The Marquee Blog Watch Showbiz Tonight on HLN at 11pm ET/PT  « Back to Blog Main
March 31, 2009

Top 9: Kris Allen ends it on a high note

Posted: 09:25 PM ET

I hope some of the other piano men were taking notes.

Kris Allen

Kris took to the keys with his rendition of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," and out of all of the songs tonight, his is the one that would have found a home on my iPod.

He said he was attempting to have a moment, and he did it. Loved the voice and the entire performance.

Kris has stepped up his game!

–Lisa Respers France, CNN.com writer

Filed under: television


Share this on:
Yo-yo   March 31st, 2009 9:26 pm ET

Kris is the dark horse of this competition. He could easily come through and win it all! Watch out for him...

Divad   March 31st, 2009 9:26 pm ET

Really didn't remember who he was before tonight. Loved it!

Elsie   March 31st, 2009 9:27 pm ET

He sounds great.

Katey   March 31st, 2009 9:27 pm ET

I"m bummed that Kris doesn't get more attention. He's given awesome performances each week and still no whoop whoop like there is for Adam. Keep rockin' Kris!

Paige   March 31st, 2009 9:28 pm ET

TOTALLY agree with you Lisa!!! Awesome!

Bob S   March 31st, 2009 9:29 pm ET

Kris, as Kara would say, I have 4 words for you. YOU WERE THE BEST TONIGHT BY A MILE. Another $.99 for iTunes. You and Adam in the final 2.

Slainte   March 31st, 2009 9:33 pm ET

Sorry I missed it ... I was too busy blogging about Adam!!

CC   March 31st, 2009 9:33 pm ET

He's really good. Solid performances. I think each week more and more people will notice him and he could be a front runner.

Joe   March 31st, 2009 9:34 pm ET

Dark Horse? This guy for sure will make it to the top two with Scott BUT Scott will win all the way.

Yo-yo   March 31st, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Joe, you are kidding right? Please tell me you are!

RL   March 31st, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Scott will win AI? Wow...so he does have a fan.

Kris is good, but I don't think he is better than Matt, Danny, or Adam.

Ang   March 31st, 2009 9:39 pm ET

Great performance by Kris tonight. He is just the cutest guy ever. Loved him on the keys.

Katie   March 31st, 2009 9:42 pm ET

Beautiful. If he released an album tomorrow I would buy it. I hope people realize his talent without all the show and swagger of some of the other contestants; he doesn't need it.

mars   March 31st, 2009 9:47 pm ET

WOW! It was my first night to watch this season. Kris should go all the way. I'd advance buy his CD right now!

mom of one   March 31st, 2009 9:47 pm ET

he has been forgotten about but tonight he rocked

Caroline   March 31st, 2009 9:48 pm ET

Best performance of the night!

DD   March 31st, 2009 9:49 pm ET

Kris...LOVED THE SONG!!!! Good job!

Contrarian   March 31st, 2009 9:50 pm ET

If I closed my eyes and listened to the song would I be able to tell it was Kris singing? No.

Good singer but yet bland.

Yes Joe – that has to be a joke.

Victoria   March 31st, 2009 9:52 pm ET

I thought he was great from the beginning too and not getting much attention for some reason. He shines more and more every week. Good luck Kris!

sunnyinfla   March 31st, 2009 9:54 pm ET

THIS is your next American Idol. What a honey boy too!

Herbert Earl   March 31st, 2009 9:55 pm ET

Check out Eva Cassidy's rendition on "Ain't no Sunshine". Kris was good but hardly original.

samantha   March 31st, 2009 9:56 pm ET

huge fan of kris. amazing performance. LOVED it.

dave   March 31st, 2009 9:56 pm ET

This guy is definitely the dark horse of the show. I'd say he's in the top four (Adam, Allison, Danny...and Kris). He really surprised me with playing the piano, and he's making great song choices, and adding a contemporary twist. Kris has the advantage of being able to play multiple instruments, and arranging the music to fit his abilities and talent. I thought Matt would be in fourth position, but Kris is passing him by. If he keeps going the way he has the past three weeks, Kris may have a lock on the top three. From there...who knows? Top two?

Alison   March 31st, 2009 9:59 pm ET

This was an awesome end – I am really starting to like this guy and I do agree with all of you that he could be the season dark horse and tkae this all the way – I would love him to make at least top 3

Renuka   March 31st, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Cute but too much of a baby

lfy   March 31st, 2009 10:18 pm ET

I've like Kris from the beginning. Each weeks he just keeps getting better. I'd love to see him to all way to the final.

Lynne-Montreal   March 31st, 2009 10:18 pm ET

Kris,

It goes without saying that you are very handsome, the camera loves you and tonight you made this a competition!

One tiny little criticism- lose the mustache!!!! Your face (especially your mouth), is too beautiful to hide!

Keep blowing us away wih your talent!

Tricia   March 31st, 2009 10:23 pm ET

The best performance of the night. This guy has mad talent. He just has to be consistent.

kk   March 31st, 2009 10:23 pm ET

From one Arkansan to another...YOU ARE FREAKING AWESOME...You are representing Arkansas very well...We are all proud of you!!!!!!!

You get better and better each week...I agree with all the judges...this one of your best performances...I had goosebumps (that's a good thing as Kara would say).

Sandy   March 31st, 2009 10:26 pm ET

Herbert – I had never heard of Eva Cassidy. I just went to I Tunes and listened to a couple of her songs and ended up downloading 3 of them. Thank you mentioning her!!

Karen C   March 31st, 2009 10:32 pm ET

The best of the night, a boring night though

Jack   March 31st, 2009 10:33 pm ET

I am not a Kris fan but tonight's performance ROCKED! He was in Adam's league tonight!
BRAVO Kris!

Terry McGraw   March 31st, 2009 10:36 pm ET

Greatsong for Kris, he made it his own. I would buy it today

Dee   March 31st, 2009 10:37 pm ET

Absolutely awesome tonight! I'm not sure if he can make it all the way though because he isn't consistent each week, but if he continues the way he did tonight, he can be the next winner.

C   March 31st, 2009 10:39 pm ET

Loved it!!!!!!! He now has both my respect and attention. Consider my heartstrings pulled. :)

Sandi   March 31st, 2009 10:51 pm ET

Wow. This boy is talented in so many ways. Blazing Hot!

Zion   March 31st, 2009 10:58 pm ET

Who is this guy? Never remember him from week to week until he takes the stage...then I realize why. B-O-R-I-N-G

LoriC   March 31st, 2009 11:00 pm ET

Great performance tonight!

Wanda   March 31st, 2009 11:03 pm ET

Kris is very talented and cute...2nd place ...........BUt ...... Adam is the star we will choose for Idol..........Danny for 3rd place

Pat   March 31st, 2009 11:11 pm ET

Consider closing your eyes and just LISTENING to the singing. Kris leads the pack when you focus on the voice, interpretation, and artistry alone. And how do most of us receive our music? Aurally or visually? Yes, we LISTEN to radio, CDs, and downloads. I love Danny and am intrigued by Adam, but for pure musicality, this guy is great.

sandy   March 31st, 2009 11:18 pm ET

American Idol contestants have so much competition going on this year between them. The only one I do not like is Megan. Danny and Adam are my top favorites and they leave me begging for more. Both provided stellar performances again this week.

Olga   March 31st, 2009 11:19 pm ET

I loved his performance! He is my American Idol!

Sherri   March 31st, 2009 11:27 pm ET

You know, I really really like this guy. I love the different faces that Adam brings to the stage. Very entertaining. But I am beginning to think that Kris may be in this for the long haul. And I'll be rooting for him.

Kim   March 31st, 2009 11:36 pm ET

I've been a fan of Kris' for a few weeks, but tonight he was truly GREAT! I can't wait to watch him again next week. I thought Danny's performance was very touching, but Kris took my breath away! The two of them were by far the best tonight!

Sherry   March 31st, 2009 11:38 pm ET

Loved it!!

AIBoresMe   March 31st, 2009 11:43 pm ET

Does anybody else think they will pull the save out at the end to have a dramatic threesome in the final round?

Becca   March 31st, 2009 11:48 pm ET

Haven't heard one bad comment the last few weeks from the judges!!! It's all about ARTISTRY, and Kris has got it!!

Dana   March 31st, 2009 11:51 pm ET

Really like this kid...didn't at the beginning...

David   March 31st, 2009 11:53 pm ET

Kris is a true vocalist. Not just a singer.

The difference....A singer just takes notes and blurts them out in no form or reason. A vocalist understands that the chords are an instrument and they play it as such. The boy has an instrument and plays it to perfection.

karen   March 31st, 2009 11:55 pm ET

Kris is the BEST ! Every week he is right there on top !!!
I'm buying every one of his videos from all the idol shows. The songs are great and his performances are fantastic !!
You have my vote Kris. Best of luck !!!!

Kelly   April 1st, 2009 12:02 am ET

He's an awesome singer but i agree he seems to not have the exposure that the others have, C'mon Kris lets step it up.

Dave   April 1st, 2009 12:06 am ET

I've been waiting this season for a performance which I can replay and replay like last year's Imagine. I think this was it. The dude was very very good.

Carol   April 1st, 2009 12:08 am ET

Kris, Matt and Adam - top three in my opinion

Jerome   April 1st, 2009 12:12 am ET

This guy is a pro. It's no surprise he is so good after seeing him once or twice. I'm guessing he has a lot of experience performing. I'm not knockin. Just sayin. The guy is just good. He's not undiscovered talent. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who know of this guy on a local/regional scale.

Karen   April 1st, 2009 12:13 am ET

You are now one of my favorites! good song,great job and you sure are good looking!

AIBoresMe   April 1st, 2009 12:18 am ET

Adam is not as good as some of you think. He's overrated and will not sell many CDs nor will he wiin AI.

wjm   April 1st, 2009 12:19 am ET

I've been all about Allison & Adam until tonight. Kris has always been cute, sweet, all that Arkansas stuff, but I didn't think he had much in the way of chops.

Then, he goes and does one of my Top 10 and absolutely nails it. Gorgeous, babe. I'll be happy with any of those three as #1.

Mark   April 1st, 2009 12:23 am ET

Kris is a good singer, but he doesn't have the range, control, or power that some of the other singers have. He is awfully cute, though. He'll last a while, but I don't think he'll win if people vote on singing skills.

Jeff   April 1st, 2009 12:29 am ET

Best performance of the night! And his wife is soooo beautiful. Wow, he has it all. I will admit that I am jealous. I wouldn't be suprised if he did win... well, I wouldn't be shocked anyway.

Debbie   April 1st, 2009 12:30 am ET

I thought Kris did awesome this week. I really enjoyed his performance. In my opinion there were only 4 that should stay and the rest could go home

mara   April 1st, 2009 12:39 am ET

I am soa Kris fan. Like Jason Castro he is a darling unique talent and I think he should be number one.

Melisa   April 1st, 2009 12:51 am ET

It doesn't matter if this guy wins or not.....I would buy his CD. He's awesome.

Delia   April 1st, 2009 1:02 am ET

Kris is starting to win me over. When I first saw him I thought he was just another performer we see everywhere who is long on "the look" but short on talent. I was too quick in my judgment obviously. He's getting better with each week.

Jim   April 1st, 2009 1:07 am ET

Absolutely terrific performance. Best of the night.

JC   April 1st, 2009 1:20 am ET

Kudos to Kris. He's talented, interesting and deserves his "new" top spot in the competition.

5foot4brunette   April 1st, 2009 1:26 am ET

what was up with his mustache?!

And calling him the dark horse? Thats been Allison from the get go. He's more of the sunny pony. He did do alright tonight thats for sure. Just not blown away by it, but it was alright . Better than Megan, what is up with that girl and her concieted self?

troy   April 1st, 2009 2:01 am ET

It was good, but in my opinion it was a complete rip off of Adam's performance last week....i was shocked to hear the judges talking about how "original' it was...both the presentation and singing was identical to Adam's

Sean Serritella   April 1st, 2009 2:08 am ET

Sorry but this guy is not good at all. He was only average. What was so good about it? Is voice wasn't extraordinary.

GA-Peachgirl   April 1st, 2009 2:28 am ET

I agree with Kris in top 4! Adam, Allison then Kris and Danny.
Kris is definitely a cutie pie! And his wife is cute too. I bet they will have plenty of cute babies in the future.
Good Luck!

Ben Lee   April 1st, 2009 2:35 am ET

BRILLIANT take on that song! He outdid Gokey and Matt...very original and moving performance – except the last two or theree notes. He's easily top 5 – he's cute, tries to be original (and doing a good job at that) and a very emotive singer! I like him but unless he does what he does tonight in his album, I probably won't buy it.

Missy   April 1st, 2009 2:41 am ET

Kris does not get enough recognition for his talent........Best song of the night!

Rick   April 1st, 2009 3:02 am ET

Group 1: Danny and Adam
Group 2: Chris and Matt (though he was not good tonight)

The rest honestly don't matter right now.

Tay in Texas   April 1st, 2009 3:41 am ET

I absolutely agree...He was original and awesome. I fell a little bit in love with him tonight. Adam Lambert is always good, but all that screeching and howling gets a bit old. I enjoy watching him, but I can't really imagine going out to get his CD. Based on this evening's performance, I would buy Chris Allen's CD in a heartbeat.

S.A.   April 1st, 2009 3:58 am ET

I thought Kris did a fantastic job tonight. I've thought he was a front runner from the beginning, but didn't know how much of a chance he would be given. Fortunately, the producers have allowed him the opportunity to display his talents lately. He seems like a normal guy – but he has all of the components necessary to make a future star – a) the looks; b) the talent (most importantly); c) the ability to play multiple instruments; d) the obvious fundamental understanding of music and how to write and arrange it; e) must I even go on. Most importantly, he appears to be "moldable" – something the record companies want – they can take him and make him into a machine that can sell records. Go Kris – you're my longshot bet for AI's top spot.

Goss   April 1st, 2009 4:01 am ET

Great choice of song...I love "Ain't No Sunshine". He will win this thing in a close one.

SUEnTX   April 1st, 2009 4:21 am ET

This was the best of the night. Great song and he made it even better. I would buy this one. Handsome young man, tons of talent, delivered a memorable performance. Good job, now I am a fan.

Fitzwilly56   April 1st, 2009 5:15 am ET

I think Kris has been delivering good sound performances for three weeks now. I put him in the top three–Adam, Kris and Danny (and then Allison). I predict it will come down to those three toward the end and that Kris's true rival is Adam, who he will have a hard time beating in the end. The spoiler could be Danny, who could step up his game, and maybe Kris could come out on top, if Adam implodes (but I doubt it).

LT   April 1st, 2009 5:52 am ET

He is average. Good singer, but agree with a previous comment: if I close my eyes and hear the song I would not be able to tell it was him singing. He is forgetable. Adam is the star of this season and the winner in my opinion.

Tom   April 1st, 2009 6:44 am ET

BORING....he is the same each week...needs to mix it up. you forget about him..bland.

David   April 1st, 2009 6:47 am ET

Kris is probably the most consistent performer but has failed to take it over the top which unfortunately will be his demise. He is by far my favorite in this competition. If it were just a singing competition he would definitely take home the prize.

joyce   April 1st, 2009 6:57 am ET

think that kris is the most consistently good....a great talent

Dawn   April 1st, 2009 7:20 am ET

Kris stepped up his game and for me as a member of a family who all play keyboards – Bang on dude. It is awesome to see a young talent who plays more than one instrument. He also showed more vocal abilities in this performance. Before tonight I liked him but wasn't like "wow this guy's really great" but now he is up there in the top for me. He may not have Adam's flair for putting on a "crazy" show because he has a laid back style but his performances are becoming increasingly enjoyable and memorable and surprising! I like Matt,Danny,Allison and L'il but they have lost some of their wow factor after seeing Kris last night. Think about who has had consistently solid performances and who has gotten better not stayed the same or fallen short for their skills? Who doesn't have just great pipes or is just a good performer because of stage prescence or is different but who is a true artist? Who always delivers and improves and surprises? For me after last night still Adam and now Kris. Allison and l'il still have their pipes but those performances didn't do them justice at all. Megan, even though unique, she's had enough chances. Scott earned alittle more time but won't "catch – up" Anoop – disappointing last night. Matt – not picking the right songs to show his stuff. Danny was Danny still like him but was not "wowed."

Sflsteven   April 1st, 2009 7:49 am ET

Adam and Danny are the most talented and versatile. You all like Kris b/c he is attractive. The reality is, if you were to re-watch the end of this performance, it was a COMPLETE stretch for him to hit the last note. He has NO range whatsoever. He is a BUMBLING IDIOT with an instrument. He is COMPLETELY average. The judges like him b/c he is marketable. This song was within his range. Quite frankly, take away the indulgent strings and keyboard, and you would switch the radio station. Lets see Kris take a bad song choice (like Lil Rounds did) and still wow you with his pipes. can't do it. He belongs in a starbucks singing elevator music while you're sipping a double-tall latte and don't care b/c you're so caffeinated.

trish ray   April 1st, 2009 8:12 am ET

Wow – he is the most amazing young man. If someone doesn't sign him to a record deal – I sure will.

Laurie   April 1st, 2009 8:24 am ET

Chris is a winner. I see him in the top two.

Michael Lomker   April 1st, 2009 8:53 am ET

It was definitely his moment. I hadn't paid him much attention before last night–very impressive.

CONNIE   April 1st, 2009 9:02 am ET

KRIS ALLEN #1.....YOU ARE GREAT (LOOKS LIKE NICK LASHAY)

DANNY GOKEY #2...YOU ARE TOO

BOTH WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE IN THE MUSIC WORLD!!!!!!!!!

RJ   April 1st, 2009 9:08 am ET

Hands down the best of the night. Far beyond anything Adam could do! I'll go with Kris, then Matt, then Lil, then Allison. I don't like Megan, but I think she's better than Adam!

Go Kris!

Kelly   April 1st, 2009 9:20 am ET

Kris is growing on me each week!!! I always said that I see Danny and Adam in the finals. I think Danny needs to watch out because the more I see Kris the more I see an Adam and Kris final.

brittany   April 1st, 2009 9:34 am ET

Kris doesn't get enough recognition... he has not had a bad performance yet. he gets better and better every week...... i honestly think he deserves to win but i know he wont because every male in the world is voting for adam lambert, haha. kris is definitely going to sell records!!

WI   April 1st, 2009 9:40 am ET

I think Kris is a nice guy, but I just don't get why all the praise from the judges. I find his voice boring. Looks like I'm in the minority though!

Trisha   April 1st, 2009 9:46 am ET

Love Him! Love Him! Love Him!

Talented, Smart, and Gifted!

Alex   April 1st, 2009 9:48 am ET

He's gonna win.

the voice of reason   April 1st, 2009 9:56 am ET

Do we really need to even keep watching. This kid has got it completely in the bag.

Exhibit A: He can sing
Exhibit B: He doesn't over sing (like everyone else)
Exhibit C: He doesn't look like a goof ball (like everyone else)

I rest my case.

Aimee   April 1st, 2009 9:56 am ET

Kris – TOTALLY love you!! Keep doing your thing and we'll see you in the finale.

I'd like to hear you sing some DMB!

Trina   April 1st, 2009 10:15 am ET

Kris was awesome! I was recording it and I had to watch over again. He did his thing that night.

LiLa   April 1st, 2009 10:18 am ET

Kris' voice was fine but his facial expressions are very distracting. What's up with that?

Caleb   April 1st, 2009 10:37 am ET

Great Job! Enough Said.

YEC   April 1st, 2009 10:46 am ET

Very nice, Kris! Have always loved this song, and I think you made me love it more.

Sharon   April 1st, 2009 10:57 am ET

The stupidest thing IDOL has done was to add the 4th judge-Kara Dioguardi. Really, she is clueless, knows nothing music. 9 out of 10 time she just repeats everyone that co me out of Randy's mouth. I hope she not brought back next season. Seems to me that she is nothing but a trouble maker, not to mention she knows nothing about music

Jen   April 1st, 2009 11:00 am ET

Kris is my 3rd favorite in this compitition behind Adam and Matt. But his performance of Ain't No Sunshine blew Matt's performance away by miles!!! I see him improving every week and making people sit up and take notice of him. If I weren't so biased in my devotion to Adam, I might say Kris had the best performance of the night!

jlm   April 1st, 2009 11:39 am ET

kris good job you are the one to watch

dmintz   April 1st, 2009 12:26 pm ET

I don't think he'll win it all, but Kris has what it takes to make it to the top 3. He'll have to outperform Adam and Alison (and hope they mess up). But I doubt that will happen. Adam and Alison are clearly way above the rest. But even if Kris doesn't win, he'll get a contract somewhere and he'll be happy. Look what happened to Jennifer Hudson.

David   April 1st, 2009 12:31 pm ET

I have to admit I have a bit of a man crush on Kris... Absolutely the Best of the night!!!!

Mike   April 1st, 2009 12:39 pm ET

I totally don't get all the praise for Chris's performance. I thought it was bland and boring. His last note was so forced, his face looked like he was taking a dump.

Catherine   April 1st, 2009 12:56 pm ET

I totally agree, I believe he is the contestant to beat.

Dave   April 1st, 2009 1:28 pm ET

Kris lives in my home town, Conway, and is going to UCA there. He's not a professional, but after this competition I'm sure he will be. You did great, Kris. I see you taking this all the way. You have my vote til the end.

Monty   April 1st, 2009 1:58 pm ET

Kris is a sailing slowly to the FINALS, he is an awsome guy with no attitude. he is going to be the next American Idol. Kris, you are the one.

elio ramos   April 1st, 2009 2:23 pm ET

Chris version is as good as the original. I hope he will get a record of his own and definitely his fan. He got magic in his voice. In this competition, I am really looking forward to see his next rendition. So is Adam and Matt Giraud.

fawntrue   April 1st, 2009 3:24 pm ET

Awesome!!! Absolutely the best of the night! I had to rewind and watch it several times, and that's the first time I've felt compelled to do so all season. Well done, Kris!

pam   April 1st, 2009 3:26 pm ET

One of my favs, looks like Freddie Prinze Jr, definitely a cutie! And love his singing. He will be one of the finalists.

Elgin   April 1st, 2009 3:28 pm ET

Kris is good. How can anyone like Adam. Can you imagine listening to him in the car? All he does is scream all the time. Adam should be voted off.

Matt   April 1st, 2009 4:08 pm ET

I've been ragging on him for being boring. But he was excellent last night. Only one complaint:

How can you perform that song with a string quartet and leave out the beautiful phrase the strings play during the chorus? I was waiting for it, but it never came...

Oh well. Good for you Kris! Hope you leach some votes away from Adam :P

Mary Lou   April 1st, 2009 6:30 pm ET

I agree that Chris is a dark horse. He is very Jason Mraz-ish. I adore Adam but frankly, I think it is unfair that he is even in this competition. Adam is in a different league altogether. Megan (ridiculous), Scott and Matt must go. Matt has a death wish, people. He needs to be dancing, singing soul and certainly not attempting to rock out.
My advice to Chris is that he needs some clothes styling. Too bland. Whereas Alllison is over the top. But she is an old soul and amazingly talented. Cannot believe her instrument, at any age, let alone 16.
Love AI

Frank (leelee's friend)   April 1st, 2009 6:40 pm ET

Kris should win. Terrific job on one of my all-time favorite songs.
He deserves to win...he won't be a big star, but he'll do better than Taylor Hicks (BTW, has anyone seen him lately, I'm worried...maybe someone should put out a missing persons report).
Kris is quietly and solidly original (unlike that awful circus act Adam) and he gets better every week. He can also play guitar and keyboards.
The only downside are the funny monkey faces he makes when singing...he looks ridiculous.

Diane   April 1st, 2009 9:08 pm ET

I really like Kris. I loved his studio version of Make You Feel My Love and this week's song, too.

I haven't voted since Season 2, but he's tempting me.

MandM   April 2nd, 2009 11:20 am ET

Kris is not a pro or semi-pro like some of the other contestants. That is what I like about Kris. He also showed that besides being a singer he is a musician and arranges music.

Comments have been closed for this article

Powered by WordPress.com VIP