Kris Allen Kris Allen

During the finale and all throughout the eighth season of American Idol, it was all but certain that Adam Lambert, the flamboyant vocal powerhouse and obvious favorite of the fans and judges would be the winner, but the biggest shock in the show's history came when the sensitive, acoustic guitar strumming underdog, Kris Allen, came out on top. While Lambert has received most of the attention in the months since, Allen does not look to be easily overshadowed for his first album, gathering songwriting help from Pat Monahan of Train, Mike Elizondo, Greg Kurstin of The Bird & The Bee and members of The Fray, Switchfoot and The Script. It was obvious to anyone who watched the show that Kris Allen would cut an adult alternative pop album, and judging from his collaborators and the lead single, "Live Like We're Dying," he hasn't veered far away from his calling card. Also included as a bonus track is his cover of Kanye West's "Heartless," which he performed to raves on the show.

Abstract by Ivan Mitchell