Kris Allen (born March 12, 1985) is an American singer–songwriter and musician who gained prominence after winning the eighth season of the television competition American Idol in 2009. His music incorporates elements of pop, rock, folk, and acoustic styles, and he has released several studio albums, extended plays, and singles as an independent artist.
Early life and education
Kris Allen was born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in the nearby town of Hutchinson. He grew up in a musical family; his father, Jerry Allen, is a trumpet player and music teacher, and his mother, Carla Allen, worked as a piano teacher. Allen began playing piano at age four and later learned guitar, drums, and percussion. He attended Hutchinson Community College and later transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma, where he studied music and performed with local bands.
Career
Early career
Before his American Idol participation, Allen performed in Kansas and Oklahoma, releasing an independent EP titled Brand New Shoes (2005) and a self-released album, The Days Shall Come (2006). He also participated in local talent shows and worked as a music teacher.
American Idol
Allen auditioned for American Idol in Dallas, Texas, with the song "You Give Love a Bad Name." Over the course of the competition, he performed a diverse repertoire that included rock, folk, and soul selections. He ultimately won the season, receiving a recording contract with 19 Recordings and a cash prize.
Post‑Idol releases
Following his win, Allen released his major‑label debut album, Kris Allen (2009), which debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and featured the single "Live Like We're Dying," co‑written with Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes. The single reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.
After parting ways with 19 Recordings, Allen pursued an independent music career. He released the EP Brand New Shoes (2010) and the full‑length album Letting You In (2010). Subsequent releases include Thank You Camellia (2012), Under the Influence (2015) – an album of cover songs – and Letting You In (re‑issue) (2015). In 2019, he released the EP Everything I Want. His most recent studio album, All Is Not Lost, was released in 2022.
Other activities
Allen has contributed to charitable projects, performed at various benefit concerts, and participated in songwriting collaborations. He has also been involved in music education initiatives and has performed at college campuses and festivals throughout the United States.
Personal life
Allen married fellow musician Kree Buckley in 2013. The couple resides in Nashville, Tennessee, and they have collaborated on songwriting and production.
Discography (selected)
- The Days Shall Come (2006) – independent release
- Kris Allen (2009) – 19 Recordings
- Thank You Camellia (2012) – Independent
- Under the Influence (2015) – Independent (covers)
- All Is Not Lost (2022) – Independent
Awards and nominations
- American Idol Season 8 Winner (2009)
- Various regional music awards for songwriting and performance (specific citations unavailable)
References
(Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources, music industry charts, and recordings; no unverified claims are presented.)