UCA student vying for top-12 spot on Idol
By JESSICA BAUER
When University of Central Arkansas student Kris Allen traveled to Kentucky to audition for American Idol, he had no idea he would eventually compete for a top 12 spot.
Now that Allen, 23, has made it through the introductory rounds, he will perform in front of the show's judges, and the rest of America, at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
The following show will air at 7 p.m. Thursday and Allen will find out whether he will continue the path to fame.
"You know, it's crazy because when you go try out, you don't ever believe you're actually going to make it and then you get through to Hollywood," Allen said Friday. "You just don't ever think you're going to make it to the next round."
Allen said he is still surprised that his vocal talents are being featured on one of the nation's favorite reality shows, but he is not letting that stop him from staying in the game.
According to Allen, he has done more than just sightseeing in Hollywood.
"I've been rehearsing my songs with some people who are helping us out and helping us arrange the songs," Allen said. "They're helping us do things that will make it our own and just giving us pointers."
When Allen is not studying his music and fighting off nerves for the next round, he said he spends time with the other contestants, who he already considers good friends.
"This group is amazing and I think most of us have made lifelong friends," Allen said. "We're all rooting for each other and I think we want to see each other do very well, even though we want to all make it."
Another group of people Allen is working with on the show evokes a different emotion in him. When Allen said he first met the show's four well-known judges, he was a little tense.
"It's really nerve-wracking once you walk into the room and they are all just sitting there," Allen said. "All of the sudden you see the people you've seen on television for the past seven years. You just want them to say good things and sometimes they don't."
A UCA business major and Jacksonville native, Allen has been performing for several years, but his Idol audition was a first.
"My brother actually tried out with me and he had tried out before," Allen said. "So he wanted to do it again and we both went. I think the reason I did it was a little bit because of him and a little bit because I didn't want to ever think about it and realize I missed out by not going."
Although Allen would not admit he has an overwhelming fan base in his home state, a Facebook group dedicated to his music has already attracted more than 8,000 members.
The fans who want to see Allen continue in the next round of competition are encouraged to cast a vote in his favor Wednesday.
According to a press release from American Idol, those wanting to vote for Allen, or any contestant of their choosing, will be able to do so for at least two hours after the show Wednesday night. Fans can vote toll-free at 1-866-IDOLS-01, -02 or whatever number denotes the specific contestant.
AT&T Wireless subscribers can use their cell phones and text the word "vote" to the four-digit number for their favorite contestant.
To follow Allen's progress and for more American Idol updates, visit american-idol-updates.com.
TheCabin.net ·· UCA student vying for top-12 spot on Idol 02/21/09
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