming personality, and his music itself is full of depth, energy and soul. "kallenmusic.com"

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What is Kick Awesome?
"Kick Awesome" is the Kris Allen fan battle cry. Kris said it in an early American Idol interview. Allen fans use it to describe him, but he was describing the American Idol experience. He was asked to describe his experiences on the show so far and he says that he wants to live life with no regrets and "this has been kick awesome."
"Kick Awesome" is a popular slang term to mean even better than awesome.

Activitis: littlerock.about.com

Auditions: Kris' audition was in Louisville, Kentucky. He sang "A Song for You" by Leon Russell. Hollywood Week: During the Hollywood portion of the show, he sang "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 and "Everything" by Michael Bublé.
Top 26 (Group 2): He must like Michael Jackson, because Kris sang "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson for his top 36 group 2 performance. He advanced to the top 12. Generally, singing Michael Jackson is not a good idea on Idol, but Kris beat the Jackson curse. Three of four judges loved him. Simon also added, "The chicks are going to love you."
March 10: Kris sang "Remember the Time" (the theme was Michael Jackson. Paula said that Kris has been helping the other contestants and the judges are happy with his choice to play the guitar. Simon tells Kris that he should have kept his wife hidden for a few weeks (what?!). Again, they mention that he a potential heart-throb.
March 17: Kris sang "To Make Me Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks (written by Bob Dylan). Simon thought it was terrific and a "great, great, great choice" of song. He added, "I genuinely am beginning to think you’ve got a shot of doing well in this competition.” Paula says he's honest and vulnerable, but pitchy in spots. Randy says he pulled it off and called him a "tender dawg," to which Simon says "a tender puppy." Kara said it wasn't Opryland, but very Kris Allen.
March 25: Kris sang "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" Kara says : “You did everything right.” Paula says : “It was brilliant, and I’m just really proud of you.” Simon says: “To be a star, you’ve got to be conceited. … It’s about self-belief. You’ve got to make an impact.” Randy: “It’s all good right now.”
March 31: Kris sang "Ain't No Sunshine" at the keyboards. Kara said "I've got three words for you: this is artistry!" Randy said that for the last couple weeks Kris has been so in the zone. He said it was creative and cool. Paula said that he took a 30 year old song and made it sound brand new. Simon said that it was Kris’ best performance so far.
April 7: Kris sang "All She Wants to Do Is Dance." Paula said he might be one of the most likable contestants they've ever had. Simon told Kris he was boring and told him "it was a stupid, stupid song choice." Randy said that Kris was lost during the performance.
April 14: Kris sang "Falling Slowly." Randy didn't like it, saying it "never quite caught on for me." He calls it pitchy. Kara calls it an obscure song, "but one of your best moments, EVER."
April 21: Kris sang "She Works Hard for the Money" on Disco night. Kara liked it, she said "Sounds like it could go on your record." Paula comments that she loves that Kris went "shopping in the women's department." She says it has a Santana feel to it. Simon is confused by Paula, but praises Kris for being original, well-thought-out, calls it a fantastic performance. Randy says, "you know who you are, you're ready for the big-time."
April 29: Kris sang "The Way You Look Tonight" The mentor for the week, Jamie Foxx, says he'd do a record with him right now. Randy said it was a great song and his best performance to date. That he took his time and told a story. Kara told said he set the technical standard so high, great diction, unique approach and, “You are truly a dark horse in this competition.” Paula said, “You’ve made this amazing transition from being the adorable boy next door to handsome sophisticated gentleman.” Simon weirdly said “I’m not quite as enthusiastic as these three, only because I thought it was a little bit wet. You’re like taking a very well trained spaniel for a walk. It’s all going to be safe, it’s going to be quite nice. I didn’t think it was incredible. I didn’t get the feeling from you tonight that you can win this competition.”
May 5: Kris sang "Renegade" with Danny Gokey and "Come Together." Simon preferred Danny in the duet (before his solo performance). Comments for his solo: Simon made another weird comment telling Kris it was "like eating ice for lunch," meaning it wasn't really filling. Randy said he liked how he was himself, not bad vocals, loved his playing the guitar, enjoyed it. Kara says "you're definitely the softer side of rock . . . not a great performance." She said he was trying too hard and criticized his song choice. Paula said it was a bit risky to do a Beatles song but he had good artistic delivery. She wants more energy.

May 9: (news.yahoo.com) The 23-year-old "American Idol" finalist came home on Friday, when an estimated crowd of more than 20,000 packed an area of downtown Conway, about 20 miles north of Little Rock, to hear him belt out songs such as Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror."
Allen appeared a little overwhelmed by the swooning fans, telling them: "You guys are crazy."