Kris Allen

Being replaced as the reigning American Idol champion probably doesn’t bother Kris Allen all that much. It’s easy to imagine him being relieved to have the burden off his slight shoulders, seeing as he never seemed to crave star power like the other contestants—including his friend and closest competitor, Adam Lambert. Free of the AI crown, Allen can finally relax and settle into a comfortable career that promises not to get too big (while it lasts), and play the kind of wide-eyed folk rock featured on his self-titled debut, typified by songs like the absolutely sincere “Live Like We’re Dying.” 

Updated 05/24/2010