by Gina Scarpa

If, early this season on American Idol, you predicted to your friends that Kris Allen would win this thing, they probably would have responded, “Kris WHO?!”  The 23 year old singer from Arkansas was barely given any camera time until he burst onto the scene in the Top 36.  He breezed through to the Top 13 and quietly advanced in the competition, thanks to memorable performances such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Heartless”.  He went into this week’s finale as the underdog but emerged the winner and today, spoke to reporters in a conference call about his experiences on the show and what lies ahead for him.

 

Q. Your performance with Adam and Queen was a highlight of the finale.  How much time did you have to rehearse and how did it feel to be on the stage with them that night?
A. Kris: We had met Queen the night before and they were really, really great.  We went through it twice, I think.  We just did it.  It was probably the best moment of the year for me because I just felt like it was the exhale of everything.  We just had a great time together and I mean… how can you not have a great time?  It felt great.

 

Q. As a newlywed, being thrown into this new life must be an adjustment.  Have you and your wife talked about it?
A. Kris: It’s definitely a topic of conversation… all the time.  She’s been out here during the whole thing and coming and going through all this.  We’ve been getting ourselves ready for everything.  Things are definitely gonna change but we’re really strong and she’s really cool.  We don’t have any questions that everything’s gonna be fine.

 

Q. After you won, you said that Adam deserved to win.  What made you say that?
A. Kris: I still feel that way.  I feel like Adam deserved it just as much as I did.  He was the most consistent person all year.  He was one of the most gifted performers that I’ve ever met.  He’s really just a great guy.  We became great friends and we told each other that day, “You deserve it.”  I think it could’ve gone either way and American could not have gotten it wrong.

 

Q. What did learn from your experience of being on the show?
A. Kris: I guess one of the biggest things I learned was that I’ve always been a procrastinator.  The times that I worked the hardest are the times that I did the best.  I think the biggest thing I learned was that the harder you work for the thing you love the most, then everything you want is going to come true.

 

Q. Do you know what the actual margin of victory was?
A. Kris: I haven’t heard anything.  I have a feeling it was really close.  I mean, Adam was a huge front runner and I know that there were plenty of people voting for him.

 

Q. What kind of record to you want to make?
A. Kris: For me, I feel like I did exactly what I wanted to do on the show that I would want to do on a record.  When I did “Ain’t No Sunshine”, I felt like that was the kind of thing I want to do. 

 

Q. Does your wife sing?  Will we see something like Sonny and Cher in 20 years?
A. Kris: Absolutely not!  She will tell you that she is the worst singer in the world.  That will definitely not happen.

 

Q. Are there plans for duets on the tour?
A. Kris: I'm going to keep it a surprise.  It's going to be really great.  We are trying to get all that stuff worked out right now.  It's really going to be a blast. 

 

Q. Do you have anything to say to your fans?
A. Kris: The fans are the reason we’re here. I just want to say thank you because I would not be here with you.  I hope you’re not let down with the CD.  I know it’s going to be great.

 

 

Last but not least, two questions from RealityWanted!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you made the Top 36 and then the Top 13, I’m sure you’ll understand this, but I was like, “Who is this guy?”  Did it frustrate you that you didn’t get any camera time in the early stages this season?
A. Kris: I think there was a little bit of, "Wow, they're not showing me."  I think it was shock more than anything.  For me, that's kind of the way I live my life.  I'm kind of laid back and low key and every once in a while, I'll stick my head out.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I loved the duet with Keith Urban on the finale.  Any chance you’ll infuse some country into your debut album?
A. Kris: I was actually afraid of that.  For me, I don't feel like I would go that country way.  That's not what I want in my album but we had a great time together.  He's a great guy and I have nothing but respect for him.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

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