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:
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I'm also excited about Hey Jude. I wonder why that wasn't cleared while the other Beatles song was cleared?
Maybe its because they wanted to get rid of him that week and they don't want him to have another moment?
Some highlights of things she said about or to Kris:
1. Bringing heart back to AI
2. Hero of AK
3. Role model for Christians
4. Talented artist
she touched on all the things that make Kris such an amazing artist and person.
I think it's natural to think that Kris isn't as nice as he appears because he's in the entertainment industry. Most assume celebrites just aren't nice people. The thing about AI though is that they always seem to find the nicest people. Kris reminds me a lot of previous winners, Carrie Underwood for one. Very sweet, kind of shy, humble, etc.
True musicians listen to the Beatles.
He's so awesome!!!!
Once he got comfortable on the stage, he was hitting winners, starting with To Make You Feel My Love then, Ain't No Sunshine, Falling Slowly, She Works Hard For the Money, Heartless. In fact I loved every single one of his performances because I really get that vibe of a true musician from him.
My great respect for him. *thumbs up*
I've to admit that I am still mad at you for writing extremely nasty articles dissing Kris on his win. However, I realise that this is your blog and I think you are entitled to your opinions. Having said that, you do have to realise that Kris has a less vocal but huge fanbase, hence many of us do not agree with your views and definitely feel that Kris deserves to be the Anerican Idol. I love both Davids from last season and this season, Kris Allen possesses a combination of their strengths=musicianship & creative song arrangement skills of David Cook + humbleness & boyish charm of David Archuleta. That is how the dark horse eventually wins over the nation and the rest of the world as well.
From an Asian fan
But I hope he plays Falling Slowly!
Very well said.