Kris Allen at The Rivoli, Toronto

Categories On Stage, , , 35 Comments on Kris Allen at The Rivoli, Toronto

I try not to get addicted to reality shows. Truth be told, anyone who knows me will tell you: I GET OBSESSED. So, it’s no surprise after I watched the first episode of American Idol, Season 8 … I was hooked. Kris Allen has always been my favourite Idol. There is a certain “earthly” sound and sincerity about his voice. Not to mention, his efforts around the world and his passion for his faith continues to inspire me. I’ve followed Kris’ career since I saw him back in 2009. I’m even guilty of downloading “Brand New Shoes,” his independent album, prior to Idol.

Now imagine my excitement when I heard the news Kris would be in Toronto, performing at the city’s downtown Rivoli. The Out Alive Tour featured New York’s Jillette Johnson – who, without exaggeration, has an outstanding powerhouse voice. She’s not mainstream; I’d classify her more indie, with lyrics that ring of our local Peter Katz.

When this Arkansas native finally hit the stage, he opened with “Out Alive” to a thriving Canadian crowd. Kris sang the favourites, including mine – “No Boundaries” – all while rocking our Canucks flag on his t-shirt. His attempts at pronouncing “Poutine” (with emphasis of the “poo”) were great. And I definitely swooned a bit when he cracked out his ukulele, something he says always gets the same reaction. “It’s so cute, I just wanna hug it,” he joked.


Kris Allen Rivoli Toronto Kris Allen Rivoli Toronto

I won’t elaborate on every detail, of course. This is already bordering on my longest post ever. But I can finish up with saying, what a memorable show. I just want to thank Kris. We’re so happy you came to Toronto for your first Canadian gig! I think the feelings were mutual throughout the crowd; your show was remarkable.


Kris Allen Rivoli Toronto

35 thoughts on “Kris Allen at The Rivoli, Toronto”

    1. Merci … il est si difficile de capter une ambiance dans une photographie, mais je pense que le noir et blanc vraiment aidé.

    1. Thanks Margie! Want me to e-mail you the photos? I have a bunch. These were just the ones I picked to post.

      1. May I share them? There are lots of Toronto fans who would like to see them. But either way, please do email them.

    1. Thanks Stephanie! I am glad too! I have been looking at these photos for like 2 days straight … haha my work is slacking.

    1. I don’t usually convert photos to B&W but these looked great in it! I am hoping to print a few and get them framed from my bedroom … pretty proud of the way they turned out.

  6. Great write up, thank you, loved your review and pics. I adore Kris Allen & his amazing music. Wish him lots of success.

    1. Thanks SG! I sent some more pictures to Margie, who is going to share them on KrisAllenMedia on Live Journal. So, if you visit there … you can see more!

  7. ARGH you’re so lucky! i adore Kris (and am guilty of listening to Brand New Shoe’s “Lovely” and “I was played” on repeat). if only he could come to Australia 🙁 maybe I’ll have to make a trip to the US or Canada sometime and fulfill my dream of seeing him live.

    1. Esther, “Lovely” is my favourite off that album. I love the lyrics, the arrangement … everything! You should totally come to Canada or the US. Although, I think he is touring more in the States, of course. But he is amazing live. You should plan a full out vacation, and schedule his concert in! 🙂

    1. Thanks MK! I have been waiting forever for him to come here. He did come once before to Hamilton, Ontario with the Idols, but it I would have preferred to see him solo, of course.

      PS – who DOESN’T love cats? 🙂

  11. There’s just something about a live performance that really has a magic to it, especially when you already “like” the performer. It’s like a wish come true to see them! I love the stage shots and it’s easy to tell from the photo of you and Kris that you enjoyed the experience a LOT. I do like the real smiles, too!

    1. Aww why thank you Phil! You always leave some of the best comments. I am really happy with how these photos turned out. Actually, my camera was dying, so I am really excited it lasted the whole show. 🙂

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