American Idol’s eighth season may have ended almost five months ago, but the workload hasn’t slowed a bit for reigning champion Kris Allen. With his debut album slated to drop Nov. 17, the Arkansas native spent his “days off” from the Idols Live summer tour logging studio time with a bevvy of A-list songwriters and producers, and the pace of recording has only intensified since the tour concluded in mid-September.
We caught up by phone with Kris yesterday afternoon to talk about his competitive release date (against John Mayer, Shakira, and Leona Lewis), his recent trip to London, and those nasty rumors that his label is concerned about the quality of his material to date.
Let’s talk album scoop: Any new collaborators you haven’t announced or Tweeted about?
I worked with Kevin Rudolf the last couple days. Me and Joe King [from The Fray] are getting back together and working on some stuff we already had written, which will be really cool. And I’m working with his producer [Mike Flynn] on that song, as well as one other track.
There was some buzz in the blogosphere late last month saying that aside from your single, “Live Like We’re Dying,” that the rest of your album was “a mess.” I’ve heard four tracks so far, so I know that’s not true, but would you like to address those rumors yourself?
You know what? I actually heard about that. The way I heard was I was following Rickey.org on Twitter, and I guess he had said something about it. And I was like, “I don’t know why anyone would say that or where anyone would get that news.” Because the way we feel about things is that everything’s going great.I think there are times where you’re like “Oh my gosh. What are we doing? Blah, blah, blah.” But I think that’s with any album. But, what we have right now, and the finished product, I think is going to be really great.
Can you talk about some of your favorites that you’ve recorded so far?
Probably, but they’re not on the album for sure.
Why not float the title of one of them? Once it’s in the blogosphere, it’ll be tougher for the label to not include it, right?
[Laughs.] I had said something about “I Need to Know” in the past. I really like that one.
Yes. I heard about that one already.
I have a song that I wrote like a year ago that I really love that we’re gonna really push for. It’s called “Red Guitar.”
So you wrote it pre-Idol?
I did.
What’s it about?
You have to figure it out. You have to listen to it.
So it’s open to interpretation?
Yeah, exactly. I know what it means to me, but it might mean something else to you. [Mike Flynn] and I were working on the track last night. It was fun to be in the studio and working with a producer who sees your vision for a song you wrote.
I haven’t heard much about your collaboration with Chris Daughtry yet.
Me, him, and Mike Elizondo wrote a song together, and we think it sounds really cool.
What was it like working with Chris?
Chris is great. He reached out to me early on, during the show, I think during top-4 week. He gave me his number and was telling me if I needed anything to just give him a call. He was a really, really nice guy, and he kind of knew what I was going through, and was just kind of rooting for me. And now we have the same manager, so that makes it easy.
Last time we spoke in late September, you did not yet have a concept for your video. What about now?
We have the concept. I think we’re gonna shoot it maybe this weekend.
I know you enjoy a good riddle, like when you teased your collaboration with Eg White on Twitter. Can you drops some hints about the video?
It has to do with time. That’s all I’m gonna say.
Who’s directing it?
Marco Puig.
I’ll Google his name promptly! Hey, while we’re on the subject of your enigmatic Tweets, how did your London writing session with Eg White go?
We wrote a couple songs, one which we think is really, really good. And I was also working with Andrew Frampton, one of the two guys who wrote “Live Like We’re Dying” with The Script. And we came up with a really great song.
You’re about five weeks away from releasing your album. Anything unexpected you’ve learned about the recording process?
Maybe the production element of things has been surprising to me. Before this, I’ve always thought: “This song has guitar, piano, and drums in it.” And you almost kind of have to put that element of production into things to make them pop out. So that’s been fun for me, to work with that stuff, to hear it and just love it. For the most part, yes, the album is very guitar-driven and very piano-driven, but you throw in a little sound or effect, and it [enhances everything].
How close to done are you at this point?
We’re still writing some more songs for the album, and just putting some finishing touches on other tracks, going back to do some minor vocal takes, and that’s kind of it. We have a lot of songs that are almost done, and with a little bit of work we’ll have them completely done.
So your CD comes out Nov. 17, the same day as Simon Cowell’s chosen diva Leona Lewis and Avril Lavigne, who’s sitting in as a guest judge for a season 9 audition episode of Idol. Which one are you more stressed about going up against?
John Mayer. [Laughs.]
And let’s not forget Shakira’s new one drops that same day, too. Incidentally, I have “She Wolf” on the same playlist on my iPod as “Live Like We’re Dying.”
They kind of go together pretty good. [Laughs.] What kind of mix is this?
It’s my “new songs” playlist. I downloaded “She Wolf” maybe a week before yours, but you’re catching up to her in the play-count department. And for the record, I purchased your single with my own money. It’s no promo copy.
Thank you for my nine cents. I really appreciate that.
If you liked this Kris Allen Q&A, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak for all my Idol-related scoop!
More from EW’s Music Mix
Barbra Streisand tops the albums chart in a busy week; Paramore bests Mariah Carey
Elvis’s teenage grandson gets $5m record deal
Allison Iraheta’s “Friday I’ll Be Over U”: Does the teen Idol have a hit on her hands?
Adam Lambert vs. Susan Boyle
Comments (1-15) of 273 Add your comment
..I betcha!
this isn’t a Glambert.. this is Rickey!
gotcha!
Is this Rickey guy on drugs? I know he is not a professional reporter. Now he sounds like a cough-douche bag-cough. LOL
I betcha ur just jealous and have absolutely no taste. Kris is one of the top idol winners so we’ll see how well he does
WTF! A great written article about our American Idol winner Kris Allen by Michael Slezak had Mr. yet Failure, Mr.(jack) Fart, and Ms.Boring comments below. Show some RESPECT to people. Don’t be a half-ass. If you cannot write something that makes sense, just STFU. I’m tearing my hair now.
Go Kris! I luv your music and will buy your cds. Go Michael! I always enjoy reading your articles.
Kris Allen’s album will be amazing! Guitar and piano driven? Oh hell yeah! Nov 17 hurry up and get here. BTW just bought Elliot Yamin’s CD and it rocks. Better than the first CD. Go out and get it.
I like Elliott’s 2nd CD better too.
I still want to hear him do full out R&B. He said in a recent interview he wants to be featured on some rap songs. I’d like that. It doesn’t get any better than Kris and Elliott. 
Sandy that is a good idea. A full out R&B record would be super. I hope for his third album he considers that. I love on this CD he wrote almost all of the songs. Who knew he was that talented? ME!
Kris Allen is a WINNER all the way!
Kris’s vocal, song choices, and song arrangement impressed millions of viewers on TV this year. His recent “No Boundary” and “Live Like We’re Dying” have been on REPEAT on my iPod. His handsome looks do not hurt either, ha ha ha. Kris is a guy next door that I could relate to. I look forward to his amazing surprise of the debut CD (with so many top notch songwriters). Thanks Michael. I’m really excited here.
Is Nov-17 yet???
sounds like it going 2b a complete failure .. the 2nd most boring idol winner behind taylor hicks
Yay, this is awesome news! I’m so excited for the album!
Oops, don’t know why my comment ended up as a reply.
Also, I didn’t know we had some psychics up here that can predict the future. Oh wait, no it’s just a Glambert.
It is possible that someone is not a fan of Kris Allen OR Adam Lambert, you know?
Jennifer, of course that’s possible, but it’s just not as likely. Bitterberts have motivation to comment negatively about Kris, whereas normal people do not, especially, when they’ve only heard (if anything) one song off of Kris’ album so far.
google any article on Adam and read the comments, you guys are all over those with your bitter comments. What should we call your fangroup? Allenites? Bitterlens? It is such a two way street.
katey, why did you come here?? To whine about what happens somewhere else?? pointless.
And what exactly do Kris fans have to be bitter about?? They weren’t the ones screaming with anger when Kris was announced the winner of American Idol over 4 months ago. However, Bitterberts were doing this, and even uploaded videos of themselves screaming with anger on YouTube… I don’t think we saw that with any of Kris’ fans…
Anyways…
Just as you are tired of rude comments about Kris (I am too) quit blaming it on Glamberts. That is getting just as old. It could be just people who have no taste in music. I like Adam too so don’t go there.
You Rock Kradam.
Katey, WHY IN THE HELL WOULD WE WANT TO GOOGLE ADAM? We are Kris fans here. We don’t need to google Adam. His crazy fans can do that. I can’t believe middleage women think they have a chance with a gay guy. Atleast Kris is wholesome American Apple Pie kinda guy. In this weird world that is rare. Didn’t use to be.
and you’re assuming this by what? maybe his music is just not your taste but there are PLENTY of people who appreciate his artistry…including myself! Not sure where why you’re saying it will be a failure when you havent even heard the album. dumb comment dude.
sounds like your life is a failure. Daym hater.
I complete agree. I think he’s actually the dullest winner yet.
I don’t think there’s anything dull about Kris. He’s laid-back, but he’s full of life and artistry! The people who fail to see this are the people I think are the true dull ones.
Why are you even here then?
Dullest? Really? It does not bother me if people don’t care for Kris, that is your right. But atleast give Kris a honest listen to with a honest reply. For those who come here JUST to be bitter and negative, go somewhere else.
Kris is far from dull, boring, unoriginal, etc….. That man has the talent of few, and he will succeed.
Bleh…Taylor Hicks. I can’t believe you prefer him over Kris.
I betche U R the Phd Dude aka bitterburt.
Ah-what? Excuse me? Leave the negativity out the door!
that will be GREAT!!! can’t wait
he didn’t even sound excited about it…
ok this is the dumbest comment ever!! hahahaha.
“he didnt’ even sound excited” you’re READING a TRANSCRIPT for goodness sakes!!!!!! and another thing, if you know anything about kris allen is that he is a simple person. he’s always always been few with words and emotions. thats just who he is…doesn’t mean he’s not excited or happy. seriously…gaww….
Kris Allen is boring. And he sounds aweful life with his Local Yokel face morphs…
Conway Arkansas is gonna be let down.
he’s so boring that you came to read this article about him, and then write a negative comment. hehe. I guess Kris does have that affect on some people, like you. lol.
LOL, agree Noop Fan. how exactly can one “sound” excited in an interview? guess he wasnt using enough hyperboles
Stop with the boring and dull comments. You are so wrong! Plus I just love that picture of there of him, he looks so hot!!!!
Kris is chill. He doesn’t do excitement. This album is going to be killer.
The thing is if he’s not excited, how could he possibly expect anyone else to be. He is a cute guy, quasi-talented but very dull.
JustMe2, what exactly is compelling you to make multiple negative comments about Kris? hmmm….
Where exactly doesn’t he sound excited? The part where he says it’s going really great and talks about the songs he really likes that he’s been writing???
Jeez…the people who feel the need to constantly bash Kris FOR NO REASON make me sick.
You don’t like him or his music? Fine — no one is saying you have to buy it. But STOP with the nasty remarks already. It’s immature and it just makes you look like a bitter idiot.
Kris has always been laid back… if you knew anything about him, you wouldn’t have wasted your timep posting this.
Anyway, I am excited about the album and glad he addressed the crap that was being said on some blogs.
Also, as always, Kris is a funny guy. His jokes in this interview made me smile “Thanks for my nine cents”- how can anyone argue that he’s boring?!
Anyway- looking forward to the album!
Calm down people, I love Kris Allen. I think he’s adorable and always seems to have great, humble disposition. I made that comment above because, in his response to the question about his album being a mess, he kind of made it seem like he’s not sure what the final outcome will be:
Kris: “I think there are times where you’re like “Oh my gosh. What are we doing? Blah, blah, blah.” But I think that’s with any album. But, what we have right now, and the finished product, I think is going to be really great.”
It seems as though the record label is hassling him a bit, perhaps or he doesn’t have a concrete idea or “concept” for the whole final album.
You people need to calm down. He’s making more money than all of you combined and he is never coming to your defense. lol Anyway, I wish him the best and look forward to his music!
Brenda, Kris is just being real about the hectic album making process… that has nothing to do with him being excited about it. nice try though
Brenda Kris was joking. Plus he was being real. Don’t knock the man, he has a personlity, so sue him.
even if i can’t “read” excitement.. i can imagine kris talking about this.. and he is always chill..
I remember when he was about to sing Heartless.. Ryan asked him why he chose that song, and He said: “It kinda just came to me. I mean.. It’s fun” somethin like that. I expected nothing but failure with that description of the song.
And then he shocked the audience with an epic version.
Lesson learned: Never trust on kris excitement. You may have a heart attack after the surprise he may give you.
THank you Slezak!
So glad to hear Kris is having a lot of input on the writing for this album. The pre-Idol songs he wrote are incredible, so I have great hopes for this album. YAAAAAYYYY, KRIS! Is it Nov. 17 yet??
Great stuff, Slezak. I didn’t think I could get more excited for the release of this album. Sounds like this album is going to be an Epic Win.
Great interview! I can’t wait to get his album. All his collaboraters sound really interesting and I’m anxious to hear how it all turns out.
I hope the album is huge for Kris’s sake. He’s worked hard for his success.
lol, Glamberts. Adam’s never going to have sex with you.
Kris is adorable, as usual. So excited for this album.
LOL!
Dee, so is that why you are a Kris fan, because you think Kris Allen WILL have sex with you? What an idiotic comment to make. I like both Adam and Kris and I expect good music, not sex, from them. That is why I have a husband.
I wish that Kris fan-Adam fan war would stop. I know it’s only a tiny minority on both sides, but give it a rest. I hope Kris goes No. 1 the week of Nov. 17 and Adam No. 1 the following week and Alison No. 1 when her album comes out.
BrianM did you think your last sentence would go unnoticed? You say you want the Adam-Kris fan war to stop and then you put “when HER album comes out” referring to Adam. That was not cool. I love them both, more of a Kris fan than Adam but love HIM too.
OH CRAP. Brian M I put my foot in my mouth BEFORE I saw you had Allison’s name there. I am sooooo SORRY for my above comment. I should read before I write. I am so embarrassed. Hell I can’t spell either. Outta here.
Well guess what, Kris is married so he can’t have sex with YOU. LOL
Kris will never have sex with his fans either, for the record
I love how someone makes a joke about Glamberts, and all of a sudden ppl race to comment, as if they are offended, lol!
Jess could it be because the joke is getting old? It is used way too often on here and it should stop.
but responding to it does what?
that’s right, just calls more attention to it, even though it’s a joke…
can’t wait for the album!
The trouble with Gen X is they were not taught the Golden Rules. One of which is “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” So Mr. Hart, I ask why read the article if you don’t even like Kris? Do you just like wasting yours and everyone else’s time? As for you YAAWF you name says it all I love Kris and if his album is anything like his first release I would gladly spend my hard earned money on it
Let’s wait til the album comes out before you negative people judge it. It gets so old listening to the negativity going around on comment sections of articles. I am an Adam fan first and foremost, but I wish the best for the others. Stop the crappy comments people!! Good luck Kris!
Very excited for Kris. Working with some great artists & seems to have the perfect attitude.
Looking forward to Nov 17th like it’s Christmas Eve.
You guys are all morons! How do you “read” non-excitement???
Gotta love how the Glambert zealots can hold a grudge. Deal with it already! I’ll be buying all 3, Kris, Adam & Allison.
And you know they are Glamberts because?????
they’re the only ones with the motivation to knock Kris down, since he beat their favorite. Other people wouldn’t waste the effort…