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 another one who does not think that "America got it wrong" as was mentioned in the blog, so I was a little bit worry approaching this interview. I actually agreed with Kris and Adam that either of them winning would be fine since they are both very talented, but very different musicians. And while my preference was for Kris's acoustic way of restyling and connecting with the songs, I could see how Adam's style of vocals and stage presence would also appeal (and personality-wise, I think they both are great and can draw people in).
That being said, despite my reservations, I did enjoy the interview. I thought that it showed Kris's humbleness, as you mentioned, but also really demonstrated his confidence (since the two are not mutually exclusive as is sometimes assumed). He's not bothered by the lack of attention or media, because that's not what drives him (and for the record, I'm not saying this as a comparison with Adam or anyone else, since even though he's getting more media attention, I don't think that's what drives Adam either). Kris is happy with the title, but is driven by the desire to make good music and just to live his life, and I really enjoyed his confidence in himself that showed when he was talking about those things. Your interviewing style and staging did seem to me to bring that out. So thanks for that, and I hope that you enjoyed the interview with Kris and maybe see how there may not have been a right/wrong choice, but just different choices. I wish him (and Adam) both the best of luck
Love him more after watching the video.
I'm so happy that American Idol found Kris Allen.
Kris is so smart and sexy.....drool
I respect and love Kris dearly.
Thanks for the interview.
Kris was so cute saying that.
They look adorable together. Having a loving wife, Kris could fully focus on his music career.
We are the folks who got benefitted from great music. Ha ha ha
Lyndsey, you can't blame that most American Idol fans gave you a cold shoulder.