Kris Allen

Biography

Kris Allen, born Kristopher Neil Allen on June 21, 1985, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He gained national recognition as the winner of the eighth season of "American Idol" in 2009, defeating fellow contestant Adam Lambert. Allen is skilled in multiple instruments, including guitar, piano, and ukulele, and he often showcased his musical talent during the competition. He married his high school sweetheart, Katy O'Connell, on September 26, 2008, and they have one son, Oliver Neil, born in July 2013. Following his "American Idol" victory, Allen released his debut single "No Boundaries," which debuted at No. 27 on Billboard's Hot Adult Contemporary Chart. His self-titled debut album, released in November 2009, included the hit single "Live Like We’re Dying," which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.