A few hours ago, on the eve of the release of Kris Allen’s debut CD, I sat down with the American Idol season 8 champ (who was clad in a stunning Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons jacket*) for a freewheeling discussion about his songwriting process, the themes of angst and love under siege that prevail in many of his songs, and the grimy plastic sheets that flap in the wind during the video for his lead single “Live Like We’re Dying.” But since it might take a few days to edit down the raw footage, we thought we’d give you a 94-second sneak peek right this very second. Here, Kris discusses why he no longer trolls the Web to read what prognosticators and critics have to say about his musical output, and how he and the folks at 19 Recordings made the conscious decision to let him sound like (gasp!) an actual human being on the 13-song collection that will have a chance to take the music world by storm over the next several months. Press play below for your @KrisAllen amuse-bouche, then check back later this week for the entire interview feast. And as always, to get up-to-the-second updates on my Idol musings, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak!
* I checked Kris’ label, since he was unable to answer the proverbial question: “WHO are you wearing?” Note to self: Thou shalt not covet thy Idol’s outerwear.
Comments (1-15) of 94 Add your comment
Can’t wait to pick up the album. I’ve probably streamed it from AOL’s preview 10+ times this weekend.
i’m so excited to watch the whole thing…CONGRATULATIONS KRIS!!!
Already downloading your album, Kris. Best of luck.
Awww. I can’t wait to see the whole thing! I’m loving his album =)
listening to your album Kris and loving it!!!!!!!!
congrats for your new release
Thanks Slezak for this interview!
And I’m looking forward to watching Realite!
Well, you’ve definitely whet my appetite! Thanks!
God, I love him so muh. I just want to hug him so hard right now! Can’t wait for the rest!!
God, I love him so much. I just want to hug him so hard right now! Can’t wait for the rest!!
Really looking forward to hearing more of the interview with Kris. And Michael, can you please write something positive about the album to counteract the lukewarm review that appeared in the magazine?
ill wait for adams lambert album.love the unique voice of adam lambert.kris ok so ordinary.
Wow Cherry, Congrats! This must be a record.
It took as long as 10 comments for a Glambert to come to Kris Allen related article and post crap.
I’m sorry but what does Adam have to do with an Kris Allen interview with Michael Slezak…
GET A LIFE!SRSLY!I Pity Fans like u!
this page has nothing to do with Adam, so why are you even talking about him?
troll
Slezak you rock for getting this interview! Your dedication to Kris makes us very happy. You have no idea how much we appreciate it!
And Poor Kris. I’m glad he’s not reading anything on the internet about himself anymore. The idea of him being upset and questioning his talent really makes me sad. I don’t ever want that to happen again!
He’s beyond amazing, and I hope he never forgets that! The Album is made of so much win, I’m just blown away!
Adam fans are so insecure – they have to post on every Kris article to make themselves feel better about Adam
Pot meet kettle — you are both black. Give me a break! fans of each of these guys show up at every article about either of them and slam the other. EVERYONE needs to give it a rest
dear zoo,
Agreed! THe fan wars and the disrespect that goes along with it needs to stop.
I’m totally nuts for Adam, but this is Kris’s moment. Don’t crap on it for him, please. FYI, Adam himself just tweeted that everyone should buy Kris’s album!
@Cherry
Go Away!!! Come back some other day when you want to play nice. Who cares about Adam Lambert. This is Kris Allen and respect that.
Finished downloading your album from Itunes! The best! I felt goosebumps while listening From the Ashes. Good luck Kris!
Where there is news, there is [[Sugar+loves=C0m]’s shadow drifting away!!!
All Adam Lambert fans, and we mean all, wish Kris Allen the very best of luck in this major milestone of his life…his first solo album…
We all know he’s going to do great!!!…
Thank RR3, that is really cool of you and everyone wishes Kradison a big successful career in what they put out in their music careers.
Awww…that made me tear up! So happy for both boys (I mean men, but you know what I mean)!!
I agree, RR3! Adam is not my cup of tea, but I wish him the best of success. K & A are so different, they’re not really in competition! And, they dig each other, so why shouldn’t we?
I’m an Adam fan and I could care less about Kris’ success or failure – I just love Slezak!! Don’t get me wrong – I am not wishing Kris any harm, I just don’t like anyone else speaking for me.
I love you Kris!!
Hey Kris, I have to admit you were not my fav this season, but you have won me over with your dedication to your music. Not very many people on Idol have done that for me, but you won me over.
You are a true artist and you have won me over. I usually don’t buy many of the AI cds, but I will look out for yours Kris.
Good job staying true to yourself.
i don’t get it… did he win you over or not? LOL jk
I didn’t want to admit but..Yeah,i’m on the same boat. He won me over.