“The Truth” was written by Train frontman Pat Monahan and its producer, Toby Gad. The single version of the song, which features Monahan, was released as the album’s second single on May 11, 2010.

“The Truth” debuted at #37 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks chart for the week of June 5, 2010.

Watch the music video here:

Kris Allen – ‘The Truth’ Music Video Released originally appeared on Starmometer on August 18, 2010.

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

Kris Allen Releases Self-Titled Album originally appeared on Starmometer on November 8, 2009.

Here’s an excerpt his interview:

On coming out: “I don’t think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I’m gay…. I’m proud of my sexuality. I embrace it. It’s just another part of me [But] I’m trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader.”

On realizing he was gay growing up: “I started to realize I wasn’t like every other boy. I realized that we all have our own power, and that whatever I wanted to do, I had to make happen.”

On his run on American Idol: “I was like, ‘I’m going to glue rhinestones on my eyelids, b—-!’ Right after the finale, I almost started talking about [being gay] to the reporters, but I thought, ‘I’m going to wait for Rolling Stone, that will be cooler.’ I didn’t want the Clay Aiken thing and the celebrity-magazine bulls—. I need to be able to explain myself in context… Clay Aiken’s gay, and I’m gay, and we couldn’t be more different. The only thing that is the same about everyone in the gay community is that we’re gay. … Why can’t we talk about a human community?”

On getting attention from fangirls: “I loved it this season when the girls went crazy for me. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all hot.”

On sharing a bedroom with Idol winner Kris Allen: “They put me with the cute guy. Distracting! He’s the one guy I found attractive in the whole group on the show: nice, nonchalant, pretty and totally my type — except that he has a wife. I mean he’s open-minded and liberal, but he’s definitely 100% straight.”

On gaining self-confidence through Idol: “I finally checked into my self-worth for the first time in my life, and the fact that it coincided with Idol is so sweet. I mean, I still have moments where I think, ‘Oh, my skin is terrible, and I’m a little fat — I should really go to the gym more.’ But for the most part, when I look in the mirror now, I finally see somebody who can do something cool.”

The latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine with Adam Lambert on the cover comes out in newsstands this Wednesday!

Rolling Stone Outed Adam Lambert originally appeared on Starmometer on June 10, 2009.

iTunes USA Top 10
(May 26, 2009)

Amazon Top 10
(May 26, 2009)

Jam 88.3 Top 10 Chart Attack
(May 25, 2009)

1. Take Me as I Am – FM Static (new #1)
2. The Kids are Sick Again – Maximo Park
3. Very Busy People – The Limousines
4. Rubber Lover – Marmaduke Duke
5. Gun for a Tongue – Butterfly Boucher
6. Hey You – 311
7. Funny the Way It Is – Dave Matthews Band
8. New Divide – Linkin Park
9. The World We Live In – The Killers
10. Black Heart Inertia – Incubus

MYX Hit Chart
(May 24, 2009)

1. Come Back To Me – David Cook
2. The Climb – Miley Cyrus
3. Back In Time – Kyla f/ Jay-R
4. LoveGame – Lady GaGa
5. If U Seek Amy – Britney Spears
6. Love Story – Taylor Swift
7. Antukin – Rico Blanco
8. Sandali Na Lang – Hale
9. Wala – Kamikazee
10. Know Your Enemy – Green Day
11. Boom Boom Pow – The Black Eyed Peas
12. Walang Iwanan – 6cyclemind
13. Tabi – Paraluman f/ Kean Cipriano
14. Please Don’t Leave Me – P!nk
15. Love Sex Magic – Ciara f/ Justin Timberlake
16. Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny) – A.R. Rahman f/ The Pussycat Dolls
17. I Caught Myself – Paramore
18. Untouched – The Veronicas
19. Don’t Forget – Demi Lovato
20. I Do Not Hook Up – Kelly Clarkson

The Magic 30
(May 24, 2009)

30. The Show- Lenka (NEW)
29. Magnificent- U2
28. Stand and Deliver- No Doubt
27. How You Love Me Now- Hey Monday (NEW)
26. Never Say Never- The Fray
25. Chillin’- Wale feat. Lady GaGa
24. I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)- Pitbull
23. The World We Live In- The Killers
22. Funny The Way It Is- Dave Matthews Band
21. Permanent- David Cook (NEW)
20. Know Your Enemy- Green Day
19. So Close, So Far- Hoobastank
18. Like A Woman- Git Fresh
17. I Quit! I Quit! I Quit!- The Click Five
16. Be With You- Akon (NEW)
15. Revelry- Kings of Leon
14. Blame It- Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain
13. White Horse- Taylor Swift
12. Black Heart Inertia- Incubus
11. Her Diamonds- Rob Thomas
10. Sweet Dreams- Beyonce
9. The Wind Blows- The All-American Rejects
8. No Surprise- Daughtry
7. Boom Boom Pow- Black Eyed Peas
6. Hey Girl (Patron Tequila)- Keri Hilson & Lil Jon feat. T-Pain
5. Waking Up In Vegas- Katy Perry
4. LoveGame- Lady GaGa
3. I Do Not Hook Up- Kelly Clarkson
2. Touch My Hand- David Archuleta
1. Come Back To Me- David Cook

Pinoy MYX Countdown
(May 23-29, 2009)

1. Kyla duet with Jay-R – Back in Time
2. Rico Blanco – Antukin
3. Hale – Sandali na Lang
4. Kamikazee – Wala
5. 6cyclemind – Walang Iwanan
6. Paraluman feat. Kean Cipriano – Tabi
7. Richard Poon – Kumot At Unan
8. Sarah Geronimo – You Changed My Life in a Moment
9. Callalily – Hintay
10. Pupil – Teacher’s Pet
11. Taken By Cars – Neon Brights
12. Silent Sanctuary – Hay Naku
13. Mayonnaise – Torres
14. Archipelago – May 1
15. Mark Bautista – Sana’y Dinggin Mo
16. Christian Bautista – Limutin na Lang
17. The Dawn – Love Will Set Us Free
18. Sandwich – Manila (new entry)
19. Hilera – So Be It (new entry)
20. Paolo Santos – Photograph (new entry)

MYX International Top 20
(May 23 to 29, 2009)

1. David Cook – Come Back to Me
2. Miley Cyrus – The Climb
3. Lady Gaga – LoveGame
4. Britney Spears – If U Seek Amy
5. Taylor Swift – Love Story
6. Green Day – Know Your Enemy
7. Black Eyed Peas – Boom Boom Pow
8. Pink – Please Don’t Leave Me
9. Ciara feat. Justin Timberlake – Love Sex Magic
10. A.R. Rahman & Pussycat Dolls – Jai Ho! (You Are
My Destiny)
11. Paramore – I Caught Myself
12. The Veronicas – Untouched
13. Demi Lovato – Don’t Forget
14. Kelly Clarkson – I Do Not Hook Up
15. Beyoncé – Diva
16. Hey Monday – How You Love Me Now
17. Lenka – The Show
18. Eminem – We Made You
19. Keri Hilson feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo – Knock You Down
20. Craig David – Insomnia

Kris Allen’s ‘No Boundaries’ is No. 2 on iTunes originally appeared on Starmometer on May 26, 2009.

Listen to “No Boundaries” right HERE.

No Boundaries
(Kris Allen)

Seconds hours so many days
You know what you want but how long can you wait
Every moment last forever
If you feel you’ve lost your way
What if your chances are already gone
Started believing that I could be wrong
But you give me one good reason
To fight and never walk away

Coz hear I am — still holding on!

Every step you climb another mountain
Every breathe its harder to believe

You’ll make it through the pain (or through all your aches and pains)
Weather the hurricane
To get to that one thing

When you think the road is going nowhere
Just when you’ve almost gave up on your dreams
Then take it by the hand and show you that you can
There are no boundaries
There are no boundaries

Stand on the edge
What if today is as good as it gets
Don’t know where’s the future’s heading
Nothings gonna bring me down
I jumped every bridge
I risked being safe but i always arise
I always arise

So here i am still holding on

Every step you climb another mountain
Every breathe its harder to believe

You’ll make it through the pain
Weather the hurricane
To get to that one thing

When you think the road is going nowhere
Just when you’ve almost gave up on your dreams
Then take it by the hand and show you that you can
There are no boundaries
There are no boundaries

You can go higher
You can go deeper
There are no boundaries
Above and beneath you
Break every rule coz there’s nothing between you
and your dreams

With Every step you climb another mountain
Every breathe its harder to believe
Yeah There are no boundaries
There are no boundaries

With every step you climb another mountain
Every breathe its harder to believe
You’ll make it through the pain
Weather the hurricane
There are no boundaries
There are no boundaries
There are no boundaries

Kris Allen – No Boundaries originally appeared on Starmometer on May 21, 2009.

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.

Kris Allen – The Dark Horse Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on May 21, 2009.

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”

Kris Allen Wins American Idol Season 8 originally appeared on Starmometer on May 21, 2009.

ROUND 1:

Adam Lambert – “Mad World” by Tears for Fears

Randy said: I love that you showed your sensitive side. I give that an A+. Kara said: I am so happy you chose that performance. You are an incredible artist. You rocked it again tonight. Paula said: I am proud you are standing on that stage right now. This is your moment. A great song for you. Still haunting. Way to start the show. Simon said: I always thought this was your best performance but tonight was a little bit theatrical. It reminded me of Phantom of The Opera.

Kris Allen – “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Randy said: I love that I can tell what kind of artist you are. That was one of your best performances here on this stage. Kara said: I agree with Randy. You have a way with creating an intimate bond with everyone in the audience. Paula said: You awakened the spirit in all of us. Simon: This is a competition. When your name was announced last week, I wasn’t sure America made the right choice but I take it back after that performance.

ROUND 2

Adam Lambert – “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

Randy said: What you did was show the real reason you are here. You can sing your face off. Kara said: That may have been your best performance since the start of this competition.Unbelievable. Paula said: That was the best I have ever heard. Unbelievable. You are going to be iconic. Simon said: You are 100% back in the game.

Kris Allen – “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

Randy said: We have a real live duel going on. A great song choice but it was a little bit light for this point in the competition. Kara said: You have been true to yourself since day 1. You can uplift people. Paula said: You tore that song up. Simon said: I love the song but it was like 3 friends in their bedroom strumming along to Marvin Gaye. To laid back for a night like this.

ROUND 3

Adam Lambert – “No Boundaries”

Randy said: You can anything. You can sing the phone book. Wasn’t my favorite performance. It was a bit pitchy. Kara said: I am moved and I am proud. Thank you for giving me that moment. Paula said: Adjectives can’t express what you have brought to season 8. I am in awe. You can sing whatever you want to sing and I will be a fan forever. Simon said: I won’t judge the song, I will judge you. You have been one of the best and most original contestants we have ever had. You are a star.

Kris Allen – “No Boundaries”

Randy said: You should be proud of what you have done in this competition. You have done amazing and I think that song fits your voice better than Adam’s. Kara said: I don’t want you to be judged on that song, it was to high. I hope people vote on the season. Paula said: You have done an amazing job to end up where you are. I wish you the best of luck. Simon said: I think your highlight tonight was the first song you did. You deserve to be standing on this stage tonight.

To view Kris Allen’s final 3 performances, click here.

To view Adam Lambert’s final 3 performances, click here.

Adam Lambert VS Kris Allen – American Idol 8 Finale originally appeared on Starmometer on May 20, 2009.

[poll id="64"]

Poll: Who Will Be The Next American Idol? originally appeared on Starmometer on May 19, 2009.

Heartless
(Kris Allen)

[Chorus]
In the night, I hear ‘em talk,
the coldest story ever told
Somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul to a woman so heartless…
How could you be so heartless?
Oh… How could you be so heartless?

[Verse 1]
How could you be so, cold as the winter wind when it breeze, yo
Just remember that you talkin’ to me though
You need to watch the way you talkin’ to me, yo
I mean after all the things that we’ve been through
I mean after all the things we got into
Hey yo, I know of some things that you ain’t told me
Hey yo, I did some things but that’s the old me
And now you wanna get me back and you gon’ show me
So you walk around like you don’t know me
You got a new friend, while I got homies
But in the end it’s still so lonely

[Chorus]
In the night, I hear ‘em talk,
the coldest story ever told
Somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul to a woman so heartless…
How could you be so heartless?
Oh… How could you be so heartless?

[Verse 2]
How could you be so Dr. Evil, you bringin’ out a side of me that I dont know…
I decided we weren’t gon’ speak so
Why we up 3 A.M. on the phone
Why does she be so mad at me fo’
Homie I dont know, she’s hot and cold
I won’t stop, won’t mess my groove up
‘Cause I already know how this thing go
You run and tell your friends that you’re leaving me
They say that they don’t see what you see in me
You wait a couple months then you gon’ see
You’ll never find nobody better than me

[Chorus]
In the night, I hear ‘em talk,
the coldest story ever told
Somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul to a woman so heartless…
How could you be so heartless?
Oh… How could you be so heartless?

[Verse 3]
Talkin’, talkin’, talkin’, talk
Baby let’s just knock it off
They don’t know what we been through
They don’t know ’bout me and you
So I got something new to see
And you just gon’ keep hatin’ me
And we just gon’ be enemies
I know you can’t believe
I could just leave it wrong
And you can’t make it right
I’m gon’ take off tonight
Into the night….

[Chorus]
In the night, I hear ‘em talk,
the coldest story ever told
Somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul to a woman so heartless…
How could you be so heartless?
Oh… How could you be so heartless?

Kris Allen – ‘Heartless’ originally appeared on Starmometer on May 19, 2009.

Danny Gokey, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert starred in the last Ford music video which was based on the song Ain’t Nothin’ Gonna Break My Stride.

Alicia Keys then came on stage together with a Rwandan child named Noah who sang an English song “I’m the World’s Greatest” that he learned in one week. In this line, Alicia asked for donations to help prevent AIDS in Africa.

Ryan Seacrest called Danny Gokey on centerstage and talked about the song choices from last night. He told Danny to have a seat on the couch and he will get back to him in a few minutes. Ryan called Kris Allen afterwards and took the audience on his journey home this past week. To hold the suspense, Ryan sent back Kris to the sofa to sit with Danny.

American Idol Sixth season winner Jordin Sparks came out next and sang her hit single, Battle Field.

After Jordin Sparks sang, Ryan Seacrest called Adam Lambert on center stage. Just like with Danny and Kris, he showed Adam’s homecoming the past week. He also talked about Adam’s song choices and sent the rocker to the couch together with Kris and Danny.

Katy Perry came out and performed her latest song “Waking Up In Vegas.”

Ryan Seacrest then announced that the first person competing next week in the finale is Kris Allen. The second finalist is none other than Adam Lambert.

Everyone seemed shocked as Carrie Underwood’s farewell song played for Danny Gokey.

The American Idol Season 8 Top 2 finalists are Adam Lambert and Kris Allen!

Shock Elimination on American Idol, Top 2 Revealed originally appeared on Starmometer on May 14, 2009.

Here’s the order of performances tonight:

Danny Gokey – “Dance Little Sister Dance” by Terence Trent D’Arby (click here to watch the video) – Randy Jackson said “The way to jump it off tonight. Sounded good. That was dope for me.” Kara DioGuardi said “This keeps you in his money spot but the dancing was a little to gyrating for me.” Paula Abdul said “I think you did really good. You let that magic part of your voice carry on.” Simon Cowell said “Vocally very very good. My problem was the toy saxophone solo in the middle. I think it was the wrong song.”

Kris Allen – “Apologize” by OneRepublic (click here to watch the video) – Randy Jackson said “I know that right now it is about who is going to win this thing. This is the kind of artist you can be. Nice, very nice.” Kara DioGuardi said “It was a confident performance but at this stage you have to be hitting it out of the park. I wanted you to make it more your own. Take more chances.” Paula Abdul said “That song sits in the right place with your voice. There was a bum note there that was loud but I am proud of you.” Simon Cowell said “It was the original but not quite as good.”

Adam Lambert – “One” by U2 (click here to watch the video) – Randy Jackson said “You are still in the zone. You have been hot since day 1. Unbelievable vocals. You are a really talented guy.” Kara DioGuardi said “You are an amazing strategist. You can change up the melodies and make it unbelievable. You did your own version.” Paula Abdul said “It was one brilliant song and one brilliant performance.” Simon Cowell said “I thought that was a brilliant song choice. You worked out what you wanted to do with it and it was a brilliant performance.”

Danny Gokey – “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker (click here to watch the video) – Randy Jackson said “You showed you are here because you can really really sing. Mad vocals.” Kara DioGuardi said “Everything you didn’t do in the first performance you did here. Stunning.” Paula Abdul said “You left all of us breathless. You infused your own thing into it. You nailed it.” Simon Cowell said “I wouldn’t have done the same arrangement. This is a singing competition and I would call that a vocal masterclass.”

Kris Allen – “Heartless” by Kanye West (click here to watch the video) – Randy Jackson said “This is gonna be one of the toughest voting nights. I like that version better than the original. You are in it to win it.” Kara DioGuardi said “Why didn’t you do that with Apologize. That was brave. Perfect, the tone, the pitch.” Paula Abdul said “You sang a song about Simon Cowell. This is what keeps you relevant.” Simon Cowell said “I had written you out of the competition but that has changed after that performance.”

Adam Lambert – “Cryin” by Aerosmith (click here to watch the video) – Randy Jackson said “You are one of the best we have ever had on this stage. You should make a rock album. You are a rock star.” Kara DioGuardi said “Amazing. We will see you at the finals.” Paula Abdul said “You set the bar so high in the sky. We will be seeing you next week and many years after that.” Simon Cowell said “It is very easy to assume you will sail through to the final.”

Photo Credit: AmericanIdol.com

Adam, Danny & Kris Deliver Goosebumps on American Idol originally appeared on Starmometer on May 13, 2009.