Biography

Kris Allen, a talented musician from Conway, Arkansas won American Idol age 23. Before Idol he released an album entitled 'Brand New Shoes' in 2007. Kris studied business in college but his musical interest started when he began to play the viola in elementary school. At age 13 he taught himself to play the guitar and piano.

Kris auditioned in Louisville, Kentucky and sang ‘A Song for You’ by Leon Russell. However, he was not really noticed by the viewers until the live shows. Following his rendition of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ the judges agreed that he was possibly the dark horse of the competition. But his victory took them by surprise because they had firmly backed favourite Adam Lambert to win. It would appear that Kris was also taken by surprise by his victory given his reaction when he was announced as the winner of the show by Ryan Seacrest.