Allen ready to tackle new music, fatherhood

Former “American Idol” winner Kris Allen is planning to write new music once his wrist heals and his child is born.

The former “American Idol” winner announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child. But that came after being treated for a head-on accident which sent the couple to the hospital.

Allen’s wife and baby are fine, but Allen suffered a broken wrist.

“It’s getting better,” Allen says of his wrist during a recent phone interview. “Not being able to play guitar or open a soda is very difficult. It does get a little frustrating but it could have been a whole lot worse.”

Allen is currently on tour in support of his most recent album, “Thank You Camellia.” The album was released in 2012 and Allen is touring with newcomer Jillette Johnson.

While the tour is going great, Allen says he didn’t know how fans were going to react with him not playing guitar.

“The band has done an amazing job,” he says. “I also feel blessed because I am able to continue to go out on tour and have fun.”

While Allen recovers, he admits there have been thoughts about making new music.

But that will have to wait.

“My head is in that place and before I even started the tour, the thoughts were there,” he says. “With my wrist being broken and me not able to work at full capacity, it has only added to me wanting to write. I’ve written some things but it’s not the easiest thing in the world. But new music is in my thoughts and it might take a little bit of time and going on the back burner right now.”

Since being crowned “American Idol” on the TV show’s eighth season, Allen has seen his share of successes. His single, “Live Like We’re Dying” was a mainstay at radio in 2010, eventually would go on to peak at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieve platinum status with more 1.7 million in combined sales.

Yet in September, Allen revealed that he parted ways with 19 Management when his contract expired in May 2012 and has signed with new management, Pearl Group Entertainment. He also parted ways with RCA during that time.

“It was a mutual effort and I have all the respect for them,” he says. “I just had to part ways and begin putting my career on track for the long haul. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”

Moving forward with his career, Allen says he can’t wait to be a dad – though it scares him – and is grateful for the opportunity “American Idol” gave him.

While he can’t remember being on the show, he often sees remnants of the show.

“My wife and I were at Disney World a couple weeks ago and they have this ‘American Idol Experience’ set up,” he explains. “There was a promotion video that was running and it had me speaking in it. I don’t remember filming that. That whole time in my life was just a blur.”

Allen admits that when he watched last season, he would often be reminded of his time on the show.

“It wasn’t due to the fact that I had experienced what they did,” he says. “The reminder came from my face plastered on the backdrop with the other winners. Every week was surreal because it reminds me of how far I’ve come.”

For this current leg of his tour, Allen says it has a past, present and future feel to it.

“There’s going to be my old songs, current ones and a few of the ones I’ve been working on,” he explains. “I’m just glad to be on the road performing and having fun. Jillette is a great opener and I bring her on stage to sing a track with me. It’s all been pretty amazing.”

Kris Allen
With Jillette Johnson
WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31
WHERE: Launchpad, 618 W. Central
HOW MUCH: $15 at www.holdmyticket.com or 886-1251