Kristopher American singer, songwriter, and musician Neil Allen, better known by his stage name Kris Allen, rocketed to popularity in 2009 after he defeated Adam Lambert in the final episode of the eighth season of American Idol. He began playing the viola in elementary school and self-taught himself how to play the guitar by the time he was a teenager, demonstrating his love for music from a young age. He had such a gift for music that, while he was still in high school, he was asked to play in college orchestras. He started creating music while still in college and sang his debut song during his sophomore year at a nearby tavern. He left the University of Central Arkansas where he was pursuing a business degree after realizing that he wanted to be a professional musician. He continued to perform at pubs while earning some money by working at a shoe store. In 2007, he collaborated with his college pals to write and create the album “Brand New Shoes,” which they then distributed to his loved ones. Allen’s strong religious convictions have led him throughout his short life, and he has served as a missionary in various underdeveloped nations. He participates in numerous humanitarian organizations and has a keen interest in philanthropic endeavors.
Early Childhood & Life
Kimberly and Neil Allen’s eldest son, Kris, was born in Arkansas. His younger sibling is one.
He graduated from Mills University Studies High School, where he played viola in the ensemble and was selected to participate in the all-state orchestra for Arkansas. As a teenager, he also played the guitar and piano.
He enrolled at the University of Central Arkansas after high school to pursue a degree in business management. He worked as a Christian missionary while attending the institution in numerous underdeveloped nations.
He dropped out of school in his junior year to pursue a career in music after realizing that it was his actual passion.
The career of Kris Allen
He started out playing gigs at neighborhood taverns. In order to gain money, he began selling shoes, and if he failed as a musician, he thought about going back to school.
Along with some of his undergraduate mates, he self-produced an album titled “Brand New Shoes” in 2007. He authored a few songs for it. His work as a shoe salesman was alluded to in the album’s title. Only 600 albums were made, and he gave his family and friends copies.
He passed the preliminary rounds of the 2009 American Idol auditions for the eighth season. He earned relatively little television time during the competition’s early rounds, and his solo performances weren’t even broadcast.
During his performances, he utilized a variety of instruments, including electric and acoustic guitars, as well as the piano. He received a lot of praise for his folk-influenced renditions of contemporary mainstream songs.
He sang “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “What’s Going On,” and “No Boundaries” in the American Idol finale. He sang “Kiss a Girl,” Urban’s hit, in a duet with Urban during the presentation of the final results. He defeated fellow competitor Adam Lambert to be crowned the winner of the eighth season of American Idol (2009).
Five of Kris’ songs were among the top 100 tracks to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 after he won American Idol. These included the songs “No Boundaries” and “Heartless.”
In 2009, he released his self-titled debut studio album, which is also his second album overall. Nine out of the album’s twelve songs were written by him, including the lyrics. The singles from the album included “Live like We’re Dying,” “The Truth,” and “Red Guitar.”
He launched his album “Thank you Camellia” in 2012. The residence he once lived with his pals is referenced by the name “Camellia.” Both fans and critics gave it favorable reviews.
In December 2012, he released his debut Christmas CD, titled “Waiting for Christmas.” White Christmas and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas was among the songs on it. His supporters responded well to it.
Bigger Works of Kris Allen
Kris’s most notable accomplishment, which made him famous, was winning the eighth season of American Idol in 2009. Many people, including himself, were surprised by his victory because Adam Lambert, his opponent, was thought to be the favorite.
His Christmas CD, “Waiting for Christmas,” was much anticipated during the 2012 holiday season. The album went on to become the most popular Christmas album of the year, despite the fact that none of the songs on it were originally written by him.
Recognition & Achievements
In 2010, he received a nomination for Break-Out Musical Artist at the People’s Choice Awards.
The Billboard Music Awards nominated his song “Live like we’re dying” for the “Top Christian Song” category in 2011.
Personal Legacy & Life
He wed Katy O’Connell, his high school love, in 2008. They are anticipating the birth of a child.
He actively engages in charitable endeavors that benefit charitable causes, music education, and missionary work. On his birthdays, his supporters arrange humanitarian endeavors as a tribute to him.
Kris Allen’s Net Worth
Kris Allen is an American singer-songwriter and musician with a net worth of $3.5 million. Kris Allen, a singer-songwriter, won “American Idol” season eight. Kris Allen, his first album following Idol, peaked at #11 on the charts and featured the Top 20 single “Live Like We’re Dying.” In June 1985, Kristopher Neil Allen was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He is most recognized for becoming American Idol’s eighth-season winner. He began playing the viola in elementary school and was selected to play in the high school all-state orchestra for Arkansas. At age 13, he began playing the guitar. Before applying for the competition, he had performed as a support act for Sean Michel, another American Idol finalist. As a last-ditch effort before giving up on music as a vocation, he chose to audition for Idol. He left school to seek a career as a professional musician. In 2007, he self-released the album Brand new Shoes. He auditioned for American Idol in 2009 and ultimately defeated Adam Lambert to win the show in what some have dubbed an upset. His debut album, Kris Allen, was released in 2009 and debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200 chart after he signed with Jive Records. Both of his tracks, “Heartless” and “No Boundaries,” reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2012, he released his second album, Thank You Camellia. In 2008, Kris wed Katy O’Connell, his high school love. Oliver Neil Allen is the son of the couple.
Trivia
He was the first contestant who was married to win American Idol.
He has a strong sense of faith and participated in Chi Alpha campus ministry while attending college.
If he hadn’t won the American Idol, he would have gone back to school to get his degree.