I’ve interviewed many people over the years – including some of my friends – but American Idol winner Kris Allen is the first person to make me forget that I was actually conducting an interview. From the moment Allen walked into the room, his genuine attentiveness and laid back demeanor made me feel as though I was chatting with an old friend. It was not at all what I expected from someone who was thrust into super-stardom just months ago.
My interview with Allen was a last minute surprise and I had about two hours to prepare for it. I immediately downloaded his album and asked his fans via Twitter for their questions. The fans, some who refer to themselves as “Benches” (you’ll have to google that one!) had hundreds of interesting questions, but what stood out the most was the love his fans have for Allen and his music. Over and over the messages described how Allen is a great role model and detailed how his example and desire to help wherever he is needed has impacted many people.
Kris Allen’s self titled debut is fantastic. The smash hit “Live Like You’re Dying” has sold over 750,000 digital copies and is quite the stand out. Although he has an extraordinary gift, Kris Allen is grounded and humble. He’s not a by-product of the entertainment industry, but instead leads a life characterized by humanitarian work and stays committed to his faith and love for his family and his music. My time with Kris really impacted me and I think it’s a reminder to remember where we have come from, who we want to be, and what we can do with the opportunities we are given.
| Posted by Josh on February 9, 2010 @ 11:27 AM |  |
This is a great interview, good questions etc :)
Also I loved that you totally got what we (the BENCHES haha) love about Kris .. “My time with Kris really impacted me and I think it’s a reminder to remember where we have come from, who we want to be, and what we can do with the opportunities we are given.” Well said man. Well said.
Comment by AmandaBench — February 9, 2010 @ 12:20 PM
Awesome interview with Kris. This was great. Kris is so cool & laid back.
Comment by michele — February 9, 2010 @ 12:34 PM
woow!!!
It’s super! don’t seem that You had only two hours for all!! U’re a genious and you`re my hero-not screech!-in everything that you`make.i´m secure that his fans will be happy and so grateful with you 4 this incredible interview. I´m happy to see your talent in action again.
Comment by Sharon — February 9, 2010 @ 2:44 PM
Respect to others oportunities: i dont know what was your principal and intimate expectation respect your life and your work cause every people is a world apart and you never meet so internally to other people but, i think that today is good for you, Josh, you make good all things that you`re beging, cause you`ve a special talent, man, and it`s truth, you gain all that you propose, you`re incredible like artist and the most important, like human, and it`s showing in every interview, you`ve all, really, and i´m so proud of you!
love, Dheniss/sharon and in next.. Esther like madonna!!!!!!!
Comment by Sharon — February 9, 2010 @ 2:53 PM
Great interview, Josh. Very conversational as opposed to just a Q & A. You seemed to really understand and enjoy Kris and his music. Are you becoming a bench?
Comment by Patti — February 9, 2010 @ 3:57 PM
Thanks for a great interview! I loved your description of Kris because I think it perfectly describes why so many people love him.
Comment by Belinda — February 9, 2010 @ 4:57 PM
Just loved this interview. Loved the question’s you asked Kris. Glad you see why us Kris fans see in Kris. And why we think his a great American idol. Just fantastic Josh Thank you very much.
Comment by Lori — February 9, 2010 @ 5:02 PM
Josh,
Thanks so much for the wonderful interview. It’s a breath of fresh air because you focused on important issues and not the same old questions some others have asked over hundred times. You focused on his music and him and I respect you for that. God bless you.
Comment by Sandra — February 9, 2010 @ 5:12 PM
thanks that was very good interview
and yes in deed you focused on important issues and not the same old questions.
Comment by M. H — February 9, 2010 @ 5:21 PM
Great interview Josh. I’m glad you showed a side of kris that not many people know about- that is his an overall good hearted human being.
Comment by may — February 9, 2010 @ 5:25 PM
Josh, I thought only Jim Cantiello and Michael Slezack can make the best interviews with Kris. But you proved me wrong. You have the same “chillax” vibe as Kris and I have the same feeling of 2 buddies talking in your interview as Cantiello’s. You asked very good questions too and your introduction about Kris is beautiful and so true. Thank you.
Comment by Humble Kris fan — February 9, 2010 @ 5:34 PM
Great interview–you asked better questions than most people who interview Kris! Liked Kris’s answers too. Thanks!
Comment by Julie — February 9, 2010 @ 5:43 PM
Awesome interview!
I’m glad to see he made a good impression on you.
Comment by Kelly — February 9, 2010 @ 6:01 PM
Thank you so much for this interview, it was wonderful and very laid back! For a person who only had little time to prepare you did a great job! I really love how you mentioned his mash-ups…which definitely deserve the attention. I hope he does the whole LLWD/FYE/FIBOU Mash up that you suggested. Adam and Allison will be so shocked!
Overall, I’m glad you enjoyed interviewing him and felt like he was an old friend! :)
Comment by Meme — February 9, 2010 @ 6:04 PM
You totally deserve to be American Idol….so many interviewer fall in love with Kris after meeting him (including the one that doesn’t really care about him).
Keep Grounded Kris. You’re my idol
Comment by ColbyRaikkonen — February 9, 2010 @ 6:09 PM
Thanks for doing such a great interview. For someone who only had two hours to prepare you were way more informed then 90% of the people who have interviewed Kris in the past nine months.
Comment by Bridget — February 9, 2010 @ 6:21 PM
This was awesome. I really would like to see that mash-up too! How did someone put it (where I got this link), oh yes. “LIVE LIKE YOU’RE ENTERTAINING ALL OVER YOU” lol forever
Comment by Cadee — February 9, 2010 @ 6:25 PM
Thanks, Josh, for a really nice interview of a really nice guy. It makes for a great interview when the interviewer does a little bit of homework and doesn’t ask the same old questions. I love Kris Allen and have thought he would make American Idol proud….and he continues to amaze me with his music. Thanks again!
Comment by Lindsey — February 9, 2010 @ 6:27 PM
Great interview, Josh! It’s nice to have an interviewer who really takes the time to listen to his album and prepare some good questions. So are you a “bench” now? ;)
Comment by Ashley — February 9, 2010 @ 6:28 PM
So glad that you appreciate Kris. It really is about the music for him. While he certainly wants a following, he doesn’t seem to be an attention-seeker.
Comment by Valerie — February 9, 2010 @ 7:13 PM
Loved the interview of Kris. I particularly liked the questions about the mash-ups and changing up songs. You have a relaxing interview style which I think puts people at ease and allows them to really talk about things. A lot of information in a relatively short interview. Thanks!
Comment by RarelyComment — February 9, 2010 @ 7:17 PM
Kris is amazing. This was a great interview all around…thanks for doing your research and coming up with such good questions!
Comment by Sasha — February 9, 2010 @ 7:35 PM
Thank you for such a lovely interview. Kris is so natural and down-to earth that’s it’s hard not to fall in love with him.
I really enjoyed this a lot
Comment by Amy — February 9, 2010 @ 7:39 PM
Josh, thanks for posting the interview! Your description of Kris is absolutely true, and it’s one of the reasons that fans of his are protective of him and how he’s portrayed in the media, because they know he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, and that for him, it’s about the music and about touching people’s lives in a positive way :)
Comment by Andrea — February 9, 2010 @ 7:45 PM
Josh I loved your interview with Kris Allen and also loved the write up on him. You totally got him. You got what makes him special to so many of his fans. You do an amazing job with your interviews; you always make all feel good while talking to you. I hope you get to interview Kris again.
ETA: I loved your Interview with Diana Degarmo and Allison Iraheta also.
Thank you again for the wonderful awesome interview with Kris.
Comment by Shannon — February 9, 2010 @ 9:33 PM
Refreshing, that’s all :)
Comment by Lolo — February 9, 2010 @ 10:05 PM
This was a great interview. Kris is simply a beautiful person and it really showed in your interview. It was very comfortable and natural and it was nice to learn some new things and hear him talk about Haiti and his previous missionary work, as well as his music. Thanks so much. I hope you get to interview him again someday. :)
Comment by Sarah — February 9, 2010 @ 10:05 PM
Loved this interview! Kris seemed to really be comfortable with you, and I’m glad you enjoyed your time interviewing him! Hope you get another chance to do this and A+++ suggestion about the mashup!
Also, the way you described Kris was very sweet, he would be very humbled by your opinion.
Comment by Fan — February 9, 2010 @ 10:06 PM
Josh, I’m glad you got charmed by Kris, and I’m glad that it was a great interview for you, and for the fans as well. Kris, just seems like such a chill person, and you can tell when he is talking about music, how passionate he is about it. Also, it is amazing how genuinely passionate he is about helping people.
Comment by Rae — February 9, 2010 @ 10:13 PM
Thanks for the interview and your comments, Kris is a great person and a great singer I am proud to be a fan of his.
Comment by JoJo — February 9, 2010 @ 10:29 PM
Thank you Josh for this awesome interview! I’m so glad you liked kris.. obviously I don’t know him personally, but he really inspires me and makes me want to be a better person…. His music is unbelievable in my opinion and is so heartfelt.. he really is a great role model.. and hot too! lol (there’s a little shallow in all of us, we might as well accept that)
thanks again for the great interview!
Comment by Amanda — February 9, 2010 @ 10:35 PM
I really enjoyed this interview and that write up warmed my heart. Thanks for doing your research and asking relevant questions… I’m glad to see that you understand why we love Kris so much!
Comment by Mary — February 9, 2010 @ 10:48 PM
I really loved this interview! The things you wrote in your article about Kris are beautiful. I’ve had the chance to briefly meet him during one of the M&Gs and he’s such a sweet individual. He really cares about his music, and what’s amazing about him is that it’s never about anything with him other than his music. He doesn’t care about making headlines, being on talk-shows, or even getting attention. He just wants to create great music, and I admire that about him very much. Thank you so much for conducting this interview; it was really well planned even though you had little time to prepare! :)
Comment by Melody — February 9, 2010 @ 11:06 PM
Fantastic interview, and I loved the written description! It is so refreshing to see an interviewer who seems genuinely interested and takes the time to research and ask relevant questions.
I hope you continue to support him, and that this isn’t the only time we will get a Kris Allen interview from you :)
Comment by Cari — February 9, 2010 @ 11:29 PM
Amazing interview! Loved the questions and the article. Thank you so much!
Comment by cerulean_heart — February 9, 2010 @ 11:36 PM
I haven’t watched the interview but I want to say that I love your write-up. You sum up what Kris’ “benches” feel perfectly :)
Comment by bebe — February 10, 2010 @ 12:05 AM
I could tell he’s at ease with you. Even though you asked him some of the same questions that people usually ask him, it’s kind of different because you recognized Kris for himself and were genuine in your compliments. I’m sure what you said means something to him since you are new to him. Good job Josh.
Comment by snapcracklypop — February 10, 2010 @ 12:27 AM
Thanks for the interview and your comments. It was a refreshing interview and not the same ole questions. And Im a big fan of Kris and think he’s going to go places for sure,
Comment by Brenda — February 10, 2010 @ 2:31 AM
Thanks so much for an informative interview. I don’t know you but you give me a Kris Allen vibe, which means you are a great guy too. Thank You.
Comment by Eric — February 10, 2010 @ 2:31 AM
Eric, I thought the same thing too. Josh, you seem to have a Kris Allen vibe. What else did you talk about that isn’t in the video?
Comment by musicfan — February 10, 2010 @ 4:07 AM
What a nice conversational interview. You have an excellent way of interviewing that actually focuses us on the subject and who that person is. Loved it!
Comment by Danielle — February 10, 2010 @ 4:36 AM
Thanks so much Josh for a great interview. I believe after this Kris may have another fan ?? Your comments reflect everything that I believe most fans of Kris love about him & that he’s “All about the music!!”
Comment by Judes — February 10, 2010 @ 5:57 AM
I like it!
Comment by carter — February 10, 2010 @ 6:05 AM
I enjoy pretty much anything with Kris……. I think he is such a talented and special young man….thanks for this inteview
Comment by sandy — February 10, 2010 @ 6:34 AM
Thanks for this good interview.
He’s such a good artist and I’m one huge fan of his.
Love and appreciate how compassionate this guy is for his fellow human beings.
lol at your mash-up suggestion!
Comment by Madeleine — February 10, 2010 @ 6:52 AM
Thank you Josh for a great interview with Kris Allen. He is an amazing talent!
Comment by Amy — February 10, 2010 @ 10:59 AM
Awesome interview! (Questions are little old tho.)
Comment by Jenny — February 10, 2010 @ 11:30 AM
Awesome interview, Josh! Haha, I agree that we Kris fans are very dedicated. :) Thank you so much for giving us this one! It’s refreshing when someone like you, who does research about their interviewee and tweets the fans, conducts an interview. It’s so much more fun to watch, and I love that you recognized Kris as who he really is – a genuinely down-to-earth singer, musician, and artist. I hope you guys do more interviews in the future!
Comment by Marilyn Y — February 10, 2010 @ 12:30 PM
Great interview, Josh! I love the things you wrote about him in your article…you’ve really seen the true Kris Allen that all of us have grown to love over the past year! Thanks for this interview, and I hope you have another chance to speak to him…
Comment by SarahL — February 10, 2010 @ 1:22 PM
Thanks Josh. Great interview. Hope you can interview Kris again soon! You guys seemed like old buddies.
Comment by Steph — February 10, 2010 @ 2:12 PM
Thanks for the interview, Josh. I love watching Kris charm the people he’s with and he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. Also glad that you appreciated his album – now spread the word! It is addictive. As you said, everyone has a story. I think a part of Kris’ story that he may not even know is the way he and his music – especially the messages in his songs – have positively impacted his listeners. The songs he sang on AI and the songs in his album are flattering to women and talk about the importance of commitment in relationships. I know for me, personally, the first time I heard “Can’t Stay Away From You,” I realized that that song describes how my husband feels about me. Made me realize the power we have over our guys and how I needed to change some things about myself to be worthy of such devotion. I changed and he’s loving it. Have heard of others who have been impacted by LLWD. One lady wrote on a blog that after reflecting on the message of the song she changed careers. These are all stories that need to be told because they help explain why Kris has such loyal fans – and is making new ones all the time… especially after eating balut in the Philippines, going bodysurfing in Malaysia, and wearing Shrek ears in Singapore… Simon Cowell said Kris was “like eating ice for lunch,” but that just goes to prove how wrong someone can be. Kris is icey hot and we’re all melting from the heat. Love him!
Comment by Rachel — February 10, 2010 @ 5:28 PM
We Kris Allen fans are very grateful for the nice interview with relevant questions. There’s a lot of goodies about Kris that most journalists are not even ready to see for themselves. It’s a pity but you once again prove that you’re the best. Thank you.
Comment by Abigail — February 10, 2010 @ 6:05 PM
Great interview! There is something about this guy, as Jamie Foxx put it, that “blows you away … He pulls you in ….” Understated and humble, but not at all forgettable. He gives the world music and so, so much more. Thanks for giving Kris his due.
Comment by kimberly — February 10, 2010 @ 8:55 PM
Josh u r amazing..that interview was fantastic..& we love u so much for giving Kris the appreciation & respect he deserves..ur introduction here too is amzaing..u r such a sincere guy!
Comment by Lily — February 10, 2010 @ 11:05 PM
Thanks for the great interview! Kris can be an interesting interviewee, but it also takes a great interviewer to get the best outta the interview, and you did an awesome job (very few do!). As you mentioned, you weren’t familiar with him/his music until the last-minute-before-interview-rush, so thanks for going into it with an open mind…there are far too many (media and general public alike) who have blind preconceptions about this guy and don’t even try to look beyond their first impressions/’judgments’ lol. Glad you had fun with this interview!
I’m a fan of Allison and Adam’s as well, and…well, I hadn’t yet left a comment on Allison’s interview, but it was a great one as well, both Allison and Kris seemed very comfortable talking to ya. Very refreshing interviews overall =)
Comment by jas — February 10, 2010 @ 11:46 PM
Nice interview! Kris is a talented guy. Love his self-deprecating sense of humor and appreciation of all things absurd. I’ve been fans of past idols (Kelly, Cook) but he is really the first one that has caused me to actually seek out articles/interviews/videos etc…OH not to forget…I love his album!
Comment by deez — February 11, 2010 @ 12:11 PM
Kris is charming and sweet. I’m glad people can see this in the interview
Comment by Alex — February 11, 2010 @ 2:02 PM
Gotta love Kris. His sweet spirit really shines through here… Thanks for this!
Comment by Pheobe — February 11, 2010 @ 3:21 PM
(commenting now because I realized I forgot to comment when I watched it, but I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it! Hope we get another interview from the two of you in the future!!!)
Comment by Pheobe — February 11, 2010 @ 3:22 PM
He´s a good singer i love his work, and his style is a bit like mans zelmerlow, other singer.
you´re incredible and ever hermoso.
Comment by kary — February 12, 2010 @ 5:36 AM
Thanks a lot for being a good interviewer and focusing on Kris and his music in this interview. Most interviewers come with their mind already made up abd end up asking about things that are not relevant to him and his career. Though Kris’ music is what drew most of us to him, his sweet personality has really made us more of eternal fans. I’m happy the same happened with you and that’s what happens with Kris Allen. Once again thank you.
Comment by George — February 14, 2010 @ 9:12 PM
Thanks for this great interview and write-up. A real joy to watch!
Obviously, I am a fan of Mr. Allen but, I am glad you did this interview b/c it introduced me to you and I have taken the time to read and view other content on your site. You do a great job man! Keep it up!
Hope you can do follow-up interviews with Kris in the future.
Comment by LeighCay — February 15, 2010 @ 10:04 AM
Great interview! I love how at ease Kris is with you, and love your interview style! Repeat performance, please!
Comment by Dee — April 3, 2010 @ 7:28 PM