Showing posts with label Adam Lambert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adam Lambert. Show all posts
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and David Cook sing "Little Lies"
Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and David Cook sing Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies", Live in Central Park on Good Morning America9.
The American Idols Top 10 perform "Don't Stop Believing" live
The American Idols Season 8 Top 10 perform "Don't Stop Believing" live on the American Idols Live Tour. Matt Giraud and Scott MacIntyre lead on piano and the rest of the Top 10 including winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert take turns.
Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Alison Iraheta: Elle magazine shoot and interviews
ELLE Magazine's Joe Zee styles American Idol's Alison Iraheta, Kris Allen, and Adam Lambert
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Kradison performs "Crazy" Live!
American Idol Season 8's Kris Allen, Adam Lambert
, and Allison Iraheta
sing "Crazy" at the Kradison concert in NYC (2/12/10)
, and Allison Iraheta sing "Crazy" at the Kradison concert in NYC (2/12/10)Friday, January 8, 2010
Randy Jackson says no Adam Lambert or Kris Allen clones on next American Idol
There won't be anyone quite like Adam Lambert on the next season of "American Idol."
Easygoing "Idol" judge Randy Jackson told reporters during a Friday teleconference that he expected to see clones of the over-the-top eighth season runner-up or even croony champion Kris Allen show up to audition for the Fox talent competition's ninth season, which premieres Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), but there were none to be found this time around.
"Usually, whoever comes in first or second, that next season of auditions, you have a lot of those kinds of people," he said. "It's almost like a signal to everyone at home that was like them that now it's time to try out for 'American Idol.' It didn't happen like that this time. We got a very interesting, unique cast that's only unique to this season nine."
Jackson, who serves on the judging panel with Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres, said audition cities Dallas and Atlanta offered singers with the most starpower while Orlando, Fla., was "really strange" in terms of finding talent. He also said he was on the lookout for female crooners because the past two winners have been male.
"I think there's some really talented girls that showed up this time," he said.
Easygoing "Idol" judge Randy Jackson told reporters during a Friday teleconference that he expected to see clones of the over-the-top eighth season runner-up or even croony champion Kris Allen show up to audition for the Fox talent competition's ninth season, which premieres Tuesday (8 p.m. EST), but there were none to be found this time around.
"Usually, whoever comes in first or second, that next season of auditions, you have a lot of those kinds of people," he said. "It's almost like a signal to everyone at home that was like them that now it's time to try out for 'American Idol.' It didn't happen like that this time. We got a very interesting, unique cast that's only unique to this season nine."
Jackson, who serves on the judging panel with Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres, said audition cities Dallas and Atlanta offered singers with the most starpower while Orlando, Fla., was "really strange" in terms of finding talent. He also said he was on the lookout for female crooners because the past two winners have been male.
"I think there's some really talented girls that showed up this time," he said.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Billboard CD reviews: Kris Allen and Adam Lambert
ARTIST: KRIS ALLEN
ALBUM: KRIS ALLEN (19/Jive Records)
In a way, the media buzz surrounding Adam Lambert could be a blessing for Kris Allen. Unlike most "American Idol" winners, he's a perpetual underdog who mustn't live up to hype so much as defy reserved expectations. Allen does this with ease on his self-titled debut, continuing in the guitar-driven pop direction he established in the spring while sounding supremely confident. It's a wonder why the song "The Truth" wasn't chosen as the Arkansas singer-songwriter's first single, since it has the kind of anthemic thrust he'll need to please fans while recruiting new ones. The track "Before We Come Undone" boasts one of the album's catchiest hooks, while a Salaam Remi-produced version of his much-praised cover of Kanye West's "Heartless" throbs with a hip-hop backbeat. Allen doesn't straddle genres and octaves like "AI" runner-up Lambert, but he did co-write the majority of his album -- a rarity for an "Idol" -- and he overdelivers on the promise he showed on TV.
ARTIST: ADAM LAMBERT
ALBUM: FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT (19/RCA Records)
It doesn't rewrite (in hot-pink glitter ink) the entire rule book on what a pop record can be. But Adam Lambert's debut album, "For Your Entertainment," is still the most audacious, confident debut yet from a former "American Idol" contestant. And that's not even the best thing about the release, which includes writing and production contributions from a sizable portion of the top 40 A-list. Lambert's vocals were a thing of scenery-chewing wonder on "Idol," and here he successfully showcases the full range of his remarkable instrument, from skyscraping glam-rock sneer ("Music Again") to lush future-soul croon ("Broken Open"). Even when the material doesn't rise to the occasion -- as in the aptly titled "Sleepwalker," penned by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic -- Lambert's singing gives the music a tactile sensuality. Not surprisingly, considering the expectations surrounding the album and its hasty mode of manufacture, "For Your Entertainment" can feel scattered and shallower than it should. Even so, it practically vibrates with pleasure.
ALBUM: KRIS ALLEN (19/Jive Records)
In a way, the media buzz surrounding Adam Lambert could be a blessing for Kris Allen. Unlike most "American Idol" winners, he's a perpetual underdog who mustn't live up to hype so much as defy reserved expectations. Allen does this with ease on his self-titled debut, continuing in the guitar-driven pop direction he established in the spring while sounding supremely confident. It's a wonder why the song "The Truth" wasn't chosen as the Arkansas singer-songwriter's first single, since it has the kind of anthemic thrust he'll need to please fans while recruiting new ones. The track "Before We Come Undone" boasts one of the album's catchiest hooks, while a Salaam Remi-produced version of his much-praised cover of Kanye West's "Heartless" throbs with a hip-hop backbeat. Allen doesn't straddle genres and octaves like "AI" runner-up Lambert, but he did co-write the majority of his album -- a rarity for an "Idol" -- and he overdelivers on the promise he showed on TV.
ARTIST: ADAM LAMBERT
ALBUM: FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT (19/RCA Records)
It doesn't rewrite (in hot-pink glitter ink) the entire rule book on what a pop record can be. But Adam Lambert's debut album, "For Your Entertainment," is still the most audacious, confident debut yet from a former "American Idol" contestant. And that's not even the best thing about the release, which includes writing and production contributions from a sizable portion of the top 40 A-list. Lambert's vocals were a thing of scenery-chewing wonder on "Idol," and here he successfully showcases the full range of his remarkable instrument, from skyscraping glam-rock sneer ("Music Again") to lush future-soul croon ("Broken Open"). Even when the material doesn't rise to the occasion -- as in the aptly titled "Sleepwalker," penned by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic -- Lambert's singing gives the music a tactile sensuality. Not surprisingly, considering the expectations surrounding the album and its hasty mode of manufacture, "For Your Entertainment" can feel scattered and shallower than it should. Even so, it practically vibrates with pleasure.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
American Idol winner Kris Allen rings in new year on Fox special
As the seconds ticked down on New Year’s Eve 2008, Kris Allen was hosting a party at which someone’s pants caught fire.
Any blowout involving scorched trousers is a memorable one, but the reigning “American Idol” winner has upped the ante with his plans this year.
Allen and fellow “Idol” finalist Allison Iraheta are among the performers singing live from the Las Vegas Strip as part of “Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live”
Host Carmen Electra will be joined by Eva Longoria Parker and Kim Kardashian, among others, during the 90-minute broadcast.
It’ll be the first time Allen has visited Sin City, and despite his musical background, it’ll be the first time he’s ever performed on New Year’s Eve. It’s certainly a step up from the gathering on the roof deck of his house, where last year’s flammable soiree took place. Given the legendary reputation of Vegas as the party capital of the planet, the 24-year-old musician holds high expectations.
“I’m excited about it,” Allen said during a recent conference call with reporters. “I’ve never actually been to Vegas. This is going to be fun for me. I heard it’ll be the best time I’ll ever have.”
His New Year’s Eve plans traditionally have been more quiet. “I usually go to my mom’s house, and she always makes cabbage and black-eyed peas or something like that,” Allen said. “She always makes those things for some reason. It’s supposed to be good luck for the rest of the year.”
Does the Arkansas nice guy fear he’ll be out of his element?
“We’ll see what happens. I’m going to have a good time, I can promise you that, and it doesn’t matter where I’m at. I’m going to have a good time.”
The married musician knocked around his hometown of Conway, Ark., before running the season eight Idol gauntlet, eventually besting outrageous third rail Adam Lambert.
Last month, Lambert ruffled feathers with his performance on the “American Music Awards” broadcast when he kissed a male keyboardist, grinded a dancer’s head against his crotch and grabbed the unmentionables of another. The fallout included canceled performances and criticism from conservative groups, but Allen doesn’t think the controversy will derail his one-time competitor’s career.
“Anybody that knows him is not surprised at all,” he said. “(And) obviously, it hasn’t hurt him.”
Allen has been busy post-“Idol.” There have been countless performances, press conferences and the release of his debut album on 19 Recordings/Jive Records.
“I feel like I’ve started to really learn a lot of stuff,” he said. “When you go through all this, I feel like I’ve started to learn exactly who I want to be as an artist and all of that. It (American Idol) has opened more doors to new music for me. I’ve been listening to new stuff that I wasn’t listening to back then.”
To term it a whirlwind seven months later might be an understatement, but the more pressing issues demanding Allen’s attention include choosing a set list for his New Year’s Eve performance and deciding how to spend 2010.
“For me, it’s just work harder on music stuff, just writing and performing and all that,” he said. “That’s my resolution.”
Any blowout involving scorched trousers is a memorable one, but the reigning “American Idol” winner has upped the ante with his plans this year.
Allen and fellow “Idol” finalist Allison Iraheta are among the performers singing live from the Las Vegas Strip as part of “Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live”
Host Carmen Electra will be joined by Eva Longoria Parker and Kim Kardashian, among others, during the 90-minute broadcast.
It’ll be the first time Allen has visited Sin City, and despite his musical background, it’ll be the first time he’s ever performed on New Year’s Eve. It’s certainly a step up from the gathering on the roof deck of his house, where last year’s flammable soiree took place. Given the legendary reputation of Vegas as the party capital of the planet, the 24-year-old musician holds high expectations.
“I’m excited about it,” Allen said during a recent conference call with reporters. “I’ve never actually been to Vegas. This is going to be fun for me. I heard it’ll be the best time I’ll ever have.”
His New Year’s Eve plans traditionally have been more quiet. “I usually go to my mom’s house, and she always makes cabbage and black-eyed peas or something like that,” Allen said. “She always makes those things for some reason. It’s supposed to be good luck for the rest of the year.”
Does the Arkansas nice guy fear he’ll be out of his element?
“We’ll see what happens. I’m going to have a good time, I can promise you that, and it doesn’t matter where I’m at. I’m going to have a good time.”
The married musician knocked around his hometown of Conway, Ark., before running the season eight Idol gauntlet, eventually besting outrageous third rail Adam Lambert.
Last month, Lambert ruffled feathers with his performance on the “American Music Awards” broadcast when he kissed a male keyboardist, grinded a dancer’s head against his crotch and grabbed the unmentionables of another. The fallout included canceled performances and criticism from conservative groups, but Allen doesn’t think the controversy will derail his one-time competitor’s career.
“Anybody that knows him is not surprised at all,” he said. “(And) obviously, it hasn’t hurt him.”
Allen has been busy post-“Idol.” There have been countless performances, press conferences and the release of his debut album on 19 Recordings/Jive Records.
“I feel like I’ve started to really learn a lot of stuff,” he said. “When you go through all this, I feel like I’ve started to learn exactly who I want to be as an artist and all of that. It (American Idol) has opened more doors to new music for me. I’ve been listening to new stuff that I wasn’t listening to back then.”
To term it a whirlwind seven months later might be an understatement, but the more pressing issues demanding Allen’s attention include choosing a set list for his New Year’s Eve performance and deciding how to spend 2010.
“For me, it’s just work harder on music stuff, just writing and performing and all that,” he said. “That’s my resolution.”
Monday, December 28, 2009
Toronto Star's 10 most important works of the decade: No. 4, American Idol
We asked our critics and our readers to vote for the 10 most important works of the decade. We count down to No. 1 as we approach Dec. 31.
I asked Kris Allen, the 2009 American Idol, why people like the show so much.
"I think the beauty about American Idol is that it takes people that they can relate to, that maybe acts like a friend of theirs, or has the same job or something like that, and makes them into rock stars or country stars or pop stars," said the 24-year-old from Conway, Ark.
The man's bang on. The rags-to-riches story, after all, is a persistent cultural cliché. But instead of commoners rising to royalty, we have a farm girl from Oklahoma becoming a country mega-star (Carrie Underwood), or the girl from a small Texas town who used to sing in bars and now sells millions of pop records (Kelly Clarkson), or the Arkansas church music director who got to play on the same New York stage The Beatles once rocked (Allen).
You don't even have to win the reality singing competition to become famous: think Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, rocker Chris Daughtry, Broadway lead Constantine Maroulis or glam pop-rock sensation Adam Lambert.
Idol contestants come in all shapes, sizes, races, sexual orientations, ages (from 16 to 30), abilities (contestant Scott MacIntyre was blind); they're from small towns and big cities; they're a little bit country or a little bit rock 'n' roll, and everything in between.
Of course, the same could be said of plenty of U.S. reality shows that don't pull anywhere near Idol's viewership.
Its ratings are down, as are most network TV shows', but Idol still beats the competition every Tuesday and Wednesday that it airs. Just under 29 million watched Allen win over Lambert on the May finale.
But Idol's not just about numbers. It has become part of the zeitgeist since it debuted in June 2002 as a spinoff of the British show Pop Idol.
Idol's genius, in an era in which we simultaneously adulate and denigrate our celebrities, lies in combining the mythology of the American dream with a healthy dose of schadenfreude.
It starts with the audition shows, when just enough delusional, tone-deaf applicants are mixed in with the true talents to give the viewers something to laugh at.
As some are knocked down, others get built up.
By the time contestants have made it through the pressure cooker of Hollywood Week, when a couple of hundred wannabes are cut to 36 semi-finalists or less, viewers are finding their favourites: the people they'll cheer on and vote for.
And therein lies one of Idol's main attractions: viewers' ability not only to watch stars being born but to take an active part in the transition.
Throw renditions of hit songs into the mix, and the interplay between contestants, judges and host Ryan Seacrest, and you've got a hit.
Challenges lie ahead, however. The show has already lost popular judge Paula Abdul although replacement Ellen DeGeneres should maintain viewers' interest.
But will it survive the reputed departure of the most popular judge, bitingly honest Brit Simon Cowell?
I asked Kris Allen, the 2009 American Idol, why people like the show so much.
"I think the beauty about American Idol is that it takes people that they can relate to, that maybe acts like a friend of theirs, or has the same job or something like that, and makes them into rock stars or country stars or pop stars," said the 24-year-old from Conway, Ark.
The man's bang on. The rags-to-riches story, after all, is a persistent cultural cliché. But instead of commoners rising to royalty, we have a farm girl from Oklahoma becoming a country mega-star (Carrie Underwood), or the girl from a small Texas town who used to sing in bars and now sells millions of pop records (Kelly Clarkson), or the Arkansas church music director who got to play on the same New York stage The Beatles once rocked (Allen).
You don't even have to win the reality singing competition to become famous: think Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, rocker Chris Daughtry, Broadway lead Constantine Maroulis or glam pop-rock sensation Adam Lambert.
Idol contestants come in all shapes, sizes, races, sexual orientations, ages (from 16 to 30), abilities (contestant Scott MacIntyre was blind); they're from small towns and big cities; they're a little bit country or a little bit rock 'n' roll, and everything in between.
Of course, the same could be said of plenty of U.S. reality shows that don't pull anywhere near Idol's viewership.
Its ratings are down, as are most network TV shows', but Idol still beats the competition every Tuesday and Wednesday that it airs. Just under 29 million watched Allen win over Lambert on the May finale.
But Idol's not just about numbers. It has become part of the zeitgeist since it debuted in June 2002 as a spinoff of the British show Pop Idol.
Idol's genius, in an era in which we simultaneously adulate and denigrate our celebrities, lies in combining the mythology of the American dream with a healthy dose of schadenfreude.
It starts with the audition shows, when just enough delusional, tone-deaf applicants are mixed in with the true talents to give the viewers something to laugh at.
As some are knocked down, others get built up.
By the time contestants have made it through the pressure cooker of Hollywood Week, when a couple of hundred wannabes are cut to 36 semi-finalists or less, viewers are finding their favourites: the people they'll cheer on and vote for.
And therein lies one of Idol's main attractions: viewers' ability not only to watch stars being born but to take an active part in the transition.
Throw renditions of hit songs into the mix, and the interplay between contestants, judges and host Ryan Seacrest, and you've got a hit.
Challenges lie ahead, however. The show has already lost popular judge Paula Abdul although replacement Ellen DeGeneres should maintain viewers' interest.
But will it survive the reputed departure of the most popular judge, bitingly honest Brit Simon Cowell?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Kris Allen to Reunite With Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert in NYC
Kris Allen will be hitting New York City's stage with his fellow "American Idol" alum, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert. The revelation was made as Ryan Seacrest's "Ryan, Rock My Town" contest unveiled the Big Apple as the city with the most demand for the reunion concert.
NYC came up first, beating Allen's hometown Little Rock. The city that never sleeps took the lead of the online voting in mid-November with over 7,000 demands. The details on when and where the concert will be held are yet to be disclosed, but are promised to be announced soon by Ryan Seacrest.
This free gig will be the first reunion concert for Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta and post 2009 Idol Summer Tour, which was wrapped on September 15 at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. All three singers have all come out with their own debut album. Adam released "For Your Entertainment" on November 23, Allison debuted "Just Like You" on December 1, and Kris put out "Kris Allen
" on November 17.
NYC came up first, beating Allen's hometown Little Rock. The city that never sleeps took the lead of the online voting in mid-November with over 7,000 demands. The details on when and where the concert will be held are yet to be disclosed, but are promised to be announced soon by Ryan Seacrest.
This free gig will be the first reunion concert for Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta and post 2009 Idol Summer Tour, which was wrapped on September 15 at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. All three singers have all come out with their own debut album. Adam released "For Your Entertainment
" on November 23, Allison debuted "Just Like You" on December 1, and Kris put out "Kris Allen" on November 17.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Bring Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta to YOUR Town!
Does your city always get skipped during major concert tours!? Here's your chance to bring a one of a kind lineup directly to your city or town!
Ryan has American Idol’s Adam Lambert
, Kris Allen
and Allison Iraheta
ready to perform live for the city with the most DEMANDS.
To submit your vote for Kris, Adam and Allison to come to your town, click on the banner! Don't forget to send all your friends and family to the Kris Allen Blog to vote - the town or city with the most votes wins the free concert! One vote per person.
Ryan has American Idol’s Adam Lambert
, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta ready to perform live for the city with the most DEMANDS.To submit your vote for Kris, Adam and Allison to come to your town, click on the banner! Don't forget to send all your friends and family to the Kris Allen Blog to vote - the town or city with the most votes wins the free concert! One vote per person.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Kris Allen won't be eclipsed by Adam Lambert, Fans Insist
Sometimes, good guys do finish first. That's what supporters of "American Idol" winner Kris Allen believe on the eve of the debut release from last season's soft-spoken champion.
With Allen's album due Tuesday, the long journey from surprise winner to young man on the cusp of superstardom is just beginning. Though, in typical Allen fashion, the buildup to his musical debut has been much more subtle than the fireworks and silver lip-gloss barrage of news and images from runner-up Adam Lambert.
In fact, until the leak of Allen's album last month, the premature release of snippets of his songs two weeks ago and the recent debut of his big budget-looking first video, news about Lambert appeared to be vastly overshadowing updates on the guy who actually took the "Idol" crown all those many months ago.
"Absolutely, I've noticed the discrepancy in coverage," said Josh Jenkins, a friend of Allen's and webmaster of a fan site. "Am I surprised? Not at all. The media deals in extremes, in controversy, and Adam is certainly that. Kris' boy-next-door image isn't extraordinary. In fact, I'm sure we all know plenty of nice guys who resemble Kris. But one could argue, of course, the fact that Kris is ordinary is what makes his success more remarkable than Adam's."
Jenkins said he was not bothered by the seeming media bias leading up to the release of Allen's debut, because he believes the married Arkansas, native with the quiet, polite demeanor has the chops to release multiple albums and build up a solid fanbase. "If his music is any good, then the coverage, the fanbase and the critical acclaim will take care of itself," he said.
Those sentiments were echoed by MJ Santilli, the founder of a popular "Idol" blog, who said she'd noticed the coverage discrepancy, along with Allen's fans. "The media seems to be in love with Adam, as they were all through the competition," she said of the musical-theater belter whose flashy goth/ club-kid style and coy reveal of his sexuality has earned him practically nonstop coverage since "Idol" wrapped at the beginning of summer. "He's a big, colorful personality with an interesting backstory. He's mad talented. It will be interesting to see if he'll live up to the hype and become the superstar some in the media are predicting."
Allen, on the other hand, is the low-key type who appears to shy from the limelight almost as much as Lambert is drawn to it, even as he has begun doing more interviews and appearances to promote the album over the past few weeks. "His project, on the surface, seems more conventional than Adam's, and his collaborators aren't quite as sexy," she said of such Lambert ringers as Lady Gaga, Muse and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. Allen, on the other hand, has written with less splashy collaborators such as the Fray's Joe King, Switchfoot's Jon Foreman and former "Idol" finalist Chris Daughtry, whose song "Send Me Down an Angel" will be a bonus track on the Wal-Mart version of Allen's album. "However, I still think it's going to all come down to the records Adam and Kris put out. In Adam's case, the hype surrounding him will help him, but it won't guarantee success."
One reason Allen's first single, "Live Like We're Dying," might not have gotten as much breathless hype as Lambert's first two songs — the "2012" super-ballad "Time for Miracles" and the glitter-sprinkled, dance-remix-ready title track "For Your Entertainment" — is because Allen's song is yet another cover. That's the theory espoused by Derrius Lockett, webmaster of an Allen-centric website, who likes Allen's do-over of the tune by Irish pop band the Script but was hoping for an original for the first single. "Live Like We're Dying" has gotten a solid, if slow, start on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, resting at #92 at press time after hitting #89 following its release and settling in at #38 on the current top 40 chart. By contrast, Lambert's "Miracles" debuted at #50 on the Hot 100 two weeks ago before falling out of the running, while "For Your Entertainment" has not yet charted.
"We, the fans, just wanted something new," he said. "As for Adam, I think it's just because he has all these star friends like Katy Perry, Ferras and many others. He even went to the Michael Jackson premiere in London with Katy Perry, where he could talk about his new song — which I do love — and CD, [and] before that he did the announcement for the American Music Awards, which I think Kris should have done."
Lockett lamented that the only places he's seen Allen are at a recent Miami Dolphins football game and some other scattered appearances that don't add up to the blitz from Lambert. That said, "Kris has the star potential, too, and I think his CD will be #1 on the charts," Lockett predicted.
With Allen's album due Tuesday, the long journey from surprise winner to young man on the cusp of superstardom is just beginning. Though, in typical Allen fashion, the buildup to his musical debut has been much more subtle than the fireworks and silver lip-gloss barrage of news and images from runner-up Adam Lambert.
In fact, until the leak of Allen's album last month, the premature release of snippets of his songs two weeks ago and the recent debut of his big budget-looking first video, news about Lambert appeared to be vastly overshadowing updates on the guy who actually took the "Idol" crown all those many months ago.
"Absolutely, I've noticed the discrepancy in coverage," said Josh Jenkins, a friend of Allen's and webmaster of a fan site. "Am I surprised? Not at all. The media deals in extremes, in controversy, and Adam is certainly that. Kris' boy-next-door image isn't extraordinary. In fact, I'm sure we all know plenty of nice guys who resemble Kris. But one could argue, of course, the fact that Kris is ordinary is what makes his success more remarkable than Adam's."
Jenkins said he was not bothered by the seeming media bias leading up to the release of Allen's debut, because he believes the married Arkansas, native with the quiet, polite demeanor has the chops to release multiple albums and build up a solid fanbase. "If his music is any good, then the coverage, the fanbase and the critical acclaim will take care of itself," he said.
Those sentiments were echoed by MJ Santilli, the founder of a popular "Idol" blog, who said she'd noticed the coverage discrepancy, along with Allen's fans. "The media seems to be in love with Adam, as they were all through the competition," she said of the musical-theater belter whose flashy goth/ club-kid style and coy reveal of his sexuality has earned him practically nonstop coverage since "Idol" wrapped at the beginning of summer. "He's a big, colorful personality with an interesting backstory. He's mad talented. It will be interesting to see if he'll live up to the hype and become the superstar some in the media are predicting."
Allen, on the other hand, is the low-key type who appears to shy from the limelight almost as much as Lambert is drawn to it, even as he has begun doing more interviews and appearances to promote the album over the past few weeks. "His project, on the surface, seems more conventional than Adam's, and his collaborators aren't quite as sexy," she said of such Lambert ringers as Lady Gaga, Muse and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. Allen, on the other hand, has written with less splashy collaborators such as the Fray's Joe King, Switchfoot's Jon Foreman and former "Idol" finalist Chris Daughtry, whose song "Send Me Down an Angel" will be a bonus track on the Wal-Mart version of Allen's album. "However, I still think it's going to all come down to the records Adam and Kris put out. In Adam's case, the hype surrounding him will help him, but it won't guarantee success."
One reason Allen's first single, "Live Like We're Dying," might not have gotten as much breathless hype as Lambert's first two songs — the "2012" super-ballad "Time for Miracles" and the glitter-sprinkled, dance-remix-ready title track "For Your Entertainment" — is because Allen's song is yet another cover. That's the theory espoused by Derrius Lockett, webmaster of an Allen-centric website, who likes Allen's do-over of the tune by Irish pop band the Script but was hoping for an original for the first single. "Live Like We're Dying" has gotten a solid, if slow, start on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, resting at #92 at press time after hitting #89 following its release and settling in at #38 on the current top 40 chart. By contrast, Lambert's "Miracles" debuted at #50 on the Hot 100 two weeks ago before falling out of the running, while "For Your Entertainment" has not yet charted.
"We, the fans, just wanted something new," he said. "As for Adam, I think it's just because he has all these star friends like Katy Perry, Ferras and many others. He even went to the Michael Jackson premiere in London with Katy Perry, where he could talk about his new song — which I do love — and CD, [and] before that he did the announcement for the American Music Awards, which I think Kris should have done."
Lockett lamented that the only places he's seen Allen are at a recent Miami Dolphins football game and some other scattered appearances that don't add up to the blitz from Lambert. That said, "Kris has the star potential, too, and I think his CD will be #1 on the charts," Lockett predicted.
American Idol winner Kris Allen remains humble on new album
Kris Allen knows he's not garnering as much attention as Adam Lambert — and that's OK with him.
Since foiling Lambert at the "American Idol" finale last May, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Conway, Ark., has not appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and declared he's gay. His music can't be heard during the credits of the apocalyptic action flick "2012." And you won't find him posing in a racy Details photo shoot with a naked woman.
"I don't mind," an always modest Allen says while perched in "Idol" overlord Simon Fuller's quiet office 10 stories above the Sunset Strip. "I think that's how I went through the competition as well. I did my thing, and it worked out. And that's how I'm going to do my music career. I'm just going to do my thing, what I like to do, and hopefully it works out."
His thing now is his self-titled album, which comes out Tuesday, a week before Lambert's "For Your Entertainment" is scheduled for release. As one might expect after watching his soulful "Idol" renditions of Kanye West's "Heartless" and "Falling Slowly" from the indie musical "Once," Allen's album is filled with melodic ballads and toe-tapping rock tunes.
Allen teamed with experienced producers like Toby Gad, Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton and Saalam Remi, but contributed more than just his voice and guitar-and-piano-playing prowess. Allen's name appears on the songwriting credits for all but four of the album's 13 songs — including "Red Guitar," a ditty Allen wrote for his wife, Katy, before his "Idol" run.
"I bought my wife a red guitar for her birthday a long time ago, hoping that she would play it," he says. "She never learned how, so it became a wall decoration in our apartment. One day, I took it off the wall and started playing it, and just started writing a song that ended up being about the guitar itself, which was not the greatest guitar in the world."
His beaming wife's face became a constant presence in the audience during Allen's "Idol" tenure, a move that judge Simon Cowell teased at risk of scaring off female fans. Throughout the post-"Idol" zaniness — the tour! the recording! the trip to Disney World! — Allen says she's kept him fully grounded and embraced their move from Arkansas to La La Land.
Allen admits he doesn't mind being mobbed by fans in public because "people are usually nice about it." But he's still not totally comfortable with on-camera interviews, despite some post-"Idol" media training. His goofy nice-guy demeanor remains refreshing, even when the chime from a friend's rather coarse text message interrupts the interview.
"If I just had one word to describe this entire experience, it would be nuts," Allen says. "It's just nuts going from being a happily married guy into the music industry and this crazy world of entertainment. But in the end, I get to do exactly what I like to do, and that's make music. That's what makes me happy. That's the thing that has always driven me."
Allen is looking forward to touring with his band next year and hopes to keep an Allen family Christmas tradition going strong this holiday. Every year, Allen's mother gives him and his brother, Daniel, a new pair of pajamas and a board game, which they play — no matter how long it takes — before going to bed. He already knows what game he wants this year.
"The new Monopoly with the big towers," he says, his eyes widening. "You can build cities. It's weird."
Since foiling Lambert at the "American Idol" finale last May, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Conway, Ark., has not appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and declared he's gay. His music can't be heard during the credits of the apocalyptic action flick "2012." And you won't find him posing in a racy Details photo shoot with a naked woman.
"I don't mind," an always modest Allen says while perched in "Idol" overlord Simon Fuller's quiet office 10 stories above the Sunset Strip. "I think that's how I went through the competition as well. I did my thing, and it worked out. And that's how I'm going to do my music career. I'm just going to do my thing, what I like to do, and hopefully it works out."
His thing now is his self-titled album, which comes out Tuesday, a week before Lambert's "For Your Entertainment" is scheduled for release. As one might expect after watching his soulful "Idol" renditions of Kanye West's "Heartless" and "Falling Slowly" from the indie musical "Once," Allen's album is filled with melodic ballads and toe-tapping rock tunes.
Allen teamed with experienced producers like Toby Gad, Steve Kipner, Andrew Frampton and Saalam Remi, but contributed more than just his voice and guitar-and-piano-playing prowess. Allen's name appears on the songwriting credits for all but four of the album's 13 songs — including "Red Guitar," a ditty Allen wrote for his wife, Katy, before his "Idol" run.
"I bought my wife a red guitar for her birthday a long time ago, hoping that she would play it," he says. "She never learned how, so it became a wall decoration in our apartment. One day, I took it off the wall and started playing it, and just started writing a song that ended up being about the guitar itself, which was not the greatest guitar in the world."
His beaming wife's face became a constant presence in the audience during Allen's "Idol" tenure, a move that judge Simon Cowell teased at risk of scaring off female fans. Throughout the post-"Idol" zaniness — the tour! the recording! the trip to Disney World! — Allen says she's kept him fully grounded and embraced their move from Arkansas to La La Land.
Allen admits he doesn't mind being mobbed by fans in public because "people are usually nice about it." But he's still not totally comfortable with on-camera interviews, despite some post-"Idol" media training. His goofy nice-guy demeanor remains refreshing, even when the chime from a friend's rather coarse text message interrupts the interview.
"If I just had one word to describe this entire experience, it would be nuts," Allen says. "It's just nuts going from being a happily married guy into the music industry and this crazy world of entertainment. But in the end, I get to do exactly what I like to do, and that's make music. That's what makes me happy. That's the thing that has always driven me."
Allen is looking forward to touring with his band next year and hopes to keep an Allen family Christmas tradition going strong this holiday. Every year, Allen's mother gives him and his brother, Daniel, a new pair of pajamas and a board game, which they play — no matter how long it takes — before going to bed. He already knows what game he wants this year.
"The new Monopoly with the big towers," he says, his eyes widening. "You can build cities. It's weird."
Friday, November 13, 2009
Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta Illustrate Personal Styles In Elle
Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert all certainly have very distinct senses of style. So when the trio of "American Idol" stars teamed up for an Elle magazine photo shoot, they each got to express their individual sense of fashion. And, yes, that means that Lambert was wearing eyeliner and spiky platforms.
Lambert appears in the spread all dolled up in a glam suit posing with a microphone. "Accessories were the big thing for Adam," Elle creative director (and "The City" regular) Joe Zee says in his A to Zee column in the December issue.
"He's got a classic uniform of nonconformity," Zee continued about Lambert's look. "But I wanted the finishing touches to make his look a look. Think dangerous: chainmail scarf, link-chain gloves, spiked boots."
Just to illustrate the contrast of the singers' styles, Zee dressed Allen in Lambert-style wings and platforms — a look the "Idol" winner clearly can't pull off. But in the real spread, Allen embraces his "soulful quality" in a tie, vest and skinny black pants, holding an acoustic guitar. "He's like a young Chris Isaak who can sing in a stadium and make every person feel like it's a one-on-one performance," Zee wrote.
As for the only lady in the group, Zee wanted to keep Iraheta's personal aesthetic alive and make sure her rocker spirit was captured in the photos, dressing her in a figure-hugging one-sleeve dress and leopard-print ankle boots. "I'm very inspired by girl rockers," Zee explained, "especially a young Courtney Love and Grace Slick, and mixed kick-ass sexy with the toughness of her attitude and the music."
Lambert appears in the spread all dolled up in a glam suit posing with a microphone. "Accessories were the big thing for Adam," Elle creative director (and "The City" regular) Joe Zee says in his A to Zee column in the December issue.
"He's got a classic uniform of nonconformity," Zee continued about Lambert's look. "But I wanted the finishing touches to make his look a look. Think dangerous: chainmail scarf, link-chain gloves, spiked boots."
Just to illustrate the contrast of the singers' styles, Zee dressed Allen in Lambert-style wings and platforms — a look the "Idol" winner clearly can't pull off. But in the real spread, Allen embraces his "soulful quality" in a tie, vest and skinny black pants, holding an acoustic guitar. "He's like a young Chris Isaak who can sing in a stadium and make every person feel like it's a one-on-one performance," Zee wrote.
As for the only lady in the group, Zee wanted to keep Iraheta's personal aesthetic alive and make sure her rocker spirit was captured in the photos, dressing her in a figure-hugging one-sleeve dress and leopard-print ankle boots. "I'm very inspired by girl rockers," Zee explained, "especially a young Courtney Love and Grace Slick, and mixed kick-ass sexy with the toughness of her attitude and the music."
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Star in Your own Photoshoot with Adam Lambert
Want to get down with the eyelinered rocker? Enter for a chance to become a superstar for a day as Details and Adam Lambert transform you for a one-on-one photo shoot with the American Idol. Details brings the fashion, Adam brings the fierce — all you need to do is show up!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Kris Allen, Jeff Probst and Cat Deeley to announce People's Choice nominations
Former American Idol finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert have taken their friendly rivalry to a new medium.
The American Idol eighth-season champ, Survivor host Jeff Probst and So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley will announce nominations for the 36th Annual People's Choice Awards on Tuesday morning along with Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara.
Last month, Lambert -- who finished as the runner-up to Allen during Idol's eighth-season finale -- announced the 2009 American Music Awards nominations with Paula Abdul.
Both Allen and Lambert will see their debut albums drop later this month.
Survivor producer Mark Burnett will executive produce the 36th Annual People's Choice Awards, which will air Wednesday, January 6 at 9PM ET/PT on CBS.
The American Idol eighth-season champ, Survivor host Jeff Probst and So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley will announce nominations for the 36th Annual People's Choice Awards on Tuesday morning along with Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara.
Last month, Lambert -- who finished as the runner-up to Allen during Idol's eighth-season finale -- announced the 2009 American Music Awards nominations with Paula Abdul.
Both Allen and Lambert will see their debut albums drop later this month.
Survivor producer Mark Burnett will executive produce the 36th Annual People's Choice Awards, which will air Wednesday, January 6 at 9PM ET/PT on CBS.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Susan Boyle vie for Peoples Choice Award
American Idol’s Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, Daughtry and Carrie Underwood, plus Britain’s Got Talent’s Susan Boyle are all eligible for a 2010 People’s Choice Award. The first round of voting for is now open for fans of their favorite music stars, many of whom got their big break on a reality TV show. There are currently 12 nominees in each category. After the list is whittled down to five, fans will once again have the opportunity to vote for their favorites. The People’s Choice Awards will be held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on January 6, 2010.
So, how many of the People’s Choice initial nominees actually got their big break from a reality TV show? You’d be surprised! In the “Favorite Breakout Artist” category, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Susan Boyle are all up for a potential People’s Choice Award. “Favorite Country Artist” includes Carrie Underwood. This talented country/pop artist is also included in the “Favorite Female Artist” category. Kelly Clarkson’s name shows up as a “Favorite Pop Artist” and Jennifer Hudson falls under the “Favorite R&B Artist.” Finally Chris Daughtry is included as “Favorite Rock Band.”
Just in case you’re not counting, eight alumni from reality TV shows American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent are represented. That’s a pretty good validation that reality TV produces quality stars.
So, how many of the People’s Choice initial nominees actually got their big break from a reality TV show? You’d be surprised! In the “Favorite Breakout Artist” category, Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Susan Boyle are all up for a potential People’s Choice Award. “Favorite Country Artist” includes Carrie Underwood. This talented country/pop artist is also included in the “Favorite Female Artist” category. Kelly Clarkson’s name shows up as a “Favorite Pop Artist” and Jennifer Hudson falls under the “Favorite R&B Artist.” Finally Chris Daughtry is included as “Favorite Rock Band.”
Just in case you’re not counting, eight alumni from reality TV shows American Idol and Britain’s Got Talent are represented. That’s a pretty good validation that reality TV produces quality stars.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
American Idols Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwod, and Kelly Clarkson to perform at AMAs
"American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert is scheduled to perform at the American Music Awards on November 22 (the day before his debut release, "For Your Entertainment," hits stores). Thanks to a new report by People Magazine, it also looks like Lambert will be joined by several alumni from the former reality show.
Grammy-winner Carrie Underwood has signed on to perform at the awards, and she will be joined by Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry. According to AMA producer Larry Klein, "'American Idol' continually produces great talent, and we are looking forward to hosting Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry and Adam."
Also performing at the awards are Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and The Black Eyed Peas. Who are the leaders in terms of nominations? Both Taylor Swift and the late Michael Jackson each have five.
Grammy-winner Carrie Underwood has signed on to perform at the awards, and she will be joined by Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry. According to AMA producer Larry Klein, "'American Idol' continually produces great talent, and we are looking forward to hosting Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry and Adam."
Also performing at the awards are Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and The Black Eyed Peas. Who are the leaders in terms of nominations? Both Taylor Swift and the late Michael Jackson each have five.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta Album Titles Revealed!
The Idoloonies have done it again! Just a week after Kris Allen fans uncovered his album cover art on the Barnes & Noble Web site, a group of die-hard Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta fans found album titles for each of their forthcoming releases posted on Amazon.com.
A rep for 19 Entertainment confirmed to MTV News that Adam Lambert's major label debut is called For Your Entertainment and Allison Iraheta's release is named Just Like You.
Both album names appear to play into each artist's "Idol" persona — Lambert, the ultimate showman and Iraheta, the irresistibly relatable teenage girl. No word yet as to whether their albums will feature songs with those titles.
Iraheta's first single, "Friday I'll Be Over U," leaked online last week and is hitting radio soon. Meanwhile, Lambert told MTV News he was waiting to finish recording before he selected his first single, which should happen sometime this week. In addition, a song he recorded for the movie "2012," called "Time for Miracles," leaked this past weekend, but it is not an album single.
Recently, several Lambert song titles have been confirmed. Producer Rob Cavallo name-checked "Suburban Decay," "Music Again" and "Winners" in an interview with Yahoo! Music, while the current issue of Entertainment Weekly also cites "What Do You Want From Me" (a leftover from Pink's "Funhouse" album, co-written by Max Martin and Pink) and "Loaded Smile," by Adam and Linda Perry. (Rolling Stone reported on a Kara DioGuardi/ Lambert collaboration, "Strut," weeks ago.)
Michael Slezak at EW.com confirmed two Iraheta song titles, separate from her Max Martin-penned single. Fans can expect the Kevin Rudolf-produced "Beat Me Up" and the Iraheta/David Hodges collaboration "You Don't Know Me," which Allison cited as her one of her favorites.
Lambert's For Your Entertainment will drop November 23 and Iraheta's Just Like You will land December 1. Season 8's "Idol" champ, Kris Allen, releases his major-label debut first, on November 17, while Danny Gokey, the only other "Idol" contestant with a record deal, will come out with an album of country-influenced tunes in 2010.
A rep for 19 Entertainment confirmed to MTV News that Adam Lambert's major label debut is called For Your Entertainment and Allison Iraheta's release is named Just Like You.
Both album names appear to play into each artist's "Idol" persona — Lambert, the ultimate showman and Iraheta, the irresistibly relatable teenage girl. No word yet as to whether their albums will feature songs with those titles.
Iraheta's first single, "Friday I'll Be Over U," leaked online last week and is hitting radio soon. Meanwhile, Lambert told MTV News he was waiting to finish recording before he selected his first single, which should happen sometime this week. In addition, a song he recorded for the movie "2012," called "Time for Miracles," leaked this past weekend, but it is not an album single.
Recently, several Lambert song titles have been confirmed. Producer Rob Cavallo name-checked "Suburban Decay," "Music Again" and "Winners" in an interview with Yahoo! Music, while the current issue of Entertainment Weekly also cites "What Do You Want From Me" (a leftover from Pink's "Funhouse" album, co-written by Max Martin and Pink) and "Loaded Smile," by Adam and Linda Perry. (Rolling Stone reported on a Kara DioGuardi/ Lambert collaboration, "Strut," weeks ago.)
Michael Slezak at EW.com confirmed two Iraheta song titles, separate from her Max Martin-penned single. Fans can expect the Kevin Rudolf-produced "Beat Me Up" and the Iraheta/David Hodges collaboration "You Don't Know Me," which Allison cited as her one of her favorites.
Lambert's For Your Entertainment will drop November 23 and Iraheta's Just Like You will land December 1. Season 8's "Idol" champ, Kris Allen, releases his major-label debut first, on November 17, while Danny Gokey, the only other "Idol" contestant with a record deal, will come out with an album of country-influenced tunes in 2010.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
American Music Award nominations announced, Adam Lambert to perform
The American Music Award nominations were announced early today and among the anticipated nominations were also a few surprises and snubs.
Michael Jackson was nominated in five different categories including the Artist of the Year award, leaving some to question the fairness of the nominations. Another big contender and no surprise is Taylor Swift who was nominated in six different categories including Pop/Rock Favorite album. The Kings of Leon and Lady Gaga also picked up a respectable number of nominations.
Perhaps the most prominent artist snubbed was Kanye West being beat out by T.I. for Hip Hop/Rap Album of the year. His behavior at MTV's VMA's is widely speculated to have played a part in the shut out. Taylor Swift, America's princess was interrupted by the outspoken bad boy during her acceptance speech at the VMA's last month.
And another welcome announcement today in regards to the AMA's is that Adam Lambert will be performing what is being coined a "Glammy" single during the show.
The American Music awards are scheduled to air on ABC, Sunday, November 22nd. Online voting begins today.
Michael Jackson was nominated in five different categories including the Artist of the Year award, leaving some to question the fairness of the nominations. Another big contender and no surprise is Taylor Swift who was nominated in six different categories including Pop/Rock Favorite album. The Kings of Leon and Lady Gaga also picked up a respectable number of nominations.
Perhaps the most prominent artist snubbed was Kanye West being beat out by T.I. for Hip Hop/Rap Album of the year. His behavior at MTV's VMA's is widely speculated to have played a part in the shut out. Taylor Swift, America's princess was interrupted by the outspoken bad boy during her acceptance speech at the VMA's last month.
And another welcome announcement today in regards to the AMA's is that Adam Lambert will be performing what is being coined a "Glammy" single during the show.
The American Music awards are scheduled to air on ABC, Sunday, November 22nd. Online voting begins today.
Friday, October 9, 2009
American Idol winner Kris Allen's first single, Live Like We're Dying, is "catchy"
Kris Allen's first post-"American Idol" single, "Live Like We're Dying," is good. It's surprising, and maybe a little jarring at first, if you expected a ballad or a mellow groove with a spare arrangement, like some of Allen's best performances on "American Idol" that paved the way to his Season 8 win.
But "Live Like We're Dying," is very catchy, a bit inspirational (the lyrics are all about seizing the day, and making the most of life and love). Also it's energetic and danceable, with a really grooving, syncopated chorus -- so what's not to like?
This driving rock tune with some tongue-twisting rap is a cover of a (fairly obscure) number by the Irish band, The Script. It's not blockbuster material, but Allen's version erases any notion that he's some wimpy folkie. It's gotten good reviews from Billboard and a few other reputable outlets.
But where's the fanfare here? The hype? The cool video? The official pop single release day is often a Tuesday, to maximize coverage during the week. But word of "Live Like We're Dying" began dribbling out last week, when a short excerpt of showed up on Web sites and Allen started talking about it in interviews.
It was bunched up in middle of the iTunes Top 100 downloads last we looked. But it deserves better. Yet with little advertising, airplay, or sense of occasion so far from Jive Records -- the recording outfit connected with 19 Entertainment, a company led by "Idol" uber-boss Simon Fuller -- will it break out?
Given all the buzz about whether Allen deserved his win over extremely popular runner-up (and completely different kind of singer) Adam Lambert, you might think Jive would really push "Live Like We're Dying" to give their boy a boost -- especially since it's a marked improvement over what some other Idol winners have put out as their first post-show single.
- From Misha Berson, arts reporter
But "Live Like We're Dying," is very catchy, a bit inspirational (the lyrics are all about seizing the day, and making the most of life and love). Also it's energetic and danceable, with a really grooving, syncopated chorus -- so what's not to like?
This driving rock tune with some tongue-twisting rap is a cover of a (fairly obscure) number by the Irish band, The Script. It's not blockbuster material, but Allen's version erases any notion that he's some wimpy folkie. It's gotten good reviews from Billboard and a few other reputable outlets.
But where's the fanfare here? The hype? The cool video? The official pop single release day is often a Tuesday, to maximize coverage during the week. But word of "Live Like We're Dying" began dribbling out last week, when a short excerpt of showed up on Web sites and Allen started talking about it in interviews.
It was bunched up in middle of the iTunes Top 100 downloads last we looked. But it deserves better. Yet with little advertising, airplay, or sense of occasion so far from Jive Records -- the recording outfit connected with 19 Entertainment, a company led by "Idol" uber-boss Simon Fuller -- will it break out?
Given all the buzz about whether Allen deserved his win over extremely popular runner-up (and completely different kind of singer) Adam Lambert, you might think Jive would really push "Live Like We're Dying" to give their boy a boost -- especially since it's a marked improvement over what some other Idol winners have put out as their first post-show single.
- From Misha Berson, arts reporter
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