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AMERICAN IDOL: Singer Kris Allen. (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
After winning the 2009 season of American Idol, Kris Allen has recently released his debut album and the single “No Boundaries” hit number one on the iTunes chart.
Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, music has been his passion since he was a young child. After marrying his girlfriend of seven years and going on his honeymoon he flew off to Hollywood for Season Eight auditions where he survived eliminations and competed in the finale runoff with Adam Lambert.
Howard Leighton: How do you feel now in October 2009 against January 2007 & 2008?
Kris Allen: Considering during those times I was trying to make it through school and
now I'm doing exactly what I've always wanted to do, I'd say I'm feeling
pretty good.
HL: Who is your greatest influence?
KA: Michael Jackson. His music has always inspired me to make music since I was
a kid.
HL : Who do you look up to as a singer now?
KA: Bono. I know that's a pretty obvious answer, but I just love the passion
that he puts into singing. He never sounds like he is just singing; he is
telling that song in singing form.
HL: What music do you relax to?
KA: When I want to relax I just listen to the "Parachutes" album by Coldplay.
HL: Your new life—how do keep control and also keep fit?
KA: I make sure I keep my family and friends close so they can keep me
grounded. I try to stay fit by eating good and working out when I can.
HL: Are you managing to keep control of your healthy living out of hotel rooms
in your new life?
KA: It's hard to stay away from the burgers and cheesecake especially when
someone else is fitting the bill, but I try.
HL: What are your new dreams now after winning American Idol?
KA: To keep making music until I am all out of songs.
HL: What countries do you want to visit?
KA: Australia, Peru, and Ireland.
HL: If you had your time again would you change anything from the 6 months on
American Idol TV?
KA: I have no regrets and it turned out pretty good, so I would
say I wouldn't change anything.
HL: Are you still in touch with any of your mates that you sung with weekly
whilst on “American Idol?”
KA: I try to keep in touch as much as I can with them. We all became great
friends on the tour.
HL: Are you still in touch with Simon, Paula, Kara, or Ryan?
KA: Nah, they erase me out of their mind once the show is over so they can
think about the next contestants.
HL: Who would you like to sing a duet with in 2010?
KA: Adele. Sick voice.
HL: How do you view the world now after winning Idol?
KA: The same. Some good, some bad, but what a great place.
Harold Leighton was a hairdresser in London during the 1960s and has worked in the beauty industry ever since. He lives and writes in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at hleighton@bellsouth.net.
