CELEBRITIES

Kris Allen

Kris Allen

BIO

Winner of the eighth season of American Idol, Allen beat out fellow contestant Adam Lambert to claim the title previously held by David Cook.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Ark., Allen was musically inclined from a young age, skilled at the guitar, viola, piano and ukulele. He pursued a business degree at the University of Central Arkansas, though he dropped out to follow his dream of a professional music career.

In September 2008, Allen married his girlfriend of seven years, high school sweetheart Katy O'Connell. Throughout the Idol competition, Allen often played his own instruments, putting new twists on songs like Kanye West's "Heartless" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine."

After Ryan Seacrest declared Allen the winner in May 2009, the singer released his debut single, "No Boundaries," which debuted at No. 27 on Billboard’s Hot Adult Contemporary Chart.

Allen released his self-titled debut album in November 2009. The song "Live Like We're Dying" peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

LATEST NEWS

Kris Allen news

See Who Made Us' 2009 Hot Hollywood List!

Monday – November 16, 2009 – 2:36pm
Kris Allen news

Hear Idol Winner Kris Allen's New Single!

Tuesday – September 22, 2009 – 10:39am
Kris Allen news

Contestants React to Paula Abdul Leaving American Idol

Wednesday – August 05, 2009 – 4:58pm
Kris Allen news

Adam Lambert: "A Weight Has Been Lifted off My Shoulders"

Friday – June 12, 2009 – 11:55am
Kris Allen news

Idol's Adam Lambert Signs Record Deal

Tuesday – June 09, 2009 – 9:14am

SEE ALL KRIS ALLEN NEWS »

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