Kris Allen: The Reality Rocks Interview
There are times when I've actually felt a little bad for Kris Allen. Yes, I know that sounds weird: How could anyone feel sorry for the guy who won on the biggest show on TV? But Kris spent the entire eighth American Idol season being labeled the "dark horse" and having to prove himself to Simon Cowell over and over again. And although he was ultimately (and some would say unexpectedly) the winner of this year's Idol, snagging the majority of the finale's whopping 100 million votes, most of the media attention--from Rolling Stone cover stories to 20/20 interviews to (YES, I freely admit it) this very blog--has still focused on the "frontrunner" that Kris beat out, second-placer Adam Lambert.
Despite Kris's constant humility on Idol, whether auditioning (when he declared, "There's probably better singers than me"), winning (when he reacted, unscriptedly, with "Adam deserves this"), or dealing with post-finale Glambertmania, I've always wondered...doesn't he secretly resent this? Doesn't he ever want to get up in people's faces and shout, "Hey, everybody, newsflash: I WON. Not that other guy. ME." Hasn't he ever come close to having some sort of Jan Brady "Marcia Marcia Marcia"-esque meltdown moment?
Surely someone couldn't be that humble and that nice, right? Right?
Except, dear readers...Kris is that nice. He really, really is.
When I interviewed Kris in his dressing room at the Idols Live Tour rehearsals, I tried my darnedest to get him to admit to a little jealousy, or even just assert that he hands-down deserved to win American Idol. But no dice. That's just not Kris's style.
Instead he praised his fellow contestants, spoke glowingly of the Kradam bond, declared "Adam's a winner too," and even over-modestly claimed he can venture out in public unnoticed. (In fact, when I met him, he introduced himself to me by his first and last name--as if I would not recognize him or something. Ha.) I didn't believe him for a moment regarding that last statement, by the way. Just because he doesn't go out in public wearing attention-getting black nail varnish or platform Kiss boots hardly means he doesn't run the risk of being mobbed by fangirls every time he leaves the house without a bodyguard. Puh-leeze. If his laid-back style was enough to win over much of America, it's enough to cause a commotion if he walks into a 7-11.
So I finally realized that Kris's nice-guy act is in fact NOT an act, and that he is indeed one of the nicest guys on the planet; that took up a decent chunk of part 1 of my interview. But we also discussed how Kris is a great role model for Christians (well, of course KRIS doesn't think he is, but I do, and I told him so); why all the political/cultural debate surrounding American Idol this year shouldn't matter; how he's a "rebel" in his own quiet way; and how (despite his humility) he should be proud to represent a really strong, musically diverse Idol season (in my opinion, the best season yet). Here's how the first part of our chat went:
In part 2, we got down to what always mattered most: The music, man. In this section I admit I got a little fangirly myself discussing Kris's genius decision to cover the Once soundtrack's "Falling Slowly" (one of the most musically credible moments of AI 8, and my favorite performance of his), especially when Kris emotionally spoke about the reaction his version elicited from the song's composers, Glen Hansard (of the Frames) and Marketa Irglova.
We also talked about what his debut album will sound like and, perhaps most excitingly, the big singalong number he will be performing on the Idols Live Tour. When you go to the concert make sure to bring your cellphones, kids (or your Bic lighters, if you're old-school), 'cause you're going to want to whip them out and hold them up, high and illuminated, when Kris gets his big, non-humble, victorious stadium moment:
Follow Yahoo! Music on Twitter
The Idols Live Tour starts July 5, buy your tickets HERE!
I'm a guy and I'm over 40 and I think this guy is the bomb. I have a few female friends in their mid and late 20's and one in her 50's who also love Kris. So I think he just appeals to a wide spectrum of people.
I am looking forward to seeing you on tour Kris!!!
You want to see a REAL interviewer focus on the interviewee, watch Idolatry w/Michael Slezak.
It is unavoidable to discuss Adam in Kris's interview, just as if I was interviewing Ruben Studdard back in the day I would ask him what he thought of the all the fuss about Clay Aiken who at the time was getting just as much (if not more) media attention. It is all part of the Idol phenomenon. Also please note Kris brought Adam up himself, more than once.
The cultural stuff is important too. I asked Adam, briefly, about his sexuality. I asked Kris about his Christianity. I asked both contestants about the public reaction to the outcome. To not bring up these subjects at least a little bit would be to avoid the "elephants in the room."
Finally, to clear one more thing up: I did not say Kris's fans were ONLY tweens. I noted that he had a lot of tween fans, that is all--which was surprising to me given Kris's mature musical style (covering songs from 'Once,' by Bill Withers, etc.). I did not say "only tweens like you." I merely noted surprise that he attracted younger fans. There is nothing wrong with saying that. It's not an insult.
I assure you this interview was a good experience for both me and Kris.
No worries, girl. I loved your interview. I understand why you would be more excited about Adam (since you're a bigger fan of his than of Kris) but I appreciate that your interview with Kris wasn't ALL about Adam as some have been wont to do. It's like, "Hey let's interview Kris, the winner, but only ask him things about Adam."
Probably most of Kris's fans are tweens but not all (I'm 36) just like a ton of Adam's fans are probably cougars but not all... As long as they have fans, who cares how old they are, right?
Thanks for bringing up the KRADAM. I wish you'd asked Adam about that, too. I'm curious if they find it cute that they're being lumped into a moniker like that or if they think it's annoying.
Next time, could you do another interview of BOTH of them at the same time, please?
Thanks!!
I find it sad that the Kris fans seem SO bitter even though their guy won. What is that about? Is there some insecurity happening because you're not sure he'll live up to the title?
Kris will be hugely successful. Wanna know why? Because he's talented! Also please note that the majority of Adam fans are also Kris fans and we'll support him just as we support Adam.
It's too bad ya'll can't see how you're really turning people off with your attitudes. You should google Claymates and see what they did to his career with the same kind of stuff ya'll are doing.
Kris isn't the victim here and ya'll's constant whining is beyond ricidulous.
Lyndsey did a great interview with Kris. Adam and Kris are a cultural phenomenon right now. Their friendship is inspiring and should be highlighted whenever possible because it shows that bigotry isn't as prevelant as some people might think. Kris and Adam touch us with the love they show for eachother and the respect they give eachother. Kris fans should take note.
The fact that you act like children might be why people assume alot of Kris' fans are tweens too just so you know.
He looked really at ease with you and the way you approached questions (great framing, btw) - which means you did your job.