Kris Allen

Last night's American Idol results show featured what many would consider another surprising elimination. Were you in favor of who voters sent home?

But do you know what did not come as a surprise to any veteran viewer of this Fox hit? That former champion Kris Allen took to the stage that made him famous and impressed once again, this time with the debut of his latest single, "The Vision of Love."

Watch the performance now and then pity poor Taylor Hicks, who helped introduce Allen after awkwardly telling the crowd he'd be performing in Las Vegas this summer... to pretty much no reaction. How did that guy beat Katharine McPhee again?

Kris Allen - "The Vision of Love" (American Idol Results Show)

In a video that showed off his musical range and ability, Kris Allen treated fans to an acoustic version of "Alright with Me" this week. Listen to it NOW.

Below, the American Idol champion has returned with another fun single, as he's taken the much-maligned, Kara DioGuardi-written victory anthem, "No Boundaries," and also set it to just a guitar.

Sit back and enjoy the following result for yourself:

Kris Goes Acoustic

He's not flashy like Adam Lambert, and he hasn't collected countless awards like Carrie Underwood.

But Kris Allen has done just fine for himself as an American Idol alum, relying on his good looks, strong voice and incredible guitar-playing ability to carry him through.

Earlier this week, the season eight champion sat down with Entertainment Weekly and gave viewers a listen to an acoustic version of his new single, "Alright with Me." Sit back, listen and you'll agree: it's more than just alright...

Alright With Me

Earlier this week, Adam Lambert released a remixed version of a hit single.

Now, the man that beat out Lambert for the season eight crown on American Idol has come out with a new music video of his own.

Below, readers can weigh in on Kris Allen's "The Truth," a video shot in the California desert that features Train singer Pat Monahan.

Allen is currently opening for the Maroon 5 on tour, but watch right now and then weigh in with your opinion of the single/video. We'll pass your thoughts along to the talented crooner...

Adam Lambert may receive more attention, but let's not forget:

Kris Allen won the eighth season of American Idol. The singer hasn't gone on to huge success, though fans can take solace in this fact: he isn't Taylor Hicks, either. Expect Allen to stick around the music scene for years to come.

This talented crooner turns 25 today. He's the face of Ford in new commercials and he also just seems like a really nice guy. Earlier this spring, he helped bring money and attention to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Gestures such as that earn Allen our respect. Send in your birthday wishes to him today and enjoy the following photo montage of the artist...

Over the last couple years, American Idol has made impressive use of its forum to raise money for important cause with its Idol Gives Back special.

That event will take place again on April 21. But Kris Allen and Fox will help bring attention to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti long before that.

Last season's champion has headed to that ravaged nation and will perform on the February 25 edition of Idol. He'll share live footage from his trip and ask viewers to make donations online or via text message during the episode.

"It is heartbreaking to see the devastation that Haiti is currently facing," Allen said. "I am truly honored to be traveling to Haiti to see the U.N.'s relief efforts firsthand and to help out any way that I can."

While Andrew Garcia, Lilly Scott and other early favorites battle it out on American Idol, a trio of season eight finalists took to the stage Friday night and reminded this group how far they still have to go.

Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta all took part in Ryan Seacrest's "Rock My Town" show at Manhattan's Highline Ballroom.

The singers played individual sets, much to the delight of those in attendance, and then closed the show with a three-part rendition of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy." It's an absolute must-watch for fans of these artists...

Idol Trio

During his appearance on The View last week, Adam Lambert wondered about the public's fascination with his raunchy American Music Awards performance. He asked: was it really that big of a deal?

Over the weekend, Lambert's close friend and former competitor, Kris Allen, echoed that sentiment. After all, Adam's antics didn't take him by surprise at all.

That's who he is," Allen told the media at Z100's Jingle Ball. "Obviously, he couldn't do that stuff on Idol. And so you're getting to see the real Adam now."

Asked his specific thoughts on Lambert's grinding and kissing at the infamous event, Allen replied:

"I thought it was Adam being Adam. I'm going to get a shirt that just says, 'That's Adam.'"

Regarding album sales, being Adam has worked for Lambert. His CD has sold the second most copies of any debut album this year, while Allen, unfortunately, has watched his first effort plummet down the charts.

Don't be jealous, Mrs. Kris Allen.

Your man still only has eyes for you. He just couldn't resist a photo op this week with the iconic figure of Daisy Duck.

The American Idol champion performed in front of thousands at Walt Disney World as part of that locale's Christmas Day Parade TV special, set to air Christmas Day. It will be shown on December 25 on ABC.

Allen will be joined on the special by Celine Dion, Yani, Steve Wonder and the Jonas Brothers, the latter of whom you can also see rocking out right now.

For more close-ups of Kris, click on the photos below:

Rivalry, schmivalry.

Kris Allen's debut album is currently on sale, and Adam Lambert releases his first-ever CD next week, but the former American Idol finalists are more friendly than feuding.

The singers cover the latest issue of Billboard, as Allen talks in the magazine about the process of recording songs for his album:

"When you're going to write and be in the studio, it's like, 'Now I have to think about me.' That's the mind-set you have to work with. I keep a journal, and maybe I'll take something from that - but when I'm writing a song I'll usually just be playing around on my guitar. More than anything, I just try to capture a moment."

Lambert, meanwhile is currently embroiled in a public fight with the editor of Out. He told the publication above:

“I consider myself part artist, part businessperson. I find marketing interesting, I find publicity interesting. I find the whole process interesting. I think there’s some artists that are really focused on the music and the artistry, but I also think being a showman and being an entertainer is more than just being a musician. It’s everything."