A few weeks ago, I posted two promos for American Idol Season 10. Now, here's the new teaser or promo for American Idol Season 10 featuring, yes, ALL the winners! They all share their individual stories and how the show helped them become who they are now.
Crap! Can I seriously die now? Haha. Of course I'm kidding, but this promo just brought out the inner fanboy in me. Really. I was seriously not excited with the new season AT ALL, but this slew of promos with the winners makes me all giddy and stupid. Haha. Enjoy!
After Kris Allen was crowned the American Idol of Season 8, I typed this sort of catchphrase on my old - now, non existing - blog, Have No Fear, The Underdog Is Here. Haha. Seriously. This was the most appropriate thing to say at that moment. Kris, to me, was the first dark horse to ever win American Idol and even beat everybody's heavy favorite, Adam Lambert. Crazy no?
Of course, I'd be lying if I say that I was already rooting for Kris Allen from the get-go. I mean, he clearly had roughly 10 seconds during the audition rounds and in Hollywood week, he was barely featured - aside from the awesomeness during the group round that was White Chocolate. So, coming into the semifinals - with a new format to boot - I completely written him off the competition.
Yes, he performed a serviceable performance of Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror but I absolutely didn't expect him to sneak his way into the Final 13. Group 2 was, arguably, the most competitive group of that season with Allison Iraheta, Adam Lambert, Matt Giraud and Megan Joy in it. I'll even throw in a couple of amazing vocalists such as Jesse Langseth, Mishavonna Henson and, yes, I have to mention her, Jasmine Murray. So, aside from the gorgeous boy-next-door look and decent performance, I didn't know how he managed to stand out. Well, he proved me dead wrong as he was able to beat both favorites Giraud and Megan Joy.
Going into the Final 13, I obviously still had doubts - I even predicted him early on to be eliminated eight or seventh. He just screamed cannon fodder to me. But somehow along the way - with a surprising string of amazing performances - he won me over. I mean, I have to hand it to Kris, in a talent show that more often than not favors big voices, he made the most out of his limited range by making up for it with his immense musicality and emotional connection.
Let's be honest, other contestants demanded the viewer's attention with flash, pizazz, and glory notes, while Kris, on the other hand, just drew people in with his simplicity and, to some extent, quiet confidence. Heck, some even had fancy lighting and glamorous outfits, and all he had were jeans, a t-shirt - sometimes those plaid polos he likes so much - and his guitar or sometimes a piano.
Now, the other thing that I really liked about Kris Allen was the way he recreates the material into something of his own. He may not have been the pioneer of song arrangement on the show, but he managed to make me listen to all of his performances. Look, Kris took pleasantly dull numbers like Remember the Time and How Sweet It Is and infused them with his funky, fresh style. He turned the overdone Donna Summer and Bill Withers ditty into something refreshing and modern. Oh, and during the Movie theme, he picked a beautiful, yet obscure indie track, Falling Slowly, and made a moment out of it. He even arranged a Kanye song that was undeniably better than the original. And when he was saddled with that crappy single No Boundaries, he shockingly made it not just listenable, but emotional and infectious, to a point where I'm not even embarrassed anymore to admit that I love it. I love that trite Idol coronation song - even better than Jordin Sparks' This Is My Now. Haha. Do you see what he has done to me?
But all that being said, I still went into that Season 8's Finale completely ready to embrace Adam Lambert as the next American Idol. It's not that I didn't have much confidence on Kris winning the whole thing, it was just that the odds were definitely against him that time given the way the producers and judges seemed to want Adam to win. But yes, Surprise! Surprise! Kris Allen won and obliterated the concept of a Chosen One on Idol - well, Chosen Three during that season, Gokey, Rounds and Lambert. So, whatever other people say, I most definitely think that he earned it and he was a completely worthy winner.
People criticized him for being a mediocre singer but seriously, just because someone's voice isn't huge, or octave-scaling, or range-y, doesn't mean it can't be fantastic. No, this is not a dis against Adam Lambert, it's just an acknowledgment that there are all kinds of voices worth getting worked up about. And Kris, who obviously hailed from the less-is-more school of singing, undeniably put down some stellar, show-stopping performances that season. Enough said.
As for his post-Idol debut album, I think it's pretty strong. I actually felt vindicated after I heard the whole record because it's so much better than what I've expected. The record seems very high-quality, and doesn’t seem overproduced, unlike most of the post Idol’s debut albums. The album flows effortlessly from song to song and there is a cohesiveness and somewhat of a story line going on. Oh, and there is a bunch of higher register and falsetto in the album and he sounds gorgeous in parts. I actually had no idea that he had so many shades/levels to his voice. Dare I say, the best debut album of any Season 8 finalist.
Favorite Performance(s): It goes without saying that Kris Allen delivered a pretty good list of amazing performances. I think his version of Heartless was, arguably, the biggest showstopper of Season 8. His take on the classic, Ain't No Sunshine, was also phenomenal and so was the Donna Summer re-arrangement of She Works Hard For The Money. Other favorites were Falling Slowly and Make You Feel My Love.
Heartless
Ain't No Sunshine
She Works Hard For The Money
Falling Slowly
Make You Feel My Love
Live Like We're Dying
The Truth
*ugh! how come there's no decent live performance of Kris on YouTube?
Guess what, Vampire Diaries featured Kris Allen's I Need To Know on its last episode. I did not see this one coming. Seriously.
When I reviewed Kris Allen's album, this song already stood out because of it's gorgeous rawness. But never have I considered this as a possible soundtrack of a TV series, more so for a show with vampires in it. Haha. Personally, I think this song works well for the scene. Yes, I don't watch the show but I'll take it for what it is because, at the very least, the viewers were introduced to this amazing song.
Ok. So, Kris Allen announced through Twitter that his third single off his self-titled debut album is, wait for it, Alright With Me!!!
Color me surprised about a third single from Kris Allen. Really. The Truth - though a good song - should have never happened as Alright With Me would have been THE perfect summer song! Now, I wonder how hard Jive will push this single, but I’m really keeping my expectations very low - see, Allison Iraheta. Ha!
Personally, if there’s one song on Kris’ album that has the chance to get people’s attention, I think this is it. Just from the intro alone, you know that it has that special charm and that IT. I mean, if you’re not swaying or bopping your head to this song, there’s something wrong with you! Haha. It goes without saying that this was - and will always be - my HAPPY-GO-LUCKY-SING-ALONG-SONG. Definitely my favorite on his album.
It's finally here! The premiere of Kris Allen's second single's, The Truth, music video was released earlier on VH1. Aaron Platt directed the video - same man who directed the amazing Live Like We're Dying.
Now, I'm not sure if I like this music video better than Live Like We're Dying but it still has that abstract and a bit artsy feel to it. I mean, there’s nothing cheesy about this video and it’s beautifully shot and edited. Kris looks fabulous, the scenery is striking but Pat Monahan popping up is jarring and just doesn’t make any sense.
Anyway, the online premier of the music video will be released tomorrow. So, just watch this first and then I'll update a higher quality by tomorrow! :) Enjoy!
Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta performed Coldplay’s The Scientist at today’s “No Phone Zone” Rally in Los Angeles. Lisa Ling, one of Oprah's correspondents, interviewed the two and will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey show.
Jaw drops to the floor!!!! Seriously. That was just gorgeous! I’ve been waiting awhile for that duet. Allison killed that bridge and beautiful harmonies. I thought the arrangement really highlighted each of their strengths as a singer - Kris’ lower register and head voice and Allison’s raspy tone and wailing ability.
Sigh. Videos like this makes me want to dismiss Season 9 for the sheer lack of "talent". Haha. Kidding.
It's final! This is Kris Allen's next single following his hit debut single, Live Like We're Dying.
Fans, including me, aren’t really happy with this latest development. The general consensus seems to be that the original version of The Truth stands just fine on it’s own. But choosing to re-mix it with Monahan on vocals - he sings the bridge and some harmonies - is probably Jive hedging their bets. Train’s song, Hey Soul Sister is really popular right now, so Jive must believe Monahan’s star power will help the song chart.
But it’s not like Kris needed any help with his first single, Live Like We’re Dying, which has sold over 1M copies, and was at Top 10 Top 40 hit.
I was really hoping for Alright With Me as his next single. It’s catchy, upbeat and seems a good fit for pop radio. Plus, it’s been used on the Ford commercials that have run during Idol and some other programming. People are already familiar with it.
I’m a bit confused why, Kris Allen recorded a new version of his song, The Truth, featuring Pat Monahan of Train on vocals.
The Truth, which is co-written by Monahan, is rumored to be one of the songs in the running as Kris’ second single from his post-idol debut, Kris Allen, next to his hit debut single Live Like We're Dying.
Ok. I love myself some Train but OMG NO! Seriously. I love the song as it is. Pat Monahan's background vocals are completely unnecessary and adds NOTHING to the song. Sure, Hey Soul Sister may have been a hit, but that doesn't mean that everything having to do with Train will be. And it's almost summer! Why the heck would you release a ballad? Personally, Alright With Me is the one song that actually has a similar vibe to Train's hit and performing it at the this year's American Idol finale and it being a boppy, summery song will surely get it going. This just basically ruined one of the strongest songs in the album. Is Jive really this stupid?
Besides, Pat singing the bridge is an insult to Kris. I like the radio edit and Kris sounds incredible, as usual, but I still don't like the idea of this being released as a second single.
Compare the songs after the jump!! Kris Allen - The Truth
Kris Allen featuring Pat Monahan (Train) - The Truth
I feel so vindicated right now! It looks like he validated my fantardism with this album. Ha! I got to say, this effort thoroughly exceeded my expectations. The songs here are far away from cookie-cutter! The record seems very high-quality, and doesn’t seem overproduced at all, unlike most of the post Idol’s debut albums. Also, the album flows effortlessly from song to song and there is a cohesiveness and somewhat of a story line going on.
Although he did the Fray/Rob Thomas/Maroon 5 thing, it is with a soulful twist and lots of rhythm in these songs. I am also glad that his unbelievable phrasing, which I loved during his American Idol run, is still there. His voice also sounds better than the last time I remembered. There is a bunch of higher register and falsetto in these songs and he sounds gorgeous in these parts. I had no idea that he had so many shades/levels to his voice; he says he can’t act, but his voice sure can. I believe that he is definitely starting to find his own sound here.
Here's my track-by-track review:
I am in love with this song. The melody is catchy as hell and the lyrics is great without sounding too preachy. The production of the single is a definite improvement from the original version of The Script. And as far as first post idol single for the winners, I think this ranks near the top ahead of Light On, Tattoo, Jesus Take the Wheel and even Miss Independent. 9/10
This is possibly one of my favorite tracks of the record. I think that there are some interesting, artistic little places they took in song that made it unique. I like the stuttering guitar intro and that seemingly uptempo power pop-rocker vibe. I also think that the song is really well written. Very nice. 8/10
I love this song! So unexpected, so funky, so playful so Kris if you really think about it. I think that it’s another standout track and arguably the poppiest sound on the album - the hooky infectious chorus is insane. I like the Maroon 5-ish vibe to it but still very Kris Allen. Totally surprising but worked really fine. I wouldn’t mind if this will be his next single after Live Like We’re Dying. 9/10
First thoughts: PURE WIN! His breathy vocal is lovely. I can feel that he really put a lot of himself vocally as I can hear how strong his voice has become. I like the orchestra in the chorus as it brings a sophistication to the song. I can totally hear this thing on the radio. Its angst-y and a little David Cook-ish, which is always good in my book. Ha! 9/10
Another The Script-penned song and as expected, this one sounds equally good. It is funkier and edgier than I expected. I’m actually surprised at how much I enjoyed this song! It just puts a smile on my face. I think that the record version is better than the live one and not once did I think of The Script or that it’s not written by Kris Allen. The song is sweet on its own but it is, I believe, Kris’ vocal that gives it the perfect playfulness. 9/10
The smoky piano lead in is gorgeous and the bass line in the chorus is also really cool. It’s perfect and its heart breaking. Seriously. I love its purity and softness. His voice and the way he delivers the song is stunning. I also think that the bridge is nice and the fact that he and Eg White - Chasing Pavements - cut this song in 30 minutes makes this song even more impressive. 8/10
This is just all sorts of cool! I don’t know if it’s because this is the only song penned by Kris entirely and that it was written before Idol and it’s very personal to Kris, but the melody is just so lovely, and the intro is cool. I also love the instrumental part of the song. On second listen this song reminds me of U2’s With or Without You. His vocals just spill over on the lyrics and it’s like a series of massages! Ha! 9/10
His vocals almost killed me here. Ha! Like in The Truth, I can also hear how strong his voice has become. The falsetto is unbelievably good. Very soulful, bluesy, and definitely has that John Mayer sort of feel. This track is such an awesome change of pace and mood. 8/10
Definitely a radio-friendly song. I wouldn’t be surprised if this will be picked as the elimination song on Idol next season - though I doubt it. Ha! The pretty falsetto at the end is admirable and he is really showing off his vocals on this record! One of my favorites! 9/10
Personally, this tops my list. Just from the intro alone, you know that it has that special charm and that IT. The track really got my attention because the rhythm and simplicity is so damn catchy. If you’re not swaying or bopping your head to this song, there’s something wrong with you. This song is so swoon-worthy! Loved the pulled back bridge – falsetto! FUN! This will probably be my HAPPY-GO-LUCKY-SING-ALONG-SONG. Ha! 10/10
Perhaps my least favorite track on the album but even this is more than decent – which is odd. I can definitely hear the influence from Jonathan Foreman of Switchfoot. The guitar in this song is reminiscent of Dare You To Move’s guitar work. As for the vocals, I love the soft rise and fall of Kris’ voice. Great. 6/10
If his vocals in Is It Over almost killed me, this one buried me alive. Ha! His voice is just so raw, so fragile, so melancholic and so vulnerable that he ripped me open. Insane passion, Insane!!! It is beauty, rawness and simplicity at its finest. The gentle tickling of keys. The gentle swell of his vocals. The pleading. The violins. And then back to his gentle aching vocals. EPIC PERFECTION!! 10/10
Frankly, I would have preferred the acoustic version but I really enjoy his new take on it. It sounds really cool. I think that the new version fits right in with the sound of the rest of the album. It is more energetic and it captures that angst-y emotion that is present in his acoustic one. Got flare and edge. 7/10
In general, I’ve to say that this is an IMPRESSIVE album. Even for my favorite artist’s albums, there are bound to be filler songs in them and I’m very surprised at the absence of that so-called “album fillers” in this record. It seems like all the songs on this album can be potential radio-hit. There’s a different variety of songs such as the slow to mid-tempo, emotional ballads as well as the upbeat, catchy tunes to suit everyone’s taste. The most important thing is that the lyrics in the songs are really nicely-written and meaningful.
I think he should count this as a major triumph, because this album sounds LEAGUES better than most American Idol debut albums. I hate to say this but I think I like this better than David Cook’s debut album - a record which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. It’s a solid effort, especially for a debut idol album thrown together under intense time pressure. Good Job!
