Kris Allen Reacts to Death of Michael Jackson

On this season's Michael Jackson night on American Idol, Kris Allen wowed viewers with an acoustic version of "Remember the Time."

In reaction, Paula Abdul said: "Kris, I truly believe no one knows Michael's catalog better than you."

Now, in an interview with Newsweek, the Idol chamopn - who started his run on the series with a rendition of "Man in the Mirror" - talks about the influence the late King of Pop had on his career.

On the first time he heard Jackson sing: I was probably 7 or 8 years old. The Dangerous album came out, and I bought it. It was a tape. It kind of stayed in my tape player forever.

On the appeal of Jackson: Every time you listen to this music you get this feeling and you always feel good. And as a kid, that's a captivating thing. His music was so easy to get lost into. I remember being 8 years old and dancing in my room to his music. Trying to dance like him, as well. It was ugly, but it was fun.

On hearing about Jackson's death: We were at rehearsal for the tour. Actually, [Adam Lambert] was on stage. He was almost done, and I was about to go up. We heard the news and we stopped everything and we canceled the rehearsal.

On his favorite Jackson song: I really, really like "Leave Me Alone." It's always been one of my favorites. But I don't know if you pick just one favorite Michael song.