Allen has writing credits on 9 of the 12 tracks on the album, including one solo credit for “Red Guitar”, a song that he wrote prior to participating in American Idol.
Here’s what Preview Alert (Yahoo! Music) said about the songs from the album:
“…big, widescreen adult-alt-pop records reminiscent of VH1 house bands like Carolina Liar, Maroon 5, or Augustana, all full of huge hooky choruses ridiculously readymade for radio. The album is positively teeming with potential hits, and the folks at 19 will have a tough job selecting a follow-up single for the already-released ‘Live Like We’re Dying.’”
In a break with American Idol tradition, Allen’s Idol “coronation song”, “No Boundaries”, was not included on his major-label debut. Instead, a newly recorded version of “Heartless”, covered by Allen during his run on Idol, was included as a bonus track.
This also marks the first time that an Idol winner has been depicted looking off-camera rather than staring back at the listener in their debut album artwork.
Allen previewed three songs from his album “Written All Over My Face”, “Can’t Stay Away,” and “Before We Come Undone” at a Miami Dolphins tailgate-party before their game against the New Orleans Saints on October 25, 2009.
Here’s the track listing of Kris Allen’s album:
1. “Live Like We’re Dying” – 3:32
2. “Before We Come Undone” – 3:31
3. “Can’t Stay Away” – 3:19
4. “The Truth” – 4:40
5. “Written All Over My Face” – 3:34
6. “Bring It Back” – 3:42
7. “Red Guitar” – 4:27
8. “Is It Over” – 3:34
9. “Let It Rain” – 3:29
10. “Alright With Me” – 3:07
11. “Lifetime” – 3:38
12. “I Need To Know” – 3:34
13. “Heartless” (Bonus track, all versions) – 3:42
14. “Send Me All Your Angels” (Bonus track, Walmart version)
15. “From the Ashes” (Bonus track, iTunes album pre-order only)
MUSIC VIDEO LINK: Kris Allen – Live Like We’re Dying
]]>
The song is a cover from Irish pop-rock band “The Script.” It’s not yet the official carrier single of the album but Allen said they love the song and they are thinking if they will pick the song as his debut single.
Allen’s album is due on November 17, 2009.
MUSIC LINK: Live Like We’re Dying
Live Like We’re Dying Lyrics
(Kris Allen)
Sometimes we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s too late, it’s not too late
Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would’ve done
[Chorus]
Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinkin’ it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying
And if you plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out of our lives
So when we long for absolution, there’ll be no one on the line
(Chorus)
Like we’re dying (x4)
(Chorus)
You never know a good thing until it’s gone
you never see a crash until its head on
All these people right when we’re dead wrong,
You never know a good thing till it’s gone
(Chorus)
Like we’re dying (x4)
(Chorus)
]]>
It’s confirmed! Joining Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell for the 9th season of American Idol is none other than talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
The 51-year-old comedienne and host will replace Paula Abdul. She admitted that she’s no music authority compared to Simon, Randy and Kara but she promised to be the people’s point of view among the judges since she’s an American Idol fan herself.
“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol. I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote! Hopefully I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you. I sit at home and I watch it. I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person,” she said.
Ellen had her first stint as a judge in the Fox reality competition So You Think You Can Dance last summer and her wisecracks made everyone laugh.
]]>
The Top 10 in Evening Gown
1. Dominican Republic – 9.428
2. Kosovo – 9.250
3. Puerto Rico – 9.050
4. Australia – 9.039
5. Venezuela – 8.869
6. France – 8.650
7. South Africa – 8.040
8. Czech Republic – 8.010
9. Switzerland – 7.890
10. USA – 7.550
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Miss Congeniality – China
Miss Photogenic – Thailand
Best National Costume – Panama
THE Top 5 FINALISTS
Australia
Dominican Republic
Kosovo
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
Mark Anthony Fernandez is Eduardo, Narda’s chilhood sweetheart.
Robert Villar is Ding, Darna’s kid sidekick
Celia Rodriguez is Perfecta, Narda’s surrogate mother
Roxanne Barcelo is Narda’s bestfriend
Rufa Mae Quinto is Francesca, Crisanto’s secretary
Eddie Garcia is Padre Mateo, the priest head of the local church
Angel Aquino is the sorcerer who will tell Narda about her calling as the savior of the human race
Ian de Leon is Alfonso, the village policeman
Janice de Belen is Consuelo, Valentina’s mother
Raymart Santiago is Crisanto, the newspaper editor
Ricky Davao is Dr. Morgan, a scientist and the surrogate father of Eduardo
Alfred Vargas is Gabriel, the reporter who is also the biggest admirer of Darna
Polo Ravales is Shiro, a syndicate leader. It’s still unknown if he will become one of Darna’s villains.
Images courtesy of GMA
]]>
Trendy local brand Folded and Hung has released their 2009 denim campaign featuring the stunning Angel Locsin and the uber-hot Filipino-British model Justin Hills.
Promotional Photos courtesy of Folded and Hung. You can download these photos from the Folded and Hung website.
JULY 2
Ice Age 3 (Click here to watch trailer)
Public Enemies (Click here to watch trailer)
JULY 3
I Hate Valentines Day (Click here to watch trailer)
JULY 10
Bruno (Click here to watch trailer)
JULY 15
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Click here to watch trailer)
JULY 24
I Love You, Beth Cooper (Click here to watch trailer)
G-Force (Click here to watch trailer)
The Ugly Truth (Click here to watch trailer)
Orphan (Click here to watch trailer)
JULY 31
Funny People (Click here to watch trailer)
They Came From Upstairs (Click here to watch trailer)
Please take note that these opening dates are based from US screening schedules. Some movies may have a later opening date in the Philippines and elsewhere.
]]>
Pacman is starring in the said comedy movie with Batista, and another internationally renowed Filipino-American, Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls.
Batista will play the role of Pacman’s mortal enemy while Nicole Scherzinger, on the other hand, will be Pacman’s leading lady in the movie.
According to Pacman, his character in the movie has a superpower, similar to the characters in the hit comedy movie “Kung Fu Hustle”.
He said, “May superpower ako, tapos may mga anak ako. Marami akong anak in that movie.”
About working with Scherzinger, he said “Masaya at karangalan kong makasama ang isang Fil-am na sikat din.”
Wapakman is being helmed by Topel Lee under Solar Films. It is set to hit theaters in December this year.
VIDEO LINK: Wapakman – Teaser
The ABS-CBN fantaserye “Lobo” starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual was named Best Telenovela in the 30th BANFF World Television Festival which was held in Toronto, Canada.
Lobo (Wolf) was a fantasy thriller television series featured in the primetime block of ABS-CBN. The show premiered on January 28, 2008 until July 11, 2008.
The 2009 Banff World Television Festival Category Winners:
Animation Programs – In partnership with Starz Animation Toronto
I Met The Walrus
Entrant: Bravo!
Country: Canada
Arts & Performing Arts Documentaries – In partnership with The Banff Centre
The Curse of the Mona Lisa
Entrant: Channel 4
Country: UK
Children’s Programs
Habib: The meaning of life/The ghost in the basement
Entrant: SVT- Sveriges Television
Country: Sweden
Comedy Programs – In partnership with William F. White International
Beautiful People
Entrant: BBC
Country: UK
Continuing Series & Serial Programs – In partnership with the Shaftesbury
Lost: The Constant
Entrant: ABC Studios
Country: USA
Environmental Programs – In partnership with NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.)
Frontline: Heat
Entrant: PBS International
Country: USA
History & Biography Programs – In partnership with Rogers Communications Inc.
Paris 1919
Entrant: National Film Board of Canada
Country: Canada
Investigative & Current Affairs Programs – In partnership with Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co.
Oil for Fraud
Entrant: Maha Productions
For: ARTE
Country: France
Lifestyle & Information Programs – In partnership with INSINC
Family Restaurant: The Quons (Be Bold)
Entrant: Anaid Productions Inc.
For: Food Network Canada
Country: Canada
Made for TV Movies – In partnership with Sony of Canada Ltd.
Skirt Day
Entrant: ARTE France
Country: France
Mini-Series – In partnership with Deluxe Vancouver | Toronto
John Adams
Entrant: Home Box Office (HBO)
Country: USA
Music or Variety Programs – In partnership with Shure Incorporated
Peter Kay’s Britain’s Got the Pop Factor
Entrant: Channel 4
Country: UK
Political Documentaries – In partnership with DGC – BC
Dispatches – Warlords Next Door?
Entrant: Channel 4
Country: UK
Popular Science & Technology Programs – In Partnership with SAIT Polytechnic
Inuit Odyssey
Entrant: Clearwater Media
For: CBC Television and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
Country: Canada
Reality Format Programs – In partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada
Blood, Sweat and T-Shirts
Entrant: BBC
Country: UK
Social & Humanitarian Programs – In partnership with Searchlight Recruitment Inc.
The Qur’an
Entrant: Juniper Communications Ltd.
For: Channel 4
Country: UK
Sports Documentaries – In partnership with PBS International
Thriller in Manila
Entrant: Channel 4
Country: UK
Sports Entertainment Programs
CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada
Entrant: CBC Television
Country: Canada
Telenovela Programs – In partnership with Quebec Film & Television Council
The Wolf (Lobo)
Entrant: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation
Country: Philippines
Wildlife & Natural History Programs – In partnership with PBS International
Titus: The Gorilla King
Entrant: Tigress Productions
For: BBC and WNET
Country: UK
Youth Programs
Battlefront
Entrant: Channel 4
Country: UK
Interactive Categories:
Immersive Entertainment – In partnership with TELUS
BITWORLD – Rescue Toya!
Entrant: NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.)
Country: Japan
Original Online Programs – In partnership with Government of Alberta & Alberta Film
Gaza-Sderot: life in spite of everything
Entrant: Bo Travail in association with Alma Films, Trabelsi Productions, Ramattan Studio, Upian.com
Country: France
Even during auditions, Kris Allen wasn’t sure that he’s going to be the next American Idol. He’s accustomed to Simon’s criticism that he doesn’t have the best vocals this season. But his originality brought him to the top beating “better” singers like Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey.
Kristopher Neil Allen (known as Kris Allen) was born on June 21, 1985 in Jacksonville, Arkansas to Kimberly and Neil Allen. He has one younger brother named Daniel who is a student and cheerleading coach at the University of Central Arkansas. Allen attended Murrell Taylor Elementary School, Fuller Middle School and Mills University Studies High School, where he was active in the school’s orchestra as a viola player and later went on to win a spot in his state’s all-state orchestra.
Along with the viola, Allen taught himself how to play the guitar at age 13, and is also proficient with the piano and the ukulele. In 2007, he self-produced an album entitled Brand New Shoes with college friends and bandmates Michael Holmes (drums) and Chase Erwin (bass). Songs from the album began being widely distributed during his time on Idol.
Allen is a devout Christian. He was a worship leader at New Life Church in Maumelle, Arkansas, as well as at the Chi Alpha campus ministry of the University of Central Arkansas, where he was a business major. He has done missionary work around the world, including in Burma, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain and Thailand.
On September 26, 2008, he married longtime girlfriend Katy O’Connell Allen.
Allen auditioned for the eighth season of American Idol in Louisville, Kentucky with his brother Daniel, who didn’t make it to Hollywood. He performed “I Want You Back,” by The Jackson 5, during Hollywood week as part of a group named White Chocolate, which included fellow finalist and semi-finals roommate Matt Giraud. At the Idol Mansion, Allen was roommates with contestant Adam Lambert. According to the Us Weekly article about the Top 13, Allen stated, in regard to Lambert being a good fit, “We’re both neat.”
Allen was voted into the finals along with Lambert and Allison Iraheta on February 26, 2009. He has received many compliments throughout the competition for his folk-inspired interpretations of modern pop songs, and has played several instruments during his performances, including the acoustic guitar, the electric guitar, the keyboard, and the piano. Randy Jackson has compared him to Jason Mraz. His performance of “To Make You Feel My Love” as part of the Top 11 earned praise from the judges, with Simon Cowell commenting “I am genuinely beginning to think you have a shot of doing well in this competition.” On the Top 9 show, he performed his own arrangement of “Ain’t No Sunshine” on a keyboard, with a few musicians on stage, which earned praise from the judges. Cowell lauded it his “best performance so far.” On the first Top 7 night, he chose to sing the Oscar-winning song from the indie film Once. While Jackson described it as “pitchy from note one”, Kara DioGuardi declared it “one of your best moments ever.” Due to time constraints, Paula Abdul and Cowell did not comment. But on the following night’s results show, Cowell stated “Kris, you were brilliant.” On the second Top 7 show, Allen brought back the guitar for the fourth time and performed an original, acoustic version of “She Works Hard for the Money”, complete with bongo drums and the band on stage. This earned praise from all four judges, with Abdul remarking “There aren’t many men who are willing to shop in the women’s department. You shopped and found a perfect fit.” For his second Top 3 performance, Allen impressed the judges with an acoustic arrangement of Kanye West’s “Heartless”, prompting Jackson to state that he preferred it to West’s original and The Fray’s cover version. Simon Cowell agreed and said, “I had written you out of the competition but that has changed after that performance.”
And on the night of May 20, 2009, Kris Allen bested the highly-favored Adam Lambert to become the 8th American Idol. Kris is the fourth male contestant to win the show after Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and David Cook.
]]>
Ryan Seacrest: You just won American Idol bro!
Kris Allen: Are you serious?!!
Ryan Seacrest: You did it!
Kris Allen: Are you freakin’ serious?
Ryan Seacrest: The underdog. The dark horse comes back and wins the nation over. How does it feel?
Kris Allen: It feels good man but Adam deserves this. I’m sorry i don’t even know how to feel right now, this is crazy. Thank you so much!
And here’s the result of our poll. 578 voted for Kris Allen while 429 voted for Adam Lambert.
Video Link: Kris Allen performs victory song “No Boundaries”
]]>The finale:
1. Ryan Seacrest’s Opening Remarks – he said under 100 million votes came in, a total of 624 million votes for season 8. He introduces the judges with matching funny clips.
2. Ryan introduces the final 2 – Kris Allen and Adam Lambert who are both dressed in white. Michaela Gordon is hosting the viewing party for Kris in Arkansas while Carly Smithson is hosting in San Diego.
3. The Top 13, who are all dressed in white, perform Pink’s “So What”.
4. David Cook performs “Permanent”. The song is for his late brother Adam who recently succumbed to brain cancer.
5. The Golden Idol Awards are back. Nick Mitchell, the funny guy who made it to Top 36, wins.
6. Lil Rounds performs “Cue the Rain” with Queen Latifah.
7. Anoop Desai, Alexis Grace and the rest of the Top 13 perform “I’m Yours” with Jason Mraz.
8. The Journey of Kris Allen is shown.
9. Kris Allen and Keith Urban perform “Kiss a Girl”.
10. The Top 13 girls sing “Glamorous” with Fergie taking the stage singing “Big Girls Don’t Cry” afterwards. Allison introduces the Black Eyed Peas who perform their no. 1 song “Boom Boom Pow.”
11. More Golden Idols. Best attitude goes to Katrina “The Bikini Girl” Darrell. She performs “Vision of Love” with judge Kara DioGuardi stealing the spotlight from Bikini Girl, wearing a bikini herself.
12. Allison Iraheta performs “Time After Time” with the legendary Cyndi Lauper.
13. Ryan interviews Kris Allen’s parents, then heads over to the other side of the auditorium to interview Adam’s parents.
14. Danny Gokey performs “Hello” with THE Lionel Ritchie.
15. Adam Lambert performs with the rock band Kiss.
16. The Top 13 perform “Smooth” with Carlos Santana.
17. The last Ford music Video is called “I will Remember You” featuring Adam Lambert and Kris Allen with a montage of all the season’s Ford videos.
18. Steve Martin plays the banjo with Megan Joy and Michael Sarver singing “Pretty Flowers.”
19. The Top 13 boys take the stage singing “Do You Think I’m Sexy.” Adam introduces Rod Stewart singing “Maggie May.”
20. The Last Golden Idol, this time for Best Female, goes to Tatiana del Toro.
21. Adam Lambert and Kris Allen perform “We Are the Champions” with Queen.
22. Finally, the winner of American Idol season 8 is announced. The microphone trophy goes to the black horse, Kris Allen!
Video Link:
]]>