Say what you will about the newest “American Idol.” But Kris
Allen is a man of his word. Just 8 days after he stood on stage at LA’s Nokia
Theater and said “I’m Going to Disney World!” …
Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer
… Here Kris was. Surrounded by cheering fans as his motorcade
rolled through Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Allen hopped out in front of the Superstar Television
Theater and then serenaded the crowd (as well as a certain Mouse) with his
version of Kanye West’s “Heartless.”
Photo by Jeff Lange
Mind you, Allen didn’t seem to be all that “Heartless” when
he ducked into “The American Idol Experience.” From what I could see, Kris was a
very gracious guy as he made his way through DHS’s newest show. Going out of
his way to shake hands with each Cast & crew member that he encountered inside
of Superstar Television Theater. Allen even dropped by the judges table to say “Hello.”
Photo by Jeff Lange
Of course, the crowd in the theater Friday morning went nuts
as soon as they realized who “AIE” ‘s very special guest star was. The audience
stood up and applauded wildly as this 23-year-old took to the stage.
Photo by Jeff Lange
Allen then stood in “AIE” ‘s MC, announcing that show’s
winner. But before he did so, Kris took a moment to commiserate with the three performers
on stage. Saying that he felt terrible for the two talented singers who were
about to be eliminated. That Allen knew just how horrible it felt to be
standing there, wondering what was going to happen next.
But – that said – Kris still did his part. After revealing
which singer would be moving on to perform in Friday’s finale show, he
congratulated the winner.
Photo by Jeff Lange
And then after waving to the crowd …
Photo by Jeff Lange
… Allen headed over to the “Sounds Dangerous” theater for a
quick press conference. Where Kris then talked about how his life has changed since
he began appearing on Fox’s reality show.
Admittedly, he and his wife-of-eight-months, Katy, have had
to make a few adjustments. “We can’t really go out to the store anymore,” Allen
said wistfully. But even so, Kris is looking forward to taking part in the “American
Idol 2009 Summer Tour.” Which begins its 50 city tour on July 5th
with a performance at the Rose Garden in Portland, OR.
Photo by Jeff Lange
And then – once that’s done – Allen wants to take advantage
of that guaranteed recording contract that he just won. See what sort of album
he can put together.
But all that lies in the future. And now … Well, it’s time
for a little fun. And given that Kris & Katy had never, ever been to Disney
World before, as soon as this press conference was over, they planned on
heading out into the Park and sampling a few rides.
“I’m looking forward to riding the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster,”
Allen said.”I hear that’s a pretty good ride.”
Here’s hoping that Kris Allen actually gets to enjoy the
rest of his Rock ‘n’ Roll ride. His year as the new “American Idol.”