Kristopher Neil Allen, better known as Kris Allen is an American singer, songwriter and musician who shot to fame by winning the eighth season of American Idol in 2009 beating his opponent Adam Lambert in the final episode. His interest in music was apparent from his childhood days—he started playing the viola in elementary school and taught himself to play the guitar by the time he was a teenager. He was so musically talented that he was invited to play in college orchestras while he was still in high school. He began writing songs while in college and played his first song at a local bar during his sophomore year. He was pursuing a degree in business from the University of Central Arkansas, but dropped out when he realized that he wanted to be a professional musician. He continued playing gigs at bars while working at a shoe shop to earn some money. He wrote and produced an album titled ‘Brand New Shoes’ with his college friends in 2007, copies of which he distributed to family and friends. Allen’s deep faith has guided him throughout his young life and he completed missionary work in several developing countries. He has an active interest in philanthropic activities and is involved with a number of charitable organizations.