On Monday afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with "American Idol" winner Kris Allen about a project near and dear to his heart: helping people in Haiti. The season eight winner recently traveled to the earthquake-stricken nation with Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation.
I asked Kris and Kathy what it was that the country needed most from us here in the States. For Kris, the answer was simple: "shelter, because of the rainy season." He then passed the baton to Kathy who gave a little bit more detail:
"I would say Kris is absolutely right. Over the next six weeks, the UN's probably going to deliver up to 30,000 tents and enough waterproof sheeting for about a million people. They've got to build more substantial community centers...
"...And frankly latrines. The biggest issue they've had is that they've not yet had an outbreak of any water-born diseases, whether it be dysentery, cholera, or malaria -- but as the rainy season comes and some of the camps are actually in the floodplains, they're going to have to move the people out of there.
"...It's not the kind of thing were people can just kind of send them. They really need the money. They have a really effective way of bringing in the stuff that's absolutely needed. Some works in a rainy season and hurricane area, other stuff doesn't. While everyone wants to give and give all of their assets, we have to remind people that money is the most effective way to do it and giving to the UN the surest way."
During the interview, Kris spoke about a number of topics, from his actual trip to some of the plans for Thursday's performance. Here's some of the details:
- There will be a package showing Kris in Haiti, though he is unsure if he will be speaking live.
- He said The Beatles' "Let It Be" would be his song of choice on Thursday's show.
- Fans can donate money straight to the UN Foundation during the broadcast via text message.
- Allen's performance will be available soon after on iTunes.
- As for more "American Idol" topics, Kris said that he's been too busy to know a lot about this group of finalists.
- Finally, in terms of his own career, the decision is still to be made on the next single from his self-titled debut album.
- He says that charity works "humbles him, and that the experience hasn't changed much following his time on the show.
Will you watch Kris Allen's performance on Thursday? Feel free to share your thoughts with a comment below.
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Comments
Sounds awesome, yes I will be and thanks for getting this up so quickly!
yes, I will watch kris performance. He is our true american Idol.
You got to talk to Kris Allen???!!! Lucky, I love him!
It's a great thing that "Idol" and the UN Foundation are cooperating to raise/maintain awareness about Haiti. I'm looking forward to seeing the footage of Kris' visit and hearing Kris sing Let It Be. (He loves The Beatles, I love The Beatles, it will be awesome :-), and a great charity single.)
Absolutely.
I'll make donations.
Thank you very much Kris.
Thank you for posting this. I will definitely be watching, donating, and buying the Kris Allen version of 'Let It Be'. I'm thankful that Kris got this opportunity to see the situation first hand and is involved in this effort. Help is needed now and in the future.
Yes i'll be watching Kris and buying his single for Haiti
Yes, I will be watching. And will buy the single! Thank you, Kris!
The show Thursday should be awesome. Can't wait to hear Kris' version of "Let It Be." Would love to hear something from his album, but he said his performance on Thursday is "not about me." That's so Kris. Love him!
He's a great person! I plan to buy his single and pledge my donation to Haiti on Thursday.
Absolutely to all your question..whey a fantastic human being Kris is
LOVE Kris Allen and it's so great that he got to spread his warmth and God's love in Haiti! I will definitely be donating to such a great cause!
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